Horizon Aircraft announces shift to 7-Seat hybrid electric eVTOL concept
By Asian Aviation Staff
•Sep 28, 2023
Horizon Aircraft announced that the company has improved the design of its prototype hybrid electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft and is now targeting the future production of a seven-seat capacity model. Initially the Company had planned to design and produce a five-seat aircraft (please see the attached press release). However, due to positive flight-testing results of its 50%-scale prototype alongside sophisticated aerodynamic, structural, and electrical analysis, the Company now believes that it can expand its initial prototype to include room for one pilot and six passengers. Potential customers in the medevac, business aviation and commercial cargo sectors have advised the Company that larger aircraft with lower passenger seat mile costs better aligned with their needs. The Company’s new enlarged prototype design is now called “Cavorite X7”, replacing the Cavorite X5. The Cavorite X7 aircraft would have a gross weight of an estimated 5,500 lbs with a projected useful load of 1,500 lbs. With an estimated maximum speed of 250 miles per hour and an average range of over 500 miles with fuel reserves, the Company believes that this experimental aircraft, if eventually licensed for commercial use, would be well-positioned to excel in medical evacuation, critical supply delivery, disaster relief, and special military missions. The Company believes that the proposed aircraft would also be attractive for Regional Air Mobility – moving people and cargo 50 to 500 miles. Unlike many in its category, the Cavorite X7 is being designed with a hybrid electric power system. The Company is designing the Cavorite X7 such that it could, after its vertical takeoff, re-charge its batteries enroute when it is flying in a configuration like a traditional aircraft. After a vertical landing and completion of a mission, the company is designing the Cavorite X7 to recharge its battery array in under 30 minutes to be ready for its next mission. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]
Asian Aviation staff is comprised of award-winning journalists based throughout the Asia-Pacific region led by Editor Matt Driskill. 《亚洲航空》的编辑团队由主编马特·德里斯基尔 (Matt Driskill) 带领,汇聚了遍布亚太地区的获奖记者。
