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 eVTOL aircraft, which will now undergo flight testing to gather data and reduce technical risk for the full-scale design.
The Cavorite X5 utilizes 16 embedded ducted fans for vertical lift and a pusher propeller for forward flight, with movable wing surfaces covering the fans during horizontal flight to improve aerodynamics.
Its hybrid electric system, combining a gas engine with electric batteries, allows for in-flight battery recharging, increased range, system redundancy, and is expected to simplify certification compared to fully electric eVTOLs.
The production model of the Cavorite X5 is designed to carry four passengers and one pilot, offering a maximum cruise speed of 240 knots and a range of 270 nautical miles.

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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.