Horizon Aircraft is positioning its Cavorite X7 against helicopters rather than urban eVTOL air taxis, with chief executive Brandon Robinson saying the Canadian developer does not view modern eVTOL makers as direct competitors. The hybrid-electric seven-seat aircraft is aimed at regional, city-to-city missions and is being pitched on speed, range and operating cost as Horizon advances towards full-scale testing and first deliveries later this decade.
The Cavorite X7 uses a fan-in-wing configuration with 12 electrically powered lift fans and a gas-turbine engine for forward flight. Horizon describes the aircraft as capable of up to 800 km range and a maximum speed of about 450 km/h, with planned roles including medevac, search and rescue, defence, business travel, critical cargo and transport to remote communities.
Robinson, speaking at Farnborough Airshow, placed Horizon’s commercial focus on replacing helicopter missions rather than competing with the broader eVTOL air taxi sector. He also framed the aircraft as faster and cheaper to operate than helicopters, with company claims in the article that it could be around twice as fast and 60% to 70% less expensive.
Horizon is moving from half-scale proof testing towards a full-scale aircraft expected within the next six to nine months. The first aircraft is expected to roll out next year, with ground and flight testing planned for the first and second quarters of 2027 and the first customer aircraft targeted for early 2030.
The company has already lined up two commercial agreements, including JetSetGo’s letter of intent for 50 aircraft plus an option for 50 more, and Discovery Air Chile’s plan to lease five X7s.