New Horizon Aircraft, doing business as Horizon Aircraft, a Canadian developer of electric aircraft, has formed an agreement with MHI RJ Aviation Group (MHIRJ), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. This collaboration aims to support the ongoing development of Horizon Aircraft's hybrid-electric VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, the Cavorite X7.

Through this collaboration, 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 from the aircraft's flight test programme, which is expected to begin in early 2027. In addition, MHIRJ will offer broad engineering support and utilise its regional aviation expertise to help move the Cavorite X7 programme forward.

“We're excited to team up with Horizon Aircraft on its innovative Cavorite X7 project. With our expertise in engineering and regional aviation, we believe we can make a significant impact as it leads the way in hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft,” declares Elio Ruggi, senior vice president, chief engineer and head of aircraft development, quality and flight ops, MHIRJ. “This collaboration not only opens doors for business growth, but lets us use our engineering strengths to push this cutting-edge initiative forward. We're committed to contributing to the value chain and supporting sustainable technology in regional aviation.”

Founded in 2020 following Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' acquisition of the CRJ Series programme, one of the world's most successful regional aircraft families, MHIRJ brings decades of experience designing, certifying and producing new aircraft types. The organisation's team of highly experienced aerospace engineers and aviation specialists makes the partnership a strong strategic fit for the rapidly growing Horizon Aircraft.

Horizon Aircraft co-founder and CEO Brandon Robinson concludes: “MHIRJ represents an elite engineering group within the global aerospace community with a proven track record in regional aircraft development. This partnership strengthens the Cavorite X7 programme and helps significantly reduce the technical risk associated with advancing our aircraft toward flight testing and eventual certification.”