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Horizon Aircraft makes progress with technical flight testing
Wednesday, 15 May 2024
Key technical highlights include validation of the yaw control system that enables precise hover and performance in strong crosswinds, and production of the full-scale propulsion unit has commenced.

Canada-based New Horizon Aircraft, doing business as Horizon Aircraft, has made several updates as it continues to prove critical technology elements of its hybrid electric eVTOL aircraft.

Chairman and CEO Brandon Robinson says: "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.

"Over the past several months, Horizon has made incredible progress. I am continually amazed with the technical aptitude of our team as it clears one engineering hurdle after another. The transition flight testing programme has taken significant strides forward, with the aircraft demonstrating impressive stability and control all the way from hover to approaching transition speeds."

Key technical highlights include:

- Validation of the patent pending yaw control system, a key component of the patented HOVR Wing technology, has also been an important element in the recent testing phases. This system enables precise hover and performance in strong crosswinds, providing a smoother and more comfortable ride for passengers as well as enhanced stability and control for pilots.

- Full-scale propulsion unit production has commenced. With the detailed design and aerodynamic analysis sufficiently developed, physical production and testing of the core vertical lifting fan technology represents a significant technical step towards building the full-scale prototype aircraft.

- Horizon's large-scale prototype continues to reach technological milestones as it moves through its rigorous flight-testing programme governed under Transport Canada's Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC). Transitional flight tests remain on schedule to be completed by mid-summer, and the aircraft continues to demonstrate expected stability and control.

Robinson adds: "I am immensely proud of our team's relentless pursuit of excellence and their unwavering determination to push boundaries. As we celebrate these victories, we remain focused on our ultimate objective of ensuring that every flight test brings us closer to realising our vision."

The company continues to leverage lessons learned from its current large-scale prototype flight test programme to develop its full-scale aircraft. The Cavorite X7 eVTOL design is expected to fly faster and carry more cargo than its all-electric competitors. The aircraft features a patented wing system allowing it to fly most of its mission in a configuration like that of a normal aircraft. It will use a hybrid electric main power system that promises to be extremely efficient, safe and able to re-charge its battery array in flight and after landing. With a growing team of aviation professionals, engineers and technicians, Horizon Aircraft's elite aerospace team is positioned to build its full-scale demonstrator on schedule and capitalise on a rapidly growing advanced air mobility market.

Contact details from our directory:
Horizon Aircraft, Inc. Airframer
Related aircraft programs:
Horizon Cavorite X7