ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft Partner to Explore Hydrogen-Electric Powertrain for Regional eVTOL
Key Ideas
- ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft are collaborating to integrate a hydrogen-electric powertrain into the Cavorite X7 eVTOL for sustainable aviation.
- Horizon Aircraft is impressed with ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric propulsion systems and regulatory traction, aiming for clean and efficient air travel.
- The partnership aims to accelerate research on infrastructure and certification guidelines for a zero-emission pathway in regional air mobility.
- The Cavorite X7 features 14 lifting fans for vertical lift, transitions to wing-borne flight efficiently, and can perform both runway and vertical landings.
On July 15, 2025, ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft announced a collaboration to explore integrating a hydrogen-electric powertrain into Horizon's Cavorite X7, an eVTOL designed for regional air travel. ZeroAvia, known for its focus on sustainable aviation, sees hydrogen as a key element in reducing emissions and operational costs while minimizing aircraft noise.
The partnership involves studying ZeroAvia's ZA600 hydrogen-electric powertrain for potential integration into the Cavorite X7. Horizon Aircraft is conducting tests on a large-scale prototype of the aircraft, including hover demonstrations and transitions to wing-borne flight. The companies are also working on infrastructure and certification guidelines for zero-emission air travel.
Val Miftakhov, ZeroAvia's founder, praised Horizon Aircraft for taking a leadership role in exploring hydrogen propulsion for the Cavorite X7. Brandon Robinson, Horizon Aircraft's CEO, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to develop clean and efficient air travel solutions. The Cavorite X7's design includes 14 lifting fans for vertical takeoff, with sliding panels for efficient forward flight and the capability for both runway and vertical landings.
The overall sentiment towards the collaboration between ZeroAvia and Horizon Aircraft is positive, with a focus on advancing sustainable aviation technology and promoting zero-emission air mobility solutions.