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

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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, which will be used for initial flight testing to reduce technical risks for the full-scale design.
The Cavorite X5 employs a unique hybrid-electric power system that recharges batteries in flight and allows the aircraft to fly 98 percent of its mission in a low-drag configuration, similar to a traditional aircraft.
This hybrid approach, featuring ducted fans for vertical thrust and a pusher propeller for forward flight, is aimed at enhancing safety and simplifying the certification process compared to purely electric eVTOL designs.

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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.