New Horizon Unveils Hybrid Aircraft for Critical City Missions

A Canadian aviation company, New Horizon, has introduced a groundbreaking hybrid aircraft aimed at transforming air transportation for critical missions within urban environments. The Cavorite X7 was unveiled at the Rare Earths Mines, Magnets and Motors conference held in Toronto this week. The company’s CEO, Brandon Robinson, highlighted the aircraft’s unique capabilities, stating that it operates like a helicopter while traveling at the speed of a plane, making it particularly suitable for medical emergencies.

In an interview with BNN Bloomberg on Tuesday, Robinson emphasized the aircraft’s potential to significantly reduce transport times for injured individuals. “Imagine getting someone from the side of the road that’s injured to the hospital in about half the time,” he said. The Cavorite X7 is designed to be approximately twice as fast as conventional helicopters and is estimated to be around 75 percent cheaper to operate per unit mile.

Innovative Design for Urban Mobility

The Cavorite X7’s design includes vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, allowing it to operate in densely populated areas. Robinson outlined various applications, including medical transport, organ delivery between hospitals, and critical cargo transport to remote northern communities in Canada. Currently, the prototype is a half-scale version, which has been flown remotely in Lindsay, Ontario, with funding assistance from the U.S. Department of Defense.

The company is now focused on developing a full-scale version of the aircraft that will accommodate six passengers in addition to the pilot. This model is projected to reach speeds of 450 km/h and cover distances of up to 800 km. Robinson explained that the aircraft incorporates a turbo generator that produces its own electricity alongside a battery array, combining the advantages of high-density fuel and electric power.

Identifying Market Opportunities

Robinson, a former fighter jet pilot with two decades of experience in the Royal Canadian Air Force, noted that his background in aerospace, influenced by his father’s business, led to the identification of a significant gap in the market for air mobility. “Your typical all-electric aircraft would take off and do short distance sort of transport within the city,” he remarked. Recognizing this limitation, he and his team developed a concept that secured funding and has emerged as a notable success within the Canadian aerospace sector.

To date, New Horizon has raised between USD 20 million and 25 million for the project. Robinson anticipates “explosive growth” for the Cavorite X7 over the next three to six months, as the company aims to position itself as a leader in innovative aircraft solutions tailored for urban environments. As cities continue to grapple with transportation challenges, the introduction of the Cavorite X7 may pave the way for a new generation of air mobility solutions.