Horizon Aircraft has started wind-tunnel testing of ice-protection coupon samples for its Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric VTOL, advancing an early step in its plan to pursue Flight Into Known Icing capability. The work began in July in Toronto, with the Ontario-based company carrying out the programme alongside the University of Toronto and Cert Center Canada under a $10.5 million project supported by Canada’s Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology.
The testing is focused on small material samples rather than the full aircraft, allowing engineers to assess whether University of Toronto-developed anti-icing technology could be applied to the Cavorite X7. Horizon has not set out a type-certification timeline, and the current phase is a laboratory viability check rather than a flight test.
The company is targeting all-weather operations for the aircraft, with FIKI capability intended to broaden use in winter conditions and improve access for northern and remote communities. Icing protection remains a major certification hurdle for eVTOL and hybrid-electric VTOL designs intended for year-round service, making the Canadian project a key part of Horizon’s wider certification strategy.