Horizon Aircraft prototype completes maiden transition flight test

Horizon Aircraft has successfully completed initial transition flight testing of its 50% scale eVTOL prototype.

The scaled Cavorite X5 completed its maiden flight test in the ACE Climatic Wind Tunnel in Oshawa, Canada. With the test campaign now in full-swing, the firm said it will move to outdoor transition flight testing shortly. Running concurrently is the design of the full-scale aircraft, with final assembly planned for flight testing in 2025, Horizon said.

Purported as the only eVTOL currently able to do so, Horizon’s patented hybrid eVTOL concept allows the aircraft to fly 98% of its mission in a very low-drag configuration like a traditional aircraft.

“Aircraft performance exceeded our expectation,” said Brandon Robinson, CEO, Horizon. “We explored forward speeds of up to almost 100 km/h, measuring aerodynamic forces, control authority, and mechanical system function with the wings open at varying fan speeds.”

Robinson said the team was particularly happy with the pitch and roll stability and control throughout the transition envelope, as well as the embedded fan performance. “Having real-world test results match our detailed predictions was further endorsement of our world class engineering. We can now use these results to refine our CFD modelling and further de-risk the outdoor transition flight test program that is beginning soon,” he added.

The Cavorite X5 can also operate in Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) or Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL) modes. Also, the full-scale aircraft will be powered by a hybrid electric architecture that can recharge the battery array in-flight while providing additional system redundancy and flexibility.