World's First Fan In-Wing Transition Flight By Cavorite X7 The Cavorite X7 is perhaps one of the only eVTOL type aircraft in existence that has this unique fan-arrangement. Instead of having the fans mounted on the outside of the wing with actuating nacelles that promote transition to flight, it has its fans mounted inside the wing itself. This means the forward and aft shell of the wing has to split to reveal the fans on the inside of the wing and canards. Horizon Aircraft has achieved the world's-first fan-in-wing transition flight recently.
There are 14 fans embedded in the structures- two in each forward canard and five in each main wing-. The Cavorite X7 is really just a conventional aircraft that happens to be able to take off and land vertically. There is even a pusher-prop at the back to aid in forward flight after transitioning from hover status. The craft uses its battery-powered fans to lift during take off and landing phases and then a gas-powered turbine engine powers the rear pusher-prop. That turbine would also serve to charge the batteries for the energy-intensive wing and canard fans. In fact Horizon Aircraft is expecting the batteries to be topped up by time you reach your destination for landing.
The Cavorite can also land conventionally but has the added advantage of landing vertically in any location that can suitably fit the aircraft's 38-foot fuselage and 50-foot wingspan. Onboard there is capacity seating for up to six passengers and a pilot. With a maximum gross weight of approximately 5,500 lbs , the Cavorite can haul up to 1,500 lbs of cargo for vertical takeoffs, or 1,800 lbs on conventional runway departures.
Speaking of Cargo, the aircraft is being marketed for a variety of roles not just the typical commercial air taxi jaunts around the city. Marketing suggest that air taxi, medevac/air ambulance and defense applications. Additionally because it can operate as a conventional aircraft, the Cavorite X7 will be rated for both instrument flight rules (IFR) and visual flight rules (VFR) operations. This means the aircraft will be able to fly in most weather conditions; even in icing conditions. This would be a first for an aircraft of its class to be able to operate in icing conditions. For more information: Horizon Aircraft, Inc. 3187 Highway 35 Lindsay, Ontario www.horizonaircraft.com ***
