Following a very fruitful set of joint meetings, independent Canada-based flight test, R&D and certification centre Flight Test Centre of Excellence (3C) and eVTOL developer Horizon Aircraft have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) under which they will collaborate on aspects of the continued development and path to certification of Horizon's Cavorite X5 programme.

The MOU establishes a framework for ongoing expansion of collaboration as the programme evolves and will give Horizon access to services and expertise such as gap analysis, certification planning, certifiable design consulting, training, flight test planning and execution and eventual airworthiness approval. The collaboration will also enable both companies to work together on future business development opportunities and strengthen the case for this exciting 'made-in-Canada' programme.

“We have been following the Cavorite X5 programme from a distance for some time now and are very impressed with many of the business and design decisions that Horizon Aircraft has taken thus far. We believe wholeheartedly that Canada must have one or more OEMs for imaginative platforms like this and are delighted to have teamed up with the Horizon Aircraft folks to try and help them do exactly that,” says 3C VP business development Phil Cole. “Based on extensive prior experience, Horizon Aircraft understands the challenges ahead both with airworthiness approval and with vehicle operations. Accordingly, it is taking a very pragmatic approach to its development in order to significantly lower programme risk.”

“We are humbled and grateful to be able to work with John Maris and his world class team at 3C,” adds Horizon CEO Brandon Robinson. “3C is an internationally recognised company that has led successful certification programmes on numerous aircraft, has deep technical expertise in aircraft design and has deep connections within the Canadian aerospace community. This partnership will help to further reduce technical risk as we build our innovative project towards an exciting and sustainable future.”