Horizon Aircraft Achieves Hybrid-eVTOL Flight Transition Milestone

Horizon Aircraft Reaches Key Milestone in Hybrid-eVTOL Development

The race toward next-generation air mobility has taken a significant turn as Horizon Aircraft, a Canadian aerospace innovator, successfully completed full transition flight testing with its scaled Cavorite X5 demonstrator. This achievement marks a pivotal validation of the company’s hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) architecture, setting the stage for the development of its full-scale Cavorite X7 prototype.

As the global aviation industry seeks sustainable alternatives to conventional aircraft, hybrid-eVTOLs present a promising middle ground. They combine the vertical agility of helicopters with the efficiency of fixed-wing aircraft. Horizon’s approach, which blends electric lift with a thermally driven cruise system, offers a pragmatic pathway toward decarbonized regional aviation without the infrastructure burdens of all-electric models.

Technical Foundations and Flight Transition Milestone

The Cavorite X5 demonstrator, a subscale version of the envisioned X7 aircraft, features a 6.7-meter wingspan and a 272 kg maximum takeoff weight. Its hybrid propulsion system incorporates 16 electric ducted fans—10 embedded within the wings and six in forward canards. These are covered by sliding panels that retract during vertical lift and close during forward flight, allowing the aircraft to transition into a low-drag, wing-borne configuration.

In recent flight tests, Horizon achieved a full transition to forward flight, with the fan covers completely closed mid-air. According to CEO Brandon Robinson, the maneuver was so seamless it was described as “a non-event,” with the only surprise being the aircraft’s rapid acceleration once the panels sealed. This smooth transition validates the aerodynamic and propulsion principles behind the X7’s design.

The successful test flights began in April 2024 and culminated in a fully autonomous transition maneuver by May. This milestone confirms the feasibility of Horizon’s hybrid approach and de-risks the design of the full-scale X7, which shares 85% of its aerodynamic profile with the X5.

“Flying most of the mission as a normal aircraft is safer, more efficient, and will be easier to certify than radical new eVTOL designs. The X5’s performance validates our physics-driven approach.” Brandon Robinson, CEO, Horizon Aircraft

Design and Development of the Cavorite X7

The full-scale Cavorite X7 is designed to carry up to six passengers and boasts a wingspan of 15 meters with a gross takeoff weight of 2,500 kg. It is expected to deliver a range of up to 800 km at cruising speeds of 450 km/h, significantly outpacing current all-electric eVTOL competitors in both range and payload capacity.

Unlike many of its peers, the X7 will use a rear-mounted Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A engine to power the cruise propeller and charge onboard batteries. Horizon is currently evaluating the -135 and -140 variants of the PT6A, though no formal supplier agreement has been finalized. Initial test flights, planned for 2027, will likely take place in a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) configuration before integrating the full vertical lift system.

Component and systems-level testing is already underway at Horizon’s facility in Lindsay, Ontario. A detailed design review is scheduled soon, with ground testing of the full-scale prototype expected within 18 to 24 months. This timeline aligns with the company’s target of a maiden X7 flight by late 2027.

Strategic Funding and Market Positioning

To support its development roadmap, Horizon secured USD 8.4 million in early 2025 through a mix of equity and convertible preferred stock. This funding round provides sufficient capital for the next 12–18 months, though the company continues to explore additional investment opportunities to extend its financial runway.

Horizon has also joined the U.S. Air Force‘s AFWERX High-Speed VTOL (HSVTOL) Challenge, positioning the X7 for military applications such as medevac, cargo transport, and reconnaissance. With a projected 100 kW of excess power and a top speed of 250 knots, the aircraft is well-suited for non-civilian missions where charging infrastructure is limited or unavailable.

Industry analysts suggest that Horizon’s focus on logistics and defense markets provides a strategic advantage. These sectors face fewer regulatory hurdles than urban air taxi services and offer immediate revenue streams, allowing the company to refine its technology before entering the more complex passenger transport space.

“The X7’s 100 kW excess power capacity and 250-knot speed make it ideal for reconnaissance and rapid deployment. Its hybrid system eliminates dependency on charging infrastructure—a game-changer for frontline operations.” Kelly Murphy, Military Applications Lead

Certification and Regulatory Landscape

Horizon’s development timeline coincides with evolving regulatory frameworks for advanced air mobility. The FAA’s 2024 Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) for eVTOLs classifies such aircraft under a hybrid model: helicopter rules for takeoff and landing, and airplane standards for cruise flight. This hybrid classification suits the Cavorite X7’s operational profile.

Additionally, harmonization efforts between the FAA and EASA have raised the maximum takeoff mass for eVTOL certification to 5,700 kg, accommodating larger hybrid models like the X7. These regulatory adjustments are critical enablers for Horizon’s certification path and eventual commercial deployment.

While the dual propulsion system introduces added complexity to the certification process, Horizon’s decision to prioritize CTOL testing initially may streamline early approval phases. This phased approach allows the company to gather performance data incrementally while working toward full VTOL certification.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for Hybrid-eVTOLs

The successful transition flight of the Cavorite X5 is more than a technical milestone—it’s a validation of Horizon Aircraft’s strategic vision. By focusing on hybrid-electric propulsion and targeting markets with immediate utility, the company is carving out a distinct niche in the advanced air mobility ecosystem. The X7, with its extended range and payload capabilities, is poised to serve roles where all-electric models fall short.

As Horizon advances toward a 2027 prototype flight, its disciplined, physics-based approach offers a refreshing counterpoint to the hype-driven narratives surrounding eVTOLs. If the company can maintain its momentum and secure the necessary funding and regulatory approvals, the Cavorite X7 may well redefine what’s possible in regional aviation by the end of the decade.

FAQ

What is the Cavorite X5?
The Cavorite X5 is a scaled demonstrator aircraft developed by Horizon Aircraft to test and validate its hybrid-eVTOL technology. It features a 6.7-meter wingspan and a 272 kg maximum takeoff weight.

When will the full-scale Cavorite X7 fly?
Horizon Aircraft aims to conduct the first flight of the full-scale Cavorite X7 in 2027, initially in a conventional takeoff and landing configuration.

What makes Horizon’s eVTOL different from others?
Unlike fully electric eVTOLs, Horizon’s hybrid approach uses a thermal engine for cruise and battery-powered fans for vertical lift, offering longer range and greater payload capacity without relying on charging infrastructure.

Sources: FlightGlobal, eVTOL Insights, eVTOL News, AeroTime, Vertical Magazine