Flying Vehicle Moving Through Tests; 500-Mile Range Hybrid

A Canadian eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) vehicle maker has validated its patent-pending yaw control system, one of the key components of the vehicle’s wing technology.

The new Horizon, seven-seater Cavorite X7 is a hybrid eVTOL vehicle being developed and on track for completion and testing in 2026.

A large-scale prototype of the Cavorite is going through a flight-testing program governed under Transport Canada’s Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC). 

Flights to test stability and control are expected to be completed by mid-summer. 

“The extremely positive test results continue to validate our innovative technology, our practical approach, and the team’s capability to deliver on our target timeline,” said Brandon Robinson, chairman and CEO of Horizon.

“Over the past several months, Horizon has made incredible progress. The transition flight testing program has taken significant strides forward, with the aircraft demonstrating impressive stability and control all the way from hover to approaching transition speeds.”

The Cavorite X7 eVTOL would be able to fly faster and carry more cargo than other electric aerial vehicles under development, according to the company.

The Cavorite wing system would allow it to fly mostly in a configuration like a normal, winged airplane.

Related:Flying Vehicles Targeted for Aerial Tourism; Pilotless in China

The vehicle would use a hybrid electric power system capable of charging its batteries while in flight as well as after landing.

The Cavorite X7 has a fan-in-wing design the company said combines the agility of a helicopter with the speed of a conventional plane and has a maximum range of 500 miles.

The wings contain 14 lift fans that convert and provide thrust for vertical takeoff.

After taking off, the vehicle has sliding panels to hide the fans, leaving the X7 to fly like a normal plane.

Landing could be on a normal runway, or the fans could be used to land on a helipad or vertiport.

New Horizon has signed a letter of intent with JetSetGo, an Indian regional air transport company, for the sale of up to 100 flying vehicles valued at up to $500 million.