THE world’s first ‘heli-plane’ is a glossy mini-jet, capable of ferrying six passengers at 280mph for stylish short-haul travel.
And it just hit a major milestone.
6
6
The Cavorite X7, from Horizon Aircraft, made aviation history earlier this month when it became the first electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) to achieve a stable wing-borne flight transition using a fan-in-wing design.
It flies just like a conventional aircraft, but it takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter.
The mini-jet has 14 fans embedded within its wings that allow it to hover off the ground.
Before a gas-powered turbine engine pushes the aircraft forward like a normal plane.
Brian Robinson, chief engineer and co-founder of Horizon, said: “This incredible achievement validates our unique and robust approach to the transition phase of flight.
“In our aircraft, the transition phase was designed from the beginning to be a non-event, as there are no complicated multi-copter rotating nacelles or heavy tilt-wing mechanisms, and we have multiple layers of redundancy.
“The result is an extremely safe and stable transition, a vital part of eVTOL operations, and an area in which many of our competitors have faced serious challenges.”
6
Many startups around the world are working on eVTOL jets and heli-planes for short-haul flights.
They are expected to work particularly well in urban areas, and some are being sold as ‘air taxis’ so people can Uber around the skies.
Horizon appears to be yet another company trying to muscle in on the air taxi market.
The Canadian aerospace engineering firm believes there are several applications for these jets to be used across civilian life.
Though they could also be used in defence, the company says, such as quick rescue missions in hard-to-reach areas.
The benefits of the vertical lift means the Cavorite X7 doesn’t need a runway to get to you – only a flat surface and an open sky.
Almost any H1-H3 rated helipad, aircraft carrier, hospital roof – or even ski resort – could act as a takeoff area for the Cavorite X7.
Just as long as the final approach and takeoff area is 1.5 times the overall length of the jet itself, and the touchdown and lift-off area weight isn’t exceeded.
With a maximum gross weight of 5,500lbs (2,500kg), it can carry a fair bit of luggage – or up to 1,500lbs (680kg) of cargo for vertical takeoffs.
It can carry slightly more for conventional runway launches, with a max weight of 1,800lbs (815kg).
Horizon says the hammerhead-style jet will be capable of a 288mph cruising speed with an impressive 500mile (800km) range with reserves – which is much further than some competitors.
6
6
6
