Horizon Aircraft used the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 to showcase the development of its hybrid-electric Cavorite X7 eVTOL aircraft, while engaging with suppliers, operators and lessors ahead of the next phase of the programme.
Horizon Aircraft presented a 1/5 scale display prototype of the Cavorite X7 alongside interactive mission displays, video screens and meeting facilities, providing visitors with an insight into the aircraft’s capabilities and potential applications.
For Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer Brandon Robinson, Farnborough provided an opportunity to demonstrate the company’s progress while building relationships across the wider aerospace industry.
Robinson said, “Farnborough was pretty amazing. One of our biggest goals was to connect with suppliers because the best of the best were there. It’s a great place to see the latest developments, whether that’s advanced electric motors, innovative manufacturing techniques or even the smaller components like connectors and wiring.”
The event also allowed Horizon Aircraft to increase awareness of the Cavorite X7 programme, which Robinson described as a more understated advanced air mobility effort, saying,“We’ve been a more stealthy advanced air mobility company. This is really about showcasing the technical progress we’ve made and getting people excited about where the programme is today.”
Horizon Aircraft stated that a key focus at Farnborough was engaging with operators and lessors to better understand future mission requirements and ensure the aircraft continues to meet practical operational needs.
Drawing on his background as a military jet pilot, Robinson highlighted the importance of developing an aircraft around real-world applications, including medevac, regional transport and remote access missions.
He said, “We’re talking to operators to really understand what those operations look like. Those conversations help sharpen the aircraft design.”
One of the company’s most significant developments ahead of Farnborough was its Letter of Intent (LoI) with Australian operator VSTAR, covering an initial five aircraft with options for a further 95. Robinson said Horizon has been selective when establishing partnerships, focusing on organisations that provide operational expertise and market insight.
“We only want to partner with organisations that have real operational experience and can contribute something beyond simply placing an order,” Robinson commented.
The agreement with VSTAR reflects the types of environments Horizon believes the Cavorite X7 is designed to support, with Robinson highlighting similarities between Australia and Canada, including remote communities and challenging geography.
Looking ahead, Horizon Aircraft is preparing for a major milestone, with a full-scale prototype expected to enter flight testing within the next six to nine months. Robinson added, “Once people see a full-scale aircraft flying, I think perceptions will change.”
The Cavorite X7 differentiates itself through its hybrid-electric architecture, combining electric propulsion with an onboard combustion engine to extend range and remove reliance on dedicated charging infrastructure.
Horizon Aircraft is also targeting capabilities beyond many current eVTOL concepts, including Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) operations and flight in known icing conditions, enabling the aircraft to support a broader range of missions.
As the AAM sector progresses towards certification and commercial operations, Horizon Aircraft is positioning the Cavorite X7 as a practical platform designed around operational requirements. Horizon believes Farnborough provided the company with an opportunity to showcase that vision while strengthening the partnerships needed to support future service entry.
