Horizon picks Beta to supply FBW controls for Cavorite X7

Canadian developer cites VTOL-specific architecture and cost synergies for selection.

Canada’s Horizon Aircraft has selected US firm – and notional rival – Beta Technologies to provide the flight-control system for its developmental Cavorite X7 aircraft.

Announced on 9 July, the agreement covers the supply of flight-control computers, software, and fly-by-wire (FBW) controls for development and certification activities.

While the software will be customised to Horizon’s requirements, the hardware is identical to that used by Beta in its Alia A250 electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

The Cavorite X7 is also a VTOL design, albeit with a hybrid-electric powertrain and a significantly different architecture to the lift-and-cruise Alia.

“Flight controls are at the heart of our aircraft, so the process of selecting a flight-control partner was done methodically,” says Tom Brassington, chief technology officer at Horizon.

“We were attracted to Beta because of their sophisticated VTOL-specific FBW platform, a shared engineering philosophy, and the ability to support the rigorous long-term programme requirements of aircraft certification.”

Because Horizon will use the same hardware as Beta’s own fleet, the two companies will benefit from shared economies of scale, reducing component costs.

Horizon hopes to fly its first Cavorite X7 prototype in 2027, albeit this is likely to be in a conventional take-off configuration for development purposes.

For Beta, the deal with Horizon is the latest supply arrangement with another developer in the sector, having previously attracted Eve as a customer for its electric motors.

Follow FlightGlobal Focus on Spotify to catch our recent conversation with Horizon Aircraft’s chief executive Brandon Robinson.