Canada-based aerospace engineering company and developer Horizon Aircraft has appointed Phil Kelly as senior vice president business development.

Kelly's illustrious career in aerospace spans four decades, from his strike fighter experience in flying Sea Harrier FA2 and Harrier GR7/9A aircraft to his last role as Head Carrier Strike and Maritime Aviation in the Develop directorate of NCHQ, where he led aircraft development for the UK Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

With 25 years' experience of flying military aircraft, including the Harrier Jump Jet, with its unique vertical take off and landing capabilities, Kelly brings invaluable first-hand operational insight to the Horizon team. His familiarity and in-depth understanding of VTOL aircraft and the optimisation of new technologies, and the human factors that need to be considered, will greatly enhance the company's development process ahead of the launch of its Cavorite X7, a manned seven seat hybrid eVTOL.

CEO Brandon Robinson says: “Phil is a fantastic addition to our team. His career flying military fighter jets speaks for itself, and his personal experience of flying military VTOLs will be invaluable as we continue with the development and testing of our Cavorite X7 aircraft. Phil's former roles as head of aircraft development in the UK Royal Navy and Royal Marines will help us to identify new opportunities around future collaboration and revenue generation.”

Kelly comments: “Horizon Aircraft is unique. After a decade of developing, upgrading and introducing VTOL aircraft into service with the Royal Navy from F-35B to helicopters, I was looking to use my experience with an outstanding global leader in aerospace. I have found that in Horizon Aircraft, which has a truly innovative and technologically sound approach.

“The Cavorite X7 is an exceptional aircraft from concept and patented lift systems through to operational use cases. It has no competitors in what it can offer; a hybrid eVTOL with high speed and long range capabilities. It will transform sectors from regional mobility to medical services at range. It is an exciting time to join the team at Horizon, as flight testing is well underway.”

Horizon Aircraft's Cavorite X7 aircraft will have a gross weight of around 5,500lbs with a projected useful load of 1,500lbs. With an estimated maximum speed of 250 mph and an average range of over 500 miles with fuel reserves, Horizon believes that once licensed for commercial use, the aircraft would be well-positioned to excel in medical evacuation, critical supply delivery, disaster relief and special military missions. The company believes that the proposed aircraft would also be attractive for regional air mobility, moving people and cargo 50 to 500 miles.

The Cavorite X7 is being designed with a hybrid electric power system. The company is continuing the testing of its 50 per cent-scale aircraft that it believes will reduce technical risk moving forward as it continues to develop its full-scale aircraft.