Horizon Aircraft and ZeroAvia to partner on hybrid eVTOLs
Specifically, the Cavorite X7 would use the ZA600 hydrogen-electric engine, which combines a 600kW powertrain with hydrogen fuel cell tanks. The X7 itself uses a fan-in-wing design with 14 lift fans for vertical takeoff, which can then be retracted midair to provide ‘wing-borne’ flight. Horizon states it has conducted flight tests of a ‘large-scale’ prototype, including its hover modes and transition to wing-borne flight. The hope is that integrating the ZA600 into the X7 will lead to the creation of “one of the world’s first” hybrid eVTOLs, capable of vertical takeoff and either vertical or conventional landing.
Val Miftakhov, CEO and founder of ZeroAvia, said: “More and more eVTOL companies are looking to hydrogen-electric propulsion as the breakthrough that can extend range potential and durability of electric propulsion systems. Horizon Aircraft has developed an exciting application and performed successful prototype testing, and they are taking another leadership step in exploring hydrogen as a potential propulsion option for the Cavorite X7.”
Brandon Robinson, CEO and cofounder of Horizon Aircraft, added: “We have been impressed with ZeroAvia’s recent flight demonstrations of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems and the company’s traction with regulators. We are thankful for the opportunity to explore hydrogen solutions for the regional air mobility market which could develop into a viable solution to deliver clean, fast, and highly-efficient air travel.”
The partnership follows an announcement that ZeroAvia has been awarded nine new patents this year, with the majority of them relating to hydrogen-electric engines. With a total of 45 patents under its belt, the company states it now covers “all key subsystems of the [hydrogen-electric] engine and aspects of aircraft integration.” The company said: “With both Airbus and Boeing advancing plans and IP for hydrogen-ready airframes in recent weeks, securing IP on engine systems is a key building block for aspiring clean engine manufacturers for the aircraft of the future.”
It’s the latest in a series of recently announced collaborations between ZeroAvia and aviation firms. Last month, the Scottish airline Loganair announced a partnership with ZeroAvia to implement the ZA600 in its regional aircraft.
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