Horizon Aircraft has begun wind-tunnel icing tests for its Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric eVTOL in Toronto, taking an early step toward Flight Into Known Icing certification that could support year-round operations in cold northern markets. The work started in July and uses coupon samples carrying ice-protection technology developed by the University of Toronto.
The testing sits within Horizon’s previously announced US$10.5 million INSAT-backed project on all-weather vertical propulsion eVTOL technology, run with Cert Centre Canada and the University of Toronto. The current phase is limited to small material samples, indicating a staged development path before any larger-scale or full-aircraft icing trials.
Known-icing approval remains a significant certification hurdle for electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, particularly those intended for remote or weather-sensitive routes. For Horizon, achieving that capability would strengthen the case for service in regions where winter conditions constrain helicopter and other short-haul operations, but no timetable or final certification outcome has been given.