Project CRYSTAL Advances All Weather Hybrid eVTOL Aviation

Project CRYSTAL: Forging a New Era of All-Weather eVTOL Aviation

In the ever-evolving landscape of aerospace engineering, the push for sustainable and versatile aerial solutions has taken a significant leap forward. New Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR), a company at the forefront of advanced aerospace engineering, has recently been awarded a substantial non-dilutive grant from the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT). This grant is set to propel Project CRYSTAL, a pioneering initiative aimed at developing an all-weather hybrid electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The project, a collaboration with Flight Centre of Excellence (operating as Certification Center Canada, “3C”) and the University of Toronto (“UofT”), represents a critical step towards overcoming one of the most significant operational hurdles in modern aviation: adverse weather conditions, particularly icing.

The significance of this development extends far beyond the realm of technological innovation. The ability to operate reliably in known icing conditions is a capability that has long eluded most helicopters and many emerging eVTOL designs. Ice accretion on rotor blades or within engine inlets can lead to catastrophic failures, severely limiting the operational scope of these aircraft. By tackling this challenge head-on, Project CRYSTAL aims to unlock the full potential of eVTOL technology, paving the way for safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions for a wide range of critical missions, including medical evacuations, disaster relief, and defense operations. This initiative not only underscores Canada’s commitment to fostering a sustainable aerospace industry but also positions Horizon Aircraft’s Cavorite X7 as a potential game-changer in the global aviation market.

The Cavorite X7: A Closer Look at the Future of Flight

At the heart of Project CRYSTAL lies the Cavorite X7, Horizon Aircraft’s flagship hybrid eVTOL. This remarkable aircraft is engineered to blend the agility of a helicopter with the speed and range of a conventional fixed-wing plane. Its design features a patented fan-in-wing system, incorporating 16 fans for vertical takeoff and landing, which are then concealed by sliding panels during forward flight to minimize drag. This seamless transition allows the Cavorite X7 to achieve impressive performance metrics, including a maximum cruise speed of 450 km/h (280 mph) and a range of 805 km (500 miles). The aircraft is designed to carry one pilot and up to six passengers, with a maximum payload capacity of 680 kg (1,500 lb).

The hybrid-electric power source is a key element of the Cavorite X7’s design, recently bolstered by an agreement to utilize Pratt & Whitney Canada’s renowned PT6A turboprop engine. This hybrid system not only provides the necessary power for its impressive performance but also allows the aircraft to recharge its batteries in-flight, a significant advantage that enhances its operational flexibility and reduces reliance on ground-based charging infrastructure. This capability is particularly crucial for long-range missions or operations in remote areas where such facilities may be scarce. The aircraft’s construction from carbon fiber composites ensures a high strength-to-weight ratio, contributing to its overall efficiency and performance.

The versatility of the Cavorite X7 extends to its operational capabilities. It is designed for all-weather operation, capable of taking off and landing vertically in an area the size of a tennis court, or conventionally on short runways. This flexibility makes it suitable for a wide array of applications, from regional air mobility to critical military and emergency services. The cabin can be reconfigured to accommodate stretchers and medical equipment for medevac missions, or to transport fully-equipped special operations teams. Furthermore, its design incorporates features that reduce its audio and thermal signatures, making it a discreet option for sensitive operations.

“Our team has calculated that if an all-weather Cavorite X7 replaces only 4% of the global helicopter fleet, a reduction of 2.6 billion pounds of CO2e could be realized annually,” stated Horizon Aircraft Co-Founder and CEO, Brandon Robinson.

Project CRYSTAL: Tackling the Icing Challenge

Project CRYSTAL, which stands for Canadian Research Yielding SusTainable All-weather Lift system, is the collaborative effort that will push the Cavorite X7 towards achieving the rare and coveted Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) certification. With a total estimated expenditure of $10.5 million, of which Horizon Aircraft will receive $2.0 million in grant proceeds, the project is a testament to the confidence placed in this innovative technology. The project is structured in two distinct phases, each leveraging the unique expertise of the partners involved.

The first phase will be led by the University of Toronto, focusing on the characterization of advanced ice detection technologies and protective solutions. This includes the development of ice-phobic and electrothermal coatings designed to prevent or mitigate the formation of ice on critical aircraft surfaces. The second phase, supported by Certification Center Canada (3C), will involve the rigorous testing and analysis of these technologies on the Cavorite X7 itself. This practical application and validation are crucial steps in the journey towards certification and eventual commercial deployment.

The implications of a successful outcome for Project CRYSTAL are profound. As Phil Cole, Vice President of Business Development at 3C, noted, the project is not only important for Horizon Aircraft and UofT but has the potential to benefit a wide range of air vehicles, from traditional aircraft to drones, that operate in icing conditions. Overcoming this limitation would significantly enhance the safety and reliability of air travel and transport, particularly in regions with harsh climates. It would also unlock new possibilities for missions that are currently hampered by weather-related restrictions, ultimately saving lives and improving operational efficiency across various sectors.

A Sustainable and Efficient Future for Aviation

The development of the all-weather Cavorite X7 through Project CRYSTAL is not just about enhancing operational capabilities; it is also about driving the aerospace industry towards a more sustainable future. The aircraft’s hybrid-electric design is projected to be significantly more economical and environmentally friendly than conventional helicopters. Horizon Aircraft estimates that the Cavorite X7 will cost up to 75% less per kilometer to operate. This cost-efficiency, combined with its superior speed and payload capacity, presents a compelling value proposition for a wide range of operators.

The environmental benefits are equally impressive. The projection that replacing just 4% of the global helicopter fleet with the Cavorite X7 could reduce annual CO2e emissions by 2.6 billion pounds highlights the significant potential of this technology to contribute to the decarbonization of the aviation sector. As Michel Dion, CEO of Strix, the non-profit organization powering the INSAT program, stated, supporting innovative companies like Horizon Aircraft helps to accelerate the transition toward a more sustainable, forward-looking aerospace industry. This project is a clear example of how collaborative research and development can lead to technological advancements that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible.

FAQ

Question: What is Project CRYSTAL?
Answer: Project CRYSTAL (Canadian Research Yielding SusTainable All-weather Lift system) is a collaborative initiative to develop and test an all-weather vertical propulsion system for eVTOL aircraft, specifically for Horizon Aircraft’s Cavorite X7. The goal is to achieve certification for Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI).

Question: What are the key features of the Cavorite X7?
Answer: The Cavorite X7 is a hybrid-electric eVTOL with a patented fan-in-wing system for vertical takeoff and landing. It has a maximum cruise speed of 450 km/h, a range of 805 km, and can carry a pilot and six passengers. Its hybrid power source allows for in-flight battery recharging.

Question: What are the potential benefits of an all-weather eVTOL?
Answer: An all-weather eVTOL like the Cavorite X7 could operate in icing conditions that ground most helicopters, enhancing safety and reliability for critical missions like medevac and disaster relief. It is also projected to be more economical and environmentally friendly, with significant potential for cost savings and CO2 reduction.

Sources: ACCESS Newswire