#ASTRO CAVORITE X5 PLUS#

Credit: Astro Aerospace/Horizon Aircraft.Sub-scale prototype as it prepares for Astro's acquisition

A rendering of the Cavorite X5 flying over skies.

We’re excited that the prototype testing is proving our unique technology is not only viable, but it will also be game changing in the industry.” “The bottom line is that we have an exceptional concept rooted in safety, versatility and operating in real-world environments. “We’re also receiving recognition from many established groups, such as the US Air Force’s AFWERX initiative which selected us as one of eight finalist companies out of more than 200 to explore high speed VTOL concepts, something for which our particular concept is uniquely suited. The mechanical systems, the structure, and aerodynamics are closely modelled on the full-scale aircraft. “We’re building the next prototype: a 50 per cent scale machine that will have a 20-foot wingspan and weigh about 500 pounds. We’re putting machines together and flying aircraft. Robinson added: “We wanted to show people that it’s not just a bunch of fancy renderings.

The team aren’t resting on their laurels though, with the hard work continuing into 2022. “So instead of a flying some quad-copter-type configuration, at its core it is simply a normal aeroplane that also can take-off and land vertically, if you choose. So, whether it’s from the video or other articles that have been published, the sentiment is that finally there is a practical eVTOL design that makes sense. We’re humbled by those who admire the design and can’t wait to see the full-scale aircraft to get in it and travel on a flight. Robinson continued: “Most of the feedback we’ve received is extremely positive.

#ASTRO CAVORITE X5 PLUS#

It has a patented fan-in-wing system and can carry four passengers plus the pilot (five people total) a distance of 500km travelling at speeds of up to 450km/h. The video posted on eVTOL Insights’ YouTube channel introduces the industry to the Cavorite X5 which Horizon says is the first eVTOL which can fly like a conventional aircraft for 98 per cent of its mission. Robinson added: “From a technical perspective, the goals of those early tests were to confirm some control logic, that our patented fan-in-wing technology is viable, and of course test aerodynamics such as early transition to forward flight.” We now have over 250 successful flight tests and will begin flight testing our larger 50 per cent scale prototype in a few months.” Seeing this 17 per cent prototype fly for the first time confirmed a lot of initial computer analysis, and helped refine the full-scale design. “It’s exciting for them to take something that was just a concept and bring it to life in the real world. This depth of experience has been pivotal to our success. It is the first time for me, but our team has a history of developing clean sheet aircraft designs. O’Neill said: “It’s an exciting journey to develop a new aircraft.

This video is the culmination of many hours of hard work from the company and eVTOL Insights spoke to Astro Aerospace President Brandon Robinson, who is also Horizon Aircraft’s co-founder and CEO, and Jason O’Neill, who is Executive VP at Astro and COO of Horizon aircraft, to get more insight into how they got to this milestone. The aircraft is being developed by Horizon Aircraft but following the company’s acquisition by Astro earlier this year, it has since become a subsidiary and the Cavorite X5 has joined Astro’s product portfolio to complement its ALTA and ELROY models. Those who attended eVTOL Insights’ last virtual networking event at the end of September will have seen first time footage of Astro Aerospace’s Cavorite X5 prototype flying.

Astro cavorite x5