Horizon Aircraft’s VTOL targets flight operations in icing conditions

The company said, “New Horizon Aircraft (HOVR) continues its progress in building its Cavorite X7 to fly under Instrument Flight Rules allowing the aircraft to fly in clouds, a differentiating feature no other eVTOL has achieved. The Cavorite X7 is also being built to certify for Flight Into Known Icing, both certifications held by only a small handful of expensive, heavyweight helicopters. The Cavorite X7 aims to be able to fly critical missions such as medevac, search and rescue, and critical goods delivery reliably and year-round, with enhanced safety, speed, and lower operating costs. With an ability to get in and out of difficult and inaccessible locations, helicopters serve many crucial functions. However, a helicopter’s exposed rotor blades are susceptible to ice formation that can cause damage, severe instability, and loss of lift. These significant safety risks result in flight cancellations, a hold on emergency dispatch, and for the Canadian Coast Guard, interruptions and failures of marine aids to navigation.”