New Horizon Aircraft has advanced the dual-use certification pathway for its hybrid-electric Cavorite X7 VTOL aircraft through its ongoing partnership with Cert Center Canada (3C), Canada’s only independent flight test and certification design approval organisation approved by Transport Canada.
Horizon said the Cavorite X7 has been designed from the outset for both civilian and military applications, recognising growing demand for high-speed, lower-noise VTOL aircraft capable of supporting a wide range of commercial and defence missions.
By working closely with 3C during the early design stages, Horizon has integrated dual-use certification requirements directly into the aircraft’s development programme. The collaboration draws on 3C’s experience across both military and civilian aviation projects.
3C founder Dr John Maris said dual-use certification requires compliance with both military and civilian standards, alongside specialised testing for military operational environments. He added that Horizon had carefully designed the Cavorite X7 to meet these requirements and said 3C was proud to support the project from its earliest stages through to future commercial and military development.
The development comes as Canada increases its focus on national security and domestic aerospace capability under its Defence Industrial Strategy launched in February 2026, which prioritises the procurement of Canadian-built aircraft and technologies.
