Horizon Aircraft has released new updates on the design of its full-scale Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric VTOL. The Toronto-based company shared the updates on Wednesday following a successful transition flight of its large-scale prototype last year that validated its fan-in-wing configuration.
The company said the updated Cavorite X7 will feature 12 vertical lift fans, with five embedded in each wing and one in each canard. This configuration replaces four smaller canard-mounted fans with two larger, wing-size units, helping to standardize all the aircraft’s lift fans.
Horizon Aircraft said the change aims to simplify maintenance for the VTOL aircraft, but supported by a dual-motor architecture for each fan, maintaining redundancy while simplifying manufacturing and maintenance. Additional updates include reprofiled canard and tail surfaces intended to reduce drag, improve cruise efficiency and enhance stability.
The company also noted changes to the cabin, including a slight extension and redesigned windows to increase legroom and improve external visibility. Horizon Aircraft co-founder and CEO Brandon Robinson said the revisions reflect ongoing engineering work on the aircraft.
“These technical updates are a result of our world-class engineering team’s ability to effectively enhance the performance of our aircraft,” Robinson said.
