Horizon Aircraft Selects BETA Technologies' Fly-by-Wire System for Cavorite X7 VTOL
Horizon Aircraft has chosen BETA Technologies to supply the advanced flight control computer for its full-scale hybrid-electric Cavorite X7 VTOL aircraft. BETA's Fly-by-Wire (FBW) platform is designed for modern VTOL types, features DAL-A certification capability, and supports certification pathways under FAA, Transport Canada, and EASA regulations.
Highlights
- Horizon Aircraft selected BETA Technologies as the flight control computer (FCC) supplier for the full-scale hybrid-electric Cavorite X7 VTOL aircraft.
- BETA's Fly-by-Wire platform achieves DAL-A — the highest development assurance level recognized by the FAA and international regulators.
- The FCC supports certification pathways under FAA Part 21.17(b), Part 23, Part 25, Transport Canada, and EASA standards.
- Horizon Aircraft will use the same FCC hardware as BETA's own fleet, enabling shared economies of scale and lower component costs.
- BETA stated the FBW architecture is designed to support future integration of mission control features for autonomous flight operations.
Horizon Aircraft has announced the selection of BETA Technologies as the advanced flight control computer (FCC) supplier for its full-scale hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, the Cavorite X7.
Fly-by-Wire Integration Plan
According to a press release from Horizon Aircraft, the Cavorite X7 will integrate BETA's Fly-by-Wire (FBW) flight control hardware and customized software. BETA's FBW platform is purpose-built for modern VTOL aircraft, incorporating safety-critical software, system redundancy architecture, and a flexible system design intended to support reliable aircraft operation.
The flight control computer developed by BETA supports multiple certification pathways, including FAA Part 21.17(b) powered-lift, Part 23, and Part 25 airworthiness standards, as well as future international regulatory frameworks covering Transport Canada and EASA requirements.
Shared Scale Benefits and Reduced Manufacturing Costs
Because Horizon Aircraft will use the same FCC hardware as BETA's own fleet, both companies can benefit from shared economies of scale, reducing component costs and improving manufacturing efficiency.
DAL-A Highest Safety Assurance Capability
BETA has in-house capability to develop hardware and software to Development Assurance Level A (DAL-A) — the most stringent level recognized by the FAA and international regulators, applicable to systems where reliability is mission-critical.
BETA stated: "The FBW architecture also provides customers the ability to seamlessly integrate mission control features in the future to support autonomous flight operations. Along with electric motors and battery systems, BETA's flight control computer represents the continued expansion of our component portfolio for OEMs in the advanced air mobility and aerospace industries."
About the Cavorite X7
The Cavorite X7 is Horizon Aircraft's full-scale hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, positioned within the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector. It combines vertical take-off and landing capability with long-range flight performance. This partnership with BETA Technologies is expected to strengthen the aircraft's competitiveness in flight control system safety and its overall certification progress.
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