Horizon Aircraft Begins Ice Protection Testing for Cavorite X7
Horizon Aircraft has begun testing ice protection technology for its Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft as it works toward an all-weather certification pathway.
The Canadian aerospace company is conducting the work through its partnership with Flight Centre of Excellence (3C) and the University of Toronto (UofT), as part of a previously announced $10.5 million INSAT-funded project focused on all-weather vertical propulsion eVTOL technology.
Wind tunnel testing began in July on small coupon samples incorporating ice protection technology developed by UofT. The testing represents an early stage in assessing whether the technology can eventually be applied to the full-scale Cavorite X7.
A key objective is achieving Flight Into Known Icing (FIKI) certification, which would allow the aircraft to operate in conditions where icing is known to occur. Ice accumulation can affect aircraft aerodynamics and propulsion, making protection and certification an important consideration for aircraft intended to operate in colder climates.
Horizon says the Cavorite X7 was designed with Canadian winter conditions in mind. The company is targeting applications including regional transportation and services for remote and isolated communities, where helicopters are currently used for the movement of people and critical goods but can face operational limitations during severe weather.
The company argues that improved all-weather capability could also increase aircraft availability for operators by reducing weather-related downtime. However, the Cavorite X7 remains in development, and certification will depend on the outcome of testing and the requirements of the relevant aviation authorities.
3C is supporting the certification work as part of the project. The organisation is Canada’s only Transport Canada-approved independent flight test and certification Design Approval Organization, according to Horizon’s announcement.
