This article is based on an official press release from Horizon Aircraft.

Horizon Aircraft Taps RAMPF Composite Solutions for Cavorite X7 Fuselage Manufacturing

Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR) has officially selected RAMPF Composite Solutions to manufacture the fuselage for its full-scale Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric eVTOL. Announced on January 29, 2026, this Partnerships marks a critical transition from design to physical production for the Canadian aerospace company.

The agreement tasks RAMPF with constructing the main body of the aircraft using advanced lightweight carbon fiber and fiberglass materials. According to the company’s statement, this collaboration is a prerequisite for meeting Horizon’s aggressive timeline: assembling the full-scale prototype in 2026 and commencing flight testing in early 2027.

Strategic Localization of the Supply Chain

A key factor in this selection appears to be geographic proximity. Both Horizon Aircraft and RAMPF Composite Solutions are based in Ontario, Canada, with RAMPF operating out of Burlington. Horizon CEO Brandon Robinson noted that this localization allows for tighter quality control and real-time engineering collaboration, which are often logistical bottlenecks in aerospace development.

RAMPF Composite Solutions, a subsidiary of the German-based RAMPF Group, specializes in manufacturing complex composite parts for the aerospace and defense sectors. Their scope of work involves creating a fuselage capable of withstanding high-impact forces and harsh environmental conditions while adhering to the strict weight limits required for electric flight.

“We are thrilled to partner with Horizon Aircraft on this revolutionary new aircraft. This opportunity allows us to demonstrate how our high-performance composite materials and Manufacturing processes can push the boundaries of engineering.”

Larry Fitzgerald, CEO of RAMPF Composite Solutions

Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft, emphasized the importance of RAMPF’s track record in the industry:

“RAMPF’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities are industry-leading, and we are excited to see the fuselage of our Cavorite X7 coming to life.”

Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft

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The Cavorite X7: Technical Context

The Cavorite X7 is designed to operate in the Regional Air Mobility (RAM) market rather than the intra-city air taxi market targeted by many competitors. The aircraft features a seven-seat configuration (one pilot and six passengers) and utilizes a hybrid-electric Propulsion system. This system employs a gasoline engine to generate electricity, which powers the flight fans and recharges the battery pack, effectively mitigating the range anxiety associated with pure electric platforms.

According to Horizon’s official specifications, the aircraft targets a range of approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) and a top speed of 450 km/h (280 mph). The design utilizes a patented “Fan-in-Wing” system, where vertical lift fans are covered by sliding panels during forward flight, allowing the vehicle to fly efficiently like a traditional fixed-wing airplane.

AirPro News Analysis: Maturity of Design

The move to commission fuselage manufacturing is a significant indicator of technical maturity. In aerospace engineering, committing to hard tooling and physical production of the primary structure, the fuselage, typically signals that the outer mold line (OML) and internal structural architecture are “frozen.”

Furthermore, by securing a partner with defense and aerospace pedigree like RAMPF, Horizon is likely positioning itself to meet the rigorous Certification standards of Transport Canada and the FAA. The choice of a hybrid system also differentiates Horizon in a crowded market; while competitors struggle with battery density limits, the Cavorite X7’s hybrid architecture allows it to utilize existing aviation infrastructure immediately upon entry into service.

Financial and Operational Outlook

This manufacturing announcement follows a recent financial update from Horizon Aircraft on January 14, 2026. The company reported a cash position of over $24 million, which management states is sufficient to fund operations through 2026. Additionally, the company was recently awarded a grant of approximately $10.5 million from the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT) to support the development of all-weather flight systems.

With funding secured for the near term and the supply chain for major components now activating, Horizon appears on track to meet its goal of a flying full-scale prototype by early 2027.

Sources

• Horizon Aircraft Press Release (Jan 29, 2026)
• Horizon Aircraft Official Specifications
• RAMPF Group Corporate Capabilities

This article summarizes reporting by AeroTime.

AutoFlight Completes Transition Flight for 5-Ton “Matrix” eVTOL

AutoFlight has successfully completed a full transition flight with its V5000 “Matrix” aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the development of heavy-lift electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology. According to reporting by AeroTime, the demonstration took place at the company’s test center in Kunshan, China, around February 5, 2026.

The event represents a major technical breakthrough for the sector. While several manufacturers have achieved transition flights with smaller air taxis, the Matrix is reportedly the world’s first 5-ton class eVTOL to perform the complex maneuver. The flight profile involved a vertical takeoff, a transition to wing-borne horizontal flight, and a return to vertical mode for landing.

Breaking the Weight Barrier

The transition phase, switching from rotor-supported lift to wing-supported lift, is widely regarded as the most critical aerodynamic challenge for eVTOL aircraft. Successfully executing this phase with a heavy airframe validates the scalability of AutoFlight’s electric-aviation propulsion technology.

According to manufacturer specifications cited in the report, the V5000 “Matrix” is significantly larger than the 4-to-5-seat air taxis currently being developed by Western competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. The aircraft features a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of approximately 5,700 kilograms (5.7 tons) and a wingspan of roughly 20 meters.

Technical Specifications

AutoFlight has designed the Matrix to serve both passenger and cargo-aircraft markets with a focus on regional connectivity rather than just intra-city hops. Key specifications include:

• Capacity: Configurable for up to 10 passengers or 1,500 kilograms (1.5 tons) of cargo.
• Propulsion: A “Lift-and-Cruise” configuration utilizing independent rotors for vertical flight and a pusher propeller for cruise.
• Range: Projected at 250 kilometers for the all-electric version, with a hybrid variant targeting 800 to 1,500 kilometers.

Strategic Positioning in the AAM Market

The successful flight of the Matrix distinguishes AutoFlight in a crowded market. While U.S. and European firms are largely focused on the 1.5-to-2-ton class of aircraft intended for urban air mobility, AutoFlight is pursuing a “heavy-lift” strategy.

Industry data indicates that the larger capacity of the Matrix could allow for different economic models. By carrying 10 passengers instead of four, the aircraft may offer a lower cost-per-seat-mile, potentially making regional air travel more accessible. Additionally, the cargo variant targets heavy logistics and offshore supply chains, sectors that smaller eVTOLs cannot efficiently serve.

AutoFlight, founded by Tian Yu, operates R&D centers in Shanghai, Kunshan, and Augsburg, Germany. The company previously secured type Certification from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) for its smaller “CarryAll” cargo drone in 2024.

AirPro News Analysis

The Shift Toward Regional Mobility

AutoFlight’s achievement with the V5000 Matrix suggests a potential pivot in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector. Until now, the dominant narrative has focused on “air taxis” replacing cars for short city trips. However, the physics and economics of a 5-ton, 10-passenger aircraft point toward a “regional shuttle” model, replacing buses or trains for inter-city travel.

We observe that by targeting the heavy-lift segment, AutoFlight is effectively creating a new vehicle class that sits between a helicopter and a regional turboprop. If the company can certify this platform, it may bypass the intense competition for urban vertiport space that smaller competitors face, instead utilizing existing regional airports and industrial hubs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a transition flight?
A transition flight is when an eVTOL aircraft switches from vertical flight (using rotors like a helicopter) to horizontal flight (using wings like an airplane). It is considered the most technically difficult phase of flight.

How does the Matrix compare to other eVTOLs?
Most leading competitors, such as Joby or Archer, are building aircraft in the 2-ton class with 4-5 seats. The AutoFlight Matrix is a 5-ton class aircraft designed for 10 passengers or heavy cargo.

When did this flight occur?
The demonstration was reported to have occurred around February 5, 2026.

Sources: AeroTime, AutoFlight

This article is based on an official press release from RAVE Aerospace and additional industry research.

RAVE Aerospace Launches as Independent Entity Following Kingswood Acquisition

On February 5, 2026, the landscape of In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) shifted as Kingswood Capital Management, LP completed its Acquisitions of Safran Passenger Innovations (SPI). In a move that signals a return to agility and focused growth, the company has been officially rebranded as RAVE Aerospace. This transition marks the end of the unit’s tenure under the French aerospace giant Safran and its re-emergence as a standalone business headquartered in Brea, California.

According to the official press release, the new name pays homage to the company’s flagship product line, “RAVE” (Reliable, Affordable, and Very Easy), which has served as a disruptive force in the Market-Analysis for nearly two decades. With the deal now closed, RAVE Aerospace aims to leverage its newfound independence to challenge larger incumbents like Panasonic Avionics and Thales with greater speed and flexibility.

A Strategic Carve-Out

The acquisition, first agreed upon in December 2025, transfers ownership of the IFEC division to Kingswood Capital Management, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm known for optimizing middle-market businesses. While financial terms were not disclosed in the release, data from late 2025 indicates the division generates approximately $460 million in annual revenue and employs roughly 740 people.

Matt Smith, who continues as CEO of the newly independent company, emphasized that the leadership team remains in place. In a statement included in the press release, Smith highlighted the opportunities provided by the ownership change:

“We are proud to introduce our new company name… It reflects the strong heritage of our in-flight entertainment and connectivity platform, RAVE… Our next chapter with Kingswood Capital Management empowers us to reach new heights. We’ll be able to unlock opportunities for accelerated growth, expansion, and investment in cutting-edge technologies.”

, Matt Smith, CEO of RAVE Aerospace

Kingswood’s Managing Partner, Alex Wolf, noted that the firm views the IFEC sector as a “rapidly growing” market and intends to support the existing management team in scaling operations globally.

Technology and the “Seat-Centric” Legacy

The rebranding to RAVE Aerospace is more than a cosmetic change; it underscores the company’s commitment to its specific architectural philosophy. Since its origins as The IMS Company in 1996, and through its evolution into Zodiac Inflight Innovations and later Safran Passenger Innovations, the core engineering strategy has remained consistent: a “seat-centric” design.

Unlike traditional server-based systems where a central failure can take down an entire aircraft’s entertainment system, RAVE’s architecture places storage and processing power at every seat. This design eliminates single points of failure and has been a key selling point for Airlines seeking reliability.

Current Product Portfolio

According to company statements and product specifications, RAVE Aerospace is currently deploying several advanced technologies designed to modernize the cabin experience:

• RAVE Ultra Displays: 4K UHD seatback screens utilizing mini-LED technology for “true black” contrast, offering significant weight savings of up to 23% compared to previous generations.
• Power Delivery: Integrated 60W USB-C fast charging at every seat to support passenger laptops and tablets.
• RAVE OS: An open Software platform based on Android that allows airlines to run third-party applications and multitask, mirroring the experience of consumer tablets.
• Cloud Services: A “Cloud Edge” architecture that facilitates real-time content updates via satellite, cellular, or Wi-Fi, moving away from the industry standard of monthly manual updates.

AirPro News Analysis

The separation of RAVE Aerospace from Safran represents a broader trend in the aerospace sector where conglomerates are divesting non-core or specialized technology units to private equity firms. For Safran, this divestiture likely streamlines their focus on propulsion and defense. For RAVE Aerospace, the move to Kingswood could be transformative.

As a division within a massive multinational corporation, niche technology units often struggle to secure the R&D budget or decision-making speed required to compete with agile Startups. By becoming an independent entity backed by private equity, RAVE Aerospace is positioned to react faster to market shifts, specifically the “connected seatback” trend.

Industry reporting by Runway Girl Network suggests that RAVE Aerospace is betting that passengers will continue to demand high-quality seatback screens that integrate seamlessly with their personal devices and the aircraft’s internet connection. This contrasts with the “BYOD” (Bring Your Own Device) model that some low-cost carriers have adopted. RAVE’s strategy relies on the belief that as Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite connectivity (like Starlink and OneWeb) becomes ubiquitous, the seatback screen will evolve into a powerful, connected portal rather than just a movie player.

Market Position and Future Outlook

RAVE Aerospace enters the market as a “neutral” player in the connectivity space. Unlike competitors that may bundle hardware with specific satellite networks, RAVE maintains an agnostic stance, integrating with various LEO, MEO, and GEO satellite providers. This flexibility allows airline customers to switch connectivity providers without ripping out their cabin hardware, a significant value proposition in a volatile satellite market.

With Kingswood Capital Management also recently launching the Kingswood Defense Group, there is speculation that RAVE Aerospace could eventually explore cross-sector applications for its ruggedized display and data handling technologies, though its primary focus remains Commercial-Aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will existing airline customers see a disruption in service?
A: No. The leadership team, including CEO Matt Smith, remains unchanged, and the company has stated that operations will continue without interruption. The “RAVE” product line remains the core offering.

Q: What happened to Safran Passenger Innovations?
A: Safran Passenger Innovations was acquired by Kingswood Capital Management on February 5, 2026, and immediately rebranded as RAVE Aerospace. It is no longer part of the Safran Group.

Q: Where is the new company located?
A: RAVE Aerospace continues to operate out of its existing headquarters in Brea, California.

Sources: RAVE Aerospace Press Release, Runway Girl Network