Full-Scale Cavorite X7 is Under Construction With an Ambitious Test Campaign Ahead

Horizon Aircraft has confirmed plans to certify its hybrid-electric Cavorite X7 for both Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI)... two capabilities that remain well outside the scope of today’s eVTOL operations. The full-scale prototype is now under construction.

All-weather permissions, especially FIKI, are rarely found outside a small collection of heavyweight helicopters, and for good reason. Exposed rotor blades accumulate ice quickly, degrading lift and stability while introducing structural and aerodynamic hazards. These risks routinely lead to operational delays and canceled flights, including interruptions to Canadian Coast Guard navigation support.

However, Horizon argues that this capability is essential for a variety of missions, like medical evacuation, search and rescue, and cargo delivery. This is especially true in regions where adverse weather is commonplace, at times preventing critical flights.

"As a seasoned commercial helicopter pilot, I have experienced firsthand how known icing conditions can force delays, cancellations, and operational setbacks," explained Horizon Aircraft Senior Technical Project Manager Vincent Hoog. "The technology on the Cavorite X7 provides a real solution to these problems, and its enhanced performance will be able to serve more people and communities worldwide when they need it most."

Horizon recently launched a collaborative all-weather propulsion effort supported by a non-dilutive INSAT grant from the Canadian government. The program will evaluate ice detection systems along with ice-phobic and electrothermal protection coatings. These technologies will feed into the Cavorite X7’s certification plan for both IFR operations and known-icing approval.

Co-founder and CEO Brandon Robinson added that the company is “currently building our full-scale aircraft and has secured sufficient capital and scaled our engineering team by 50% this year to be ready for testing."

FMI: www.horizonaircraft.com