Horizon Aircraft Selects BETA Technologies for Cavorite X7 Flight Control Systems
Horizon Aircraft has chosen BETA Technologies to supply advanced flight control computers and software for its Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. BETA has developed a growing portfolio of components, including electric motors, batteries, and flight controllers, for use across defense, cargo, and passenger applications
The agreement involves integrating BETA’s fly-by-wire (FBW) hardware and customized software into the Cavorite X7 as Horizon advances development, testing, and certification activities. BETA’s system is designed specifically for modern VTOL aircraft and includes safety-critical software, system redundancy, and a flexible architecture.
BETA’s flight control computers (FCCs) are built to support certification under FAA Part 21.17(b) powered-lift rules, Part 23, Part 25, and international frameworks including those from Transport Canada and EASA. The system is developed to Development Assurance Level A (DAL‑A), the highest rigor standard for critical aviation systems.
Tom Brassington, Chief Technology Officer at Horizon Aircraft, stated that flight controls are central to the aircraft’s performance and certification. The company selected BETA due to its VTOL-specific platform, shared engineering approach, and long-term program support capabilities.
Kyle Clark, Founder and CEO of BETA Technologies, noted that the flight control systems were designed to meet rigorous industry standards for powered-lift aircraft. Both companies expect to benefit from shared economies of scale since Horizon will use the same FCC hardware as BETA’s own fleet.
The Cavorite X7 is designed as a hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft prioritizing speed, range, and operational utility. BETA’s contribution represents another step in supplying key enabling technologies to aircraft developers in the advanced air mobility sector.
