Horizon Aircraft disclosed that its Cavorite X7 hybrid‑electric vertical‑takeoff and landing aircraft can now fly safely in known icing conditions, a milestone that marks the first time an eVTOL platform has achieved certified flight into known icing (FIKI).
The Cavorite X7 is designed to cruise at up to 280 miles per hour and cover 500 miles on a single charge, while its hybrid‑electric architecture—powered by a Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop generator—provides the electrical power needed for de‑icing systems without the energy penalty that would burden a fully electric design.
Certification for FIKI is rare even among helicopters, with only a handful of models approved for moderate mixed icing. By achieving this capability, Horizon Aircraft expands the operational envelope of the X7, enabling year‑round, all‑weather missions that were previously limited to visual‑flight‑rules (VFR) eVTOLs.
The new capability positions Horizon to capture a larger share of the regional air mobility market, where demand for medevac, search‑and‑rescue, and cargo delivery in variable weather is growing. The company secured a $2 million grant from Canada’s INSAT program as part of a $10.5 million Project CRYSTAL, and it has increased its engineering team by 50% while preparing a full‑scale prototype that is slated to begin flight testing in roughly 18 months.
Senior Technical Project Manager Vincent Hoog said the development addresses a critical pain point for operators: “I’ve seen how icing can force cancellations and delays. The Cavorite X7’s all‑weather capability will let us keep missions on schedule and reach communities that rely on timely transport.” CEO Brandon Robinson added, “The X7 is one of the only modern VTOL aircraft designed to fly in clouds, and this icing certification gives us a clear competitive edge over pure‑electric eVTOLs that struggle with range and power in adverse weather.”
With the icing certification, Horizon Aircraft demonstrates that hybrid‑electric eVTOLs can combine the performance of turbine‑powered aircraft with the efficiency of electric propulsion, opening new operational possibilities and reinforcing its position as a leader in the evolving regional air mobility landscape.
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