Hangar X Studios

Cavorite X7: The Fastest, Toughest VTOL You’ve Never Heard Of

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 In this engaging episode of Hangar X Studios, host John Ramstead sits down with Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft, during the Verticon event. Together, they explore the future of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) technology and discuss Horizon's unique approach with their innovative hybrid-electric EVTOL aircraft, the Cavorite X7. Robinson explains why hybrid-electric propulsion provides superior operational versatility compared to purely electric aircraft, highlighting the practical advantages in range, speed, and payload for both commercial and military applications.

Episode Highlights:

  • Understanding why hybrid-electric VTOL technology outperforms purely electric alternatives.

  • How Horizon Aircraft is bridging the gap between helicopters and EVTOLs with increased speed, range, and operational flexibility.

  • Insights into the future of VTOL certification and integration within existing aviation frameworks.

  • Discussion on military and civilian applications of the Cavorite X7, including emergency response and transport operations.

    • Key Points with Timestamps:

    • (00:01:49) Introduction to Horizon Aircraft and their hybrid-electric EVTOL strategy.

    • (00:02:47) Robinson discusses the operational limitations of purely electric EVTOLs.

    • (00:04:08) Technical specifications of the Cavorite X7: speed, payload, and mission capabilities.

    • (00:04:39) Detailed look at the propulsion system and hybrid-electric advantages.

    • (00:05:33) Market response and shifting perceptions towards hybrid EVTOL technology.

    • (00:06:26) Partnership insights: Working with US Air Force AFWorks and Special Forces interest.

    • (00:07:27) Military use-case advantages, including ISR and rapid deployment missions.

    • (00:08:07) Certification roadmap and challenges ahead for Horizon Aircraft.

    • (00:08:38) Upcoming milestones, including full-scale prototype development.

      • Guest Bio:
       Brandon Robinson is the CEO of Horizon Aircraft, an innovative aerospace company specializing in hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft. As a former Canadian Hornet pilot with extensive aviation experience, Robinson brings practical insight and leadership to Horizon's mission to create operationally robust and commercially viable aircraft solutions.

      About Horizon Aircraft: Horizon Aircraft is an aerospace innovator focused on developing advanced hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (EVTOL) aircraft. Headquartered near Toronto, Canada, Horizon aims to deliver versatile, reliable, and cost-effective aviation solutions. The company's flagship project, the Cavorite X7, combines hybrid-electric propulsion with cutting-edge aerospace technology to enhance both civilian and military operations.

      Notable Quotes:

      • "Eventually, people realize that gas still has, like, 30 times the energy density of even the best batteries." – Brandon Robinson

      • "We're building a helicopter that can go twice as fast and is much cheaper to own and operate." – Brandon Robinson

      • "Operators want a machine that can basically make money. If these things can be bought and used profitably, they'll be widely proliferated." – Brandon Robinson
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        Hangar X StudiosBy John Ramstead