Horizon Aircraft Selects BETA Technologies to Supply Flight Control System for Cavorite X7
Horizon Aircraft has announced a partnership with BETA Technologies, which will provide advanced flight control computers (FCC) and customized software for the Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft. BETA's Fly-By-Wire system meets the highest Development Assurance Level (DAL-A) and supports certification frameworks from the FAA, Transport Canada, and EASA. The two companies expect to share scale benefits through a common hardware platform.
Highlights
- Horizon Aircraft has selected BETA Technologies to supply flight control computers (FCC) and customized Fly-By-Wire software for the Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft.
- BETA's flight control system is certified to DAL-A, the highest Development Assurance Level, and complies with FAA Part 21.17(b), Part 23, Part 25, Transport Canada, and EASA frameworks.
- Horizon Aircraft CTO Tom Brassington cited BETA's VTOL-dedicated platform and long-term project support capability as key factors in the selection decision.
- BETA Technologies CEO Kyle Clark confirmed that Horizon will use the same FCC hardware as BETA's own fleet, enabling shared economies of scale and lower production costs.
- The partnership positions BETA Technologies as a core flight control technology supplier in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, supporting multiple aircraft developers' certification programs.
Horizon Aircraft has announced the selection of BETA Technologies to provide advanced flight control computers (FCC) and customized software for its Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. BETA Technologies has steadily expanded its aviation component portfolio in recent years, encompassing electric motors, batteries, and flight controllers across defense, cargo, and passenger transport applications.
Partnership Scope and Technical Integration
Under the agreement, BETA will integrate its Fly-By-Wire (FBW) hardware and customized software into the Cavorite X7, supporting Horizon Aircraft's ongoing research and development, flight testing, and airworthiness certification activities. BETA's flight control system is purpose-built for modern VTOL aircraft, featuring safety-critical software, redundant system architecture, and highly flexible integration interfaces.
Compliance with Rigorous Airworthiness Standards
BETA's flight control computers have been developed in accordance with multiple international airworthiness frameworks, including FAA Part 21.17(b) powered-lift rules, Part 23, Part 25, as well as relevant frameworks from Transport Canada and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The entire system has been developed to Development Assurance Level A (DAL-A)—the most stringent standard for safety-critical aviation systems—ensuring the highest level of flight safety reliability.
Statements from Leadership
Horizon Aircraft Chief Technology Officer Tom Brassington stated that the flight control system is central to both aircraft performance and airworthiness certification. He noted that BETA was selected for its VTOL-dedicated platform, shared engineering philosophy, and demonstrated ability to provide long-term project support.
BETA Technologies Founder and CEO Kyle Clark emphasized that the flight control system was designed specifically to meet the demanding industry standards applicable to powered-lift aircraft. Because Horizon will use the same FCC hardware as BETA's own fleet, both companies expect to realize shared economies of scale, further reducing development and production costs.
About the Cavorite X7
The Cavorite X7 is positioned as a hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft with a design focus on speed, range, and practical operational utility. BETA Technologies' contribution of key flight control technology underscores its continued role as a core technology supplier in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, helping multiple aircraft developers accelerate their certification timelines.
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