Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Horizon Aircraft has announced a series of design changes to its Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft as it starts manufacturing of the first full-scale prototype, which it aims to start flight testing next year. The Canadian company released the program update on January 21, a week after reporting that it had increased liquidity to more than 24 million CAD to support planned work in 2026.
The main change is to the fan-in-wing aircraft’s vertical lift fans, with the design team—led by Andrea Mocellin—replacing four smaller canard fans with versions that are the same size as the five fans in each wing. Horizon said this standardization will improve manufacturing efficiency, increase performance, and simplify maintenance for the single-pilot X7, which is expected to carry up to six passengers with a range of 800 kilometers (432 nm) and a speed of 245 knots.
With a view to reducing drag to improve cruise efficiency and enhance stability, the Toronto-based company has also reprofiled aerodynamic surfaces in the canard and tail. The passenger cabin has been slightly extended in length to allow more legroom, with changes to the windows intended to improve sightlines.
The changes have been based on lessons learned from flight testing with a large-scale prototype conducted last year. This aircraft achieved <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-06-09/horizon-boosted-transition-flight-cavorite-vtol-demonstrator">transition flight</a> in mid-May 2025.
Announcing financial results for the second quarter of the 2026 fiscal year, the Nasdaq-listed start-up said it doubled the size of its engineering team in the 12 months through November 30, and intends to double headcount again this year. During the second quarter, Canada’s Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology awarded Horizon a $10.5 million grant to support work on its all-weather eVTOL project.
“The progress achieved during the second quarter of fiscal 2026 provides strong momentum towards completing our full-scale aircraft and commencing initial testing within the next 12 to 18 months,” said Horizon’s co-founder and CEO, Brandon Robinson. “Over the next six months, we will remain focused on expanding our world-class engineering team, scaling our supply chain, and deepening strategic partnerships that support our long-term vision.”

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Horizon Releases Details of Cavorite X7 Hybrid-electric VTOL Redesign

Main changes are to the six-passenger aircraft’s canard fans 

Horizon Aircraft has started building the first full-scale prototype of its Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft after making a series of design changes.

Horizon Releases Details of Cavorite X7 VTOL Redesign

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Aircraft features G3000 Prime avionics suite and upgraded cabin features.

TBM 980: Daher Has Unveiled The Latest Member of Its Aircraft Family

Kerry Lynch

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Several changes were made in M&A, legal, sales, support, and engineering

Bombardier Reinforces Leadership Team

Charlotte Bailey

Scale model testing to help validate hydrogen-electric business jet design

Beyond Aero Completes First H2 Bizjet Wind Tunnel Tests

Global ops finish December up 4.2%, Argus reports

Frax’s ‘Banner Year’ Helps Global Bizav Ops Finish Strong

Manufacturing facility will be next to its Challenger production plant

Bombardier Launching CA$100M Expansion in Montreal

Hanneke Weitering

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Series B financing round raised $175 million for full-size demonstrator

JetZero Tops $1 Billion in Funding for Z4 ‘All-wing’ Airliner

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

More In Aircraft

TBM 980: Daher Has Unveiled The Latest Member of Its Aircraft Family

Aircraft features G3000 Prime avionics suite and upgraded cabin features.

Bombardier Reinforces Leadership Team

Several changes were made in M&A, legal, sales, support, and engineering

Beyond Aero Completes First H2 Bizjet Wind Tunnel Tests

Scale model testing to help validate hydrogen-electric business jet design

Frax’s ‘Banner Year’ Helps Global Bizav Ops Finish Strong

Global ops finish December up 4.2%, Argus reports

Bombardier Launching CA$100M Expansion in Montreal

Manufacturing facility will be next to its Challenger production plant

JetZero Tops $1 Billion in Funding for Z4 ‘All-wing’ Airliner

Series B financing round raised $175 million for full-size demonstrator

Daher Refreshes TBM Turboprop Family with Model 980

Aircraft features G3000 Prime avionics suite and upgraded cabin features

Citation M2 Gen2 Enters Service with Garmin Autothrottle

Delivery follows FAA nod in October

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN