In a significant move that signals a major advancement in electric aviation technology, Toronto-based Horizon Aircraft announced yesterday that it has selected aerospace giant Pratt & Whitney to provide the turbogenerator for its Cavorite X7 hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
The partnership represents a crucial step forward in Horizon’s ambitious plan to develop an aircraft that combines the convenience of helicopter-like takeoff capabilities with the range and efficiency of traditional fixed-wing flight. The Cavorite X7, designed to carry up to seven passengers, stands apart in the increasingly crowded eVTOL market by employing a hybrid electric propulsion system rather than the fully electric designs favored by many competitors.
“Working with an industry leader like Pratt & Whitney brings unparalleled expertise and reliability to our hybrid propulsion system,” said Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft. “Their turbogenerator technology offers the perfect balance of power density, efficiency, and proven reliability that our aircraft requires to deliver on its promise of transformative regional air mobility.”
The selection of Pratt & Whitney’s turbogenerator technology wasn’t made lightly. Horizon conducted extensive evaluations of multiple potential suppliers before settling on the Connecticut-based engine manufacturer, which has over 95 years of experience in aviation propulsion systems. The turbogenerator will serve as the Cavorite X7’s range extender, generating electricity in flight to power the aircraft’s electric motors and charge its batteries.
What makes this partnership particularly noteworthy is how it positions the Cavorite X7 in the eVTOL market. While competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation focus on shorter-range urban air mobility with fully electric systems, Horizon’s hybrid approach aims to serve regional transportation needs with flights of 200 kilometers or more.
Industry analyst Maria Vargas from AeroTech Partners explained: “Horizon’s hybrid strategy solves one of the biggest challenges facing eVTOL developers – the energy density limitations of current battery technology. By incorporating a turbogenerator, they’re able to achieve significantly greater range without waiting for the next generation of battery technology to mature.”
The Cavorite X7’s design features a patented wing system that conceals its rotors during forward flight, significantly reducing drag and increasing efficiency. During testing phases, scaled prototypes have already demonstrated the viability of this innovative approach.
Financially, the partnership represents a vote of confidence in Horizon’s technology. The company, which merged with Astro Aerospace in 2021, has seen its valuation grow as it progresses through development milestones. For Pratt & Whitney, the agreement expands their footprint in the emerging advanced air mobility sector, complementing their traditional commercial and military engine business.
Transport Canada certification remains the next major hurdle, with Horizon targeting initial type certification by late 2026. The regulatory process for novel aircraft designs is notoriously challenging, but Horizon believes its hybrid approach may actually streamline certain aspects of certification compared to fully electric competitors.
“We’re taking a pragmatic approach to certification by leveraging proven aerospace components and systems wherever possible,” noted Robinson. “Our hybrid architecture allows us to incorporate established aviation technologies that regulators already understand well.”
As the advanced air mobility sector continues to evolve, this Canadian-American partnership demonstrates how collaboration between emerging aircraft developers and established aerospace manufacturers will be essential in bringing the next generation of aircraft to market.
The question now becomes whether Horizon’s hybrid approach will prove the optimal solution for regional air mobility, or if battery technology will advance quickly enough to make fully electric designs competitive at longer ranges. Either way, the skies above Canada may soon feature a revolutionary new aircraft powered by this landmark partnership.
For more aviation and technology news, visit CO24 Business or follow our ongoing coverage of emerging transportation technologies at CO24 Breaking News.
