ZeroAvia, Horizon Aircraft partner to explore hydrogen-electric power for regional eVTOL travel

Summary points: 

• ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft have partnered to explore using ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain in Horizon’s Cavorite X7 hybrid eVTOL aircraft.

• The collaboration aims to advance zero-emission regional air mobility by integrating hydrogen propulsion and addressing infrastructure and certification challenges.

• Both companies praised each other’s technological achievements and commitment to clean aviation, with Horizon having already completed prototype flight tests and received support from the U.S. Department of Defense.

TORONTO - ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft announced a new partnership to explore hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for regional vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The collaboration will focus on adapting ZeroAvia’s ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain for Horizon’s Cavorite X7 eVTOL platform.

The Cavorite X7 features a distinctive "fan-in-wing" configuration with 14 lift fans that enable vertical takeoff and landing. During forward flight, sliding panels close over the fans, allowing the aircraft to operate like a conventional airplane. It can land either on a traditional runway or a small landing zone roughly the size of a tennis court.

Horizon Aircraft has already completed untethered flight tests with a large-scale prototype, demonstrating the aircraft’s hover and transition capabilities. The company has received support from the U.S. Department of Defense and regulatory approval for flight testing from Canadian authorities.

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In addition to evaluating powertrain integration, the two firms aim to study infrastructure needs and certification standards that would support zero-emission hydrogen-powered air mobility.

Hydrogen flight

"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," said ZeroAvia founder and CEO Val Miftakhov. "Horizon Aircraft has developed an exciting application and performed successful prototype testing."

Brandon Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Horizon Aircraft, said the partnership aligns with the company’s focus on operator needs and clean air travel. "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," he said.

The collaboration marks a step forward for Horizon Aircraft as it builds aerospace partnerships and advances toward commercial certification.