Horizon Aircraft Builds Hybrid eVTOL Test Prototype

Canada-based Horizon Aircraft has completed build-out of a half-size prototype of its hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft dubbed Cavorite X5.

Thom Patterson

Monday, August 08, 2022 at 03:39 PM ET

Verified

The prototype hybrid eVTOL 'will yield valuable information that will help to reduce technical risk as we move forward with detailed design of our full-scale aircraft,' said CEO Brandon Robinson. [Courtesy: Horizon Aircraft]

Key Takeaways:

Horizon Aircraft has completed a half-size prototype of its Cavorite X5 hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, intended to gather data for the full-scale design.
The Cavorite X5 features an innovative design utilizing 16 ducted fans for vertical lift and a pusher propeller for forward flight, with the fans covered during horizontal flight.
Its distinguishing hybrid-electric propulsion system (gas engine and batteries) allows it to fly most of its mission like a traditional aircraft, offering enhanced efficiency, in-flight battery recharging, redundancy, and potentially simpler certification compared to fully electric eVTOLs.

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Canada-based Horizon Aircraft has finished building a half-size prototype of its hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, dubbed Cavorite X5.

With a wingspan measuring 22 feet and expected speeds of more than 135 knots, the 15-foot-long prototype “will yield valuable information that will help to reduce technical risk as we move forward with detailed design of our full-scale aircraft,” said CEO Brandon Robinson in an August 2 news release.