Marshall Aerospace has successfully completed a flight dynamics and control model to advance the development and certification of Horizon Aircraft’s hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
The engineering team conducted extensive analysis to model how the aerodynamic, propulsion, and mass characteristics of the Cavorite X7 aircraft influence its flight behavior. This analysis resulted in a six degrees of freedom flight model designed to support the development of the safety-critical control system, enabling engineers to predict and optimize how the aircraft responds to control inputs. Horizon Aircraft partnered with Marshall’s Aero Engineering Services specifically for their extensive experience and proven track record with platform modifications, special mission conversions, and other applied engineering programs related to the dynamics, stability, and control of aircraft.
Mark Hewer, Aero Engineering Services Director, Marshall Aerospace, commented, “We’re delighted to support Horizon Aircraft through safety-critical development work on a product that presents new possibilities for commercial and military aviation. This programme shows how our deep engineering experience translates across complex challenges ranging from platform modifications to special mission conversions and test beds.”
The collaboration integrates the global aviation engineering and defense expertise of Marshall directly into the development process of the NASDAQ-listed aviation company.
Tom Brassington, Horizon Aircraft Chief Technology Officer, stated, “The delivery of the first flight model for the Cavorite X7 marks a strong start to our partnership with Marshall Aerospace. Marshall’s engineers have integrated seamlessly into our development process, serving as an extension of our team and applying their expertise to developing one of the safest, toughest, and most performant modern VTOL aircraft.”
