This website uses cookies
More information
The monthly news publication for aviation professionals.

ACE 2026 - September 8th

Related information from the Handbook...

Horizon Aircraft, Inc.
Aircraft

Horizon Cavorite X7

BAN's World Gazetteer

Canada
The bimonthly news publication for aviation professionals.

Request your printed copy

Horizon tweaks design of cutting-edge Cavorite
Following the transition flight of its large-scale prototype in May 2025 that validated the company's patented fan-in-wing technology, Horizon has been designing and building its full-scale hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft.
Replacing four smaller canard fans with two wing-size fans standardises all 12 units.
Read this story in our March/April 2026 printed issue.

Horizon Aircraft has shared some exciting technical updates on the Cavorite X7 that elevate safety, aerodynamics and cruise performance.

Following the successful transition flight of its large-scale prototype in May 2025 that validated the company's patented fan-in-wing technology, Horizon has been designing and building its full-scale hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft. The Cavorite X7's refined design has been a collaboration between Horizon Aircraft's highly skilled engineering team and internationally acclaimed mobility designer, Andrea Mocellin, resulting in a design that further enhances safety while optimising performance.

The following updates have been made: vertical lift fans – the aircraft now features a total of 12 vertical lift fans: five in each wing and one in each canard. Replacing four smaller canard fans with two wing-size fans standardises all 12 units, improving manufacturing efficiency, increasing performance and simplifying maintenance. This update was achieved without compromising safety margins, enabled by a redundant, dual-motor architecture powering each lift fan; aerodynamic surface improvements – the canard and tails have been reprofiled to lower drag, improve cruise efficiency and enhance stability; and enhanced passenger experience – the Cavorite X7's cabin has been slightly extended and its windows redesigned to provide more legroom and improved sightlines, creating a more comfortable and premium experience for passengers.

Horizon Aircraft co-founder and CEO Brandon Robinson states: “These technical updates are a result of our world-class engineering team's ability to effectively enhance the performance of our aircraft. We remain committed to building one of the safest, toughest and most performant modern VTOL aircraft, and these updates further advance that mission.”

Other News
 
Vertical pushes Valo hybrid-electric towards longer-range ops
May 25, 2026
Hybrid propulsion testing and upgraded battery production line support certification work for future civil and defence-focused aircraft variants.
New Horizon signs up for Mitsubishi partnership
April 16, 2026
MHIRJ will provide specialist engineering services focused on the design and development of flight test instrumentation for the Cavorite X7. This effort is essential to enable critical data collection.
Leonardo expands CHC Helicopter support and training framework
March 21, 2026
Two five-year agreements will provide multiple services across AW139 and AW189 fleets operating in multiple global regions.