Horizon Aircraft announced that the company has improved the design of its hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (ADAVe or eVTOL) aircraft prototype and is now targeting future production of a model with a capacity of seven places. Initially, the company planned to design and produce a five-seater aircraft.
From Cavorite X5 to X7
Horizon Aircraft announced that the company has improved the design of its hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (ADAVe or eVTOL) aircraft prototype and is now targeting future production of a model with a capacity of seven places. Initially, the company planned to design and produce a five-seater aircraft. “However, thanks to positive flight test results of its 50% scale prototype and sophisticated aerodynamic, structural and electrical analyses, the company now believes it can expand its initial prototype to accommodate a pilot and six passengers. Potential customers in the medevac, business aviation and commercial cargo industries have told the company that larger aircraft with lower costs per seat mile better fit their needs “, comments Horizon Aircraft. The Company’s new enlarged prototype is now called “Cavorite X7” and replaces the Cavorite X5.
453 kg projected payload
The Cavorite X7 would have an estimated gross weight of 5,500 pounds (2.4 tons) with a projected payload of 1,500 pounds (or 453 kg). With an estimated maximum speed of 250 kts (463 km/h) and an average range of more than 500 miles (926 km) with fuel reserves, Horizon Aircraft estimates that this experimental aircraft, if ultimately cleared for use commercial, would be well positioned to excel in medical evacuation, delivery of critical supplies, disaster relief and special military missions. Horizon Aircraft believes that the proposed aircraft would also be of interest for regional air mobility, that is, for the transport of people and goods over a distance of 50 to 500 miles, or approximately 92 to 926 km.
Like a traditional plane
Unlike many devices in its class, the Cavorite X7 is designed with a hybrid electric propulsion system. Horizon Aircraft is designing the Cavorite X7 so that after vertical takeoff, it can recharge its batteries en route when flying in a configuration similar to that of a traditional airplane. Moreover, Horizon Aircraft estimates that its innovative approach and technology will allow the Cavorite X7 to carry out 98% of its mission in a very low drag configuration, like a traditional aircraft. The company believes that flying like a normal airplane most of the time is also safer and will make the plane easier to certify than other radically new eVTOL designs. After a vertical landing and the end of a mission, Horizon Aircraft designs the Cavorite X7 so that it can recharge its batteries in less than 30 minutes and be ready for its next mission.
