New Horizon Aircraft Ltd. (Horizon Aircraft) has initiated wind tunnel testing on small coupon samples featuring University of Toronto ice protection technologies to evaluate their viability on the Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft.
The testing marks a key phase in the company’s $10.5 million INSAT-funded all-weather vertical propulsion project, conducted in collaboration with Flight Centre of Excellence, operating as Cert Center Canada, and the University of Toronto. Many northern and isolated communities currently rely on helicopters for critical goods and services, but these traditional aircraft and open rotor eVTOLs are frequently grounded by snow, cold, and adverse weather conditions. The Cavorite X7 was specifically designed from inception to fly safely in severe winter conditions, positioning the aircraft to achieve full Flight Into Known Icing certification.
“Unlocking the true potential of air vehicle operations globally requires accounting for harsh climates, and the Cavorite X7 meets that challenge,” said Dr. John Maris, Founder of Cert Center Canada. “I believe that with the combination of the X7’s design, 3C’s mentorship, and UofT’s technology, Horizon Aircraft can achieve Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) certification and provide a reliable, year-round regional air mobility solution that helicopters struggle to provide.”
“From day one, we designed the Cavorite X7 for Canadian winters to benefit both remote communities and aircraft operators,” said Brandon Robinson, Co-Founder and CEO of Horizon Aircraft. “3C’s certification expertise and UofT’s technology are supporting our progress toward bringing a certified all-weather X7 to market. Communities serviced by X7 aircraft will have greater access to the critical services they need, and X7 operators will experience higher aircraft utilization and profit margins.”
