Horizon and ZeroAvia join forces on hydrogen-electric VTOL

The ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain was selected for feasibility studies as Horizon seeks a clean propulsion option for its Cavorite X7.

ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft plan to work together to explore regional hydrogen-electric VTOL air travel. The partnership will study the integration of ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain into Horizon’s Cavorite X7 eVTOL.

The Cavorite X7 uses a fan-in-wing design with 14 lift fans. These allow for vertical takeoff and landing, while retractable panels enable fixed-wing flight. The aircraft can land on a standard runway, helipad or compact site the size of a tennis court.

Horizon has already tested a large-scale prototype in hover and transition modes. It has support from the US Department of Defense and received approval for flight testing from Canadian authorities.

The collaboration will also help accelerate infrastructure and certification development for zero-emission air travel.

ZeroAvia’s CEO, Val Miftakhov, says: “More and more eVTOL companies are looking to hydrogen-electric propulsion as the breakthrough that can extend range potential and durability of electric propulsion systems.”

Horizon Aircraft’s CEO, Brandon Robinson, adds: “We are thankful for the opportunity to explore hydrogen solutions for the regional air mobility market which could develop into a viable solution to deliver clean, fast, and highly-efficient air travel.”

The partnership is part of Horizon’s strategy to build aerospace relationships as it progresses towards certification and commercial launch.