Technology & Innovation
Horizon Aircraft Partners with North Aircraft for Cavorite X7 Wing Production
Horizon Aircraft teams with North Aircraft Industries to produce wings for the Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric VTOL, targeting 2027 flight tests.
This article is based on an official press release from Horizon Aircraft.
New Horizon Aircraft Ltd. (NASDAQ: HOVR), a developer of hybrid-electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has officially announced a strategic partnership with North Aircraft Industries. According to a press release issued on February 10, 2026, the agreement tasks North Aircraft Industries with the engineering, manufacturing, and structural testing of the wings for Horizon’s flagship aircraft, the Cavorite X7.
This collaboration marks a significant supply chain milestone for Horizon Aircraft as it transitions from the design phase toward full-scale production. The company has confirmed that the partnership is intended to keep the Cavorite X7 program on track for flight testing in 2027. By selecting a specialized Canadian aerospace manufacturer based in London, Ontario, Horizon aims to leverage local expertise in advanced composite structures to build the most complex component of their aircraft.
The wings of the Cavorite X7 represent a unique engineering challenge due to Horizon’s patented “fan-in-wing” technology. Unlike standard fixed wings, these structures must house 12 embedded electric lift fans. The design features wing covers that slide open to expose the fans for vertical takeoff and landing, then close during forward flight to reduce drag and allow the aircraft to operate like a traditional plane.
North Aircraft Industries was selected specifically for its capabilities in manufacturing high-strength, lightweight composite structures. The company operates a 55,000-square-foot facility equipped with automated laminating machines and precision testing systems, which Horizon Aircraft states are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the complex wing design.
In the company’s official statement, Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft, emphasized the importance of this selection:
“The Cavorite X7 wing is a complex engineering feat that requires an exceptional composite manufacturing team. North Aircraft Industries has the experience, equipment, and agility to keep our production schedule on track.”
Joost List, CEO of North Aircraft Industries, noted that the partnership aligns with his company’s focus on “advanced composite structures and integrated aerospace component development.”
The Cavorite X7 is designed as a seven-seat hybrid-electric aircraft, accommodating one pilot and six passengers. By utilizing a hybrid propulsion system, where a gas engine generates electricity in-flight to power batteries and motors, Horizon Aircraft aims to solve the range anxiety often associated with pure electric VTOLs. According to technical specifications released by the company, the aircraft targets a range of approximately 500 miles (800 km) with fuel reserves and a cruise speed of 250 mph (450 km/h). This performance profile is intended to serve regional air mobility markets, medical evacuation (Medevac) missions, and military special operations.
At AirPro News, we observe that this partnership signals a shift in the eVTOL sector from conceptual design to industrial execution, often referred to as “cutting metal.” While many competitors in the urban air mobility space focus on short-range, all-electric air taxis, Horizon’s decision to pursue a hybrid architecture positions it differently in the market.
The hybrid approach allows for immediate viability in regional travel (inter-city) without relying on future breakthroughs in battery energy density. By securing a manufacturing partner for the wings, the most mechanically complex part of their specific design, Horizon is attempting to de-risk the technical hurdles ahead of their projected 2027 flight tests. However, as with all aerospace development, the transition from component manufacturing to integrated flight testing remains a capital-intensive and rigorous process.
When is the Cavorite X7 expected to fly? What makes the Cavorite X7 different from other eVTOLs? Where will the wings be manufactured?
Horizon Aircraft Taps North Aircraft Industries for Critical Cavorite X7 Wing Production
Engineering the “Fan-in-Wing” System
Operational Capabilities and Timeline
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Horizon Aircraft has stated that they plan to complete the full-scale aircraft and prepare for flight testing in 2027.
The primary differentiator is its hybrid-electric propulsion system, which allows for in-flight recharging and a range of roughly 500 miles, significantly longer than most battery-only competitors. It also utilizes a patented fan-in-wing design that hides the lift fans during forward flight.
The wings will be engineered and manufactured at North Aircraft Industries’ facility in London, Ontario, Canada.
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Photo Credit: Horizon Aircraft