Horizon Aircraft Unveils Key Advances for Full-Scale Cavorite X7

Rhea-AI Summary

Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ:HOVR) released technical updates for its full-scale Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric VTOL on January 21, 2026. The company said its design work follows a successful May 2025 transition flight that validated its patented fan-in-wing technology.

Key changes: 12 vertical lift fans (five per wing, one per canard) using a dual-motor redundant architecture; replacement of four smaller canard fans with two wing-size fans to standardize units; reprofiled canard and tails to reduce drag; and a slightly extended cabin with redesigned windows to improve passenger comfort.

News Market Reaction

+10.91%

14 alerts

+10.91% News Effect

+17.1% Peak in 7 hr 4 min

+$11M Valuation Impact

$109M Market Cap

1.1x Rel. Volume

On the day this news was published, HOVR gained 10.91%, reflecting a significant positive market reaction. Argus tracked a peak move of +17.1% during that session. Our momentum scanner triggered 14 alerts that day, indicating notable trading interest and price volatility. This price movement added approximately $11M to the company's valuation, bringing the market cap to $109M at that time.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Key Figures

Vertical lift fans: 12 fans Wing lift fans: 5 per wing Canard lift fans: 1 per canard +1 more

4 metrics

Vertical lift fans 12 fans Total vertical lift fans on Cavorite X7

Wing lift fans 5 per wing Distribution of vertical lift fans across wings

Canard lift fans 1 per canard Vertical lift fan count in each canard

Canard fan redesign 4 replaced by 2 Four smaller canard fans replaced with two wing-size fans

Market Reality Check

Price: $2.22 Vol: Volume 1,964,432 is above...

high vol

$2.22 Last Close

Volume Volume 1,964,432 is above the 20-day average of 1,255,902, indicating elevated trading interest ahead of/around this update. high

Technical Current price 2.20 is trading above the 200-day MA at 1.63, reflecting an uptrend in place before this announcement.

Peers on Argus

HOVR gained 2.33% while peers were mixed: MOB up 14.16%, DPRO up 3.97%, VWAV up ...

HOVR gained 2.33% while peers were mixed: MOB up 14.16%, DPRO up 3.97%, VWAV up 2.17%, OPXS roughly flat, and CODA down 3.40%. Moves do not indicate a unified sector trend.

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Jan 14 (Positive)

Pattern 5 events

Date	Event	Sentiment	Move	Catalyst
Jan 14	Business update	Positive	+5.0%	Q2 fiscal 2026 results, cash runway, and INSAT grant details.
Jan 05	Earnings date	Positive	+19.0%	Announcement of upcoming business update and Q2 2026 call.
Dec 04	Technology partnership	Positive	+5.7%	Partnership with Motion Applied for custom motor drive inverter.
Nov 26	Board/management	Positive	+3.2%	Appointment of test pilot‑astronaut Jameel Janjua to Board.
Nov 21	Product capability	Positive	+7.5%	Update on IFR and FIKI targets and INSAT grant support.

Pattern Detected

Recent news (business updates, partnerships, and strategic hires) has generally been followed by positive price reactions, suggesting investors have rewarded execution milestones on the Cavorite X7 program.

Recent Company History

Over the past few months, Horizon Aircraft has steadily highlighted progress around the Cavorite X7 program. In November 2025, it emphasized all‑weather and icing capabilities and added an experienced test pilot‑astronaut to its Board. A December 4, 2025 partnership with Motion Applied advanced the power system, and January 2026 updates detailed Q2 fiscal 2026 results, cash of over $24 million, and INSAT grant support. Today’s design and performance refinements fit this pattern of incremental technical and program milestones.

Market Pulse Summary

The stock surged +10.9% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with t...

Analysis

The stock surged +10.9% in the session following this news. A strong positive reaction aligns with the pattern of investors rewarding Horizon’s technical and program milestones, as seen after prior updates with moves of up to 19.02%. However, with shares already up 528.57% from the 52‑week low and trading above the 1.63 200‑day MA, gains could be sensitive to financing needs, execution risks on the full‑scale Cavorite X7, and any exhaustion of near‑term speculative interest.

Key Terms

vtol, vertical take-off and landing, hybrid-electric, vertical lift fans, +3 more

7 terms

vtol technical

"developer of one of the world's first hybrid-electric VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft"

VTOL stands for vertical take-off and landing and describes aircraft that can lift off and land straight up and down instead of needing a runway, like a helicopter combined with an airplane. Investors care because VTOL designs open new markets for short-range transport, air taxis, cargo delivery and defense applications, and they bring specific technical, regulatory and manufacturing risks and costs that can affect a company’s revenue potential and timeline for profits.

vertical take-off and landing technical

"one of the world's first hybrid-electric VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft"

Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) describes aircraft or vehicles that can lift off straight up and land straight down, like a helicopter, without needing a runway. Investors watch VTOL technology because it can unlock new markets, change manufacturing and operating costs, and create different regulatory and safety risks—similar to how a car that can also fly would create new sales opportunities and infrastructure needs that affect a company’s future revenue and valuation.

hybrid-electric technical

"developer of one of the world's first hybrid-electric VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft"

A hybrid-electric vehicle combines a conventional fuel engine (like gasoline or diesel) with an electric motor and battery so the two power sources share the job of moving the vehicle; think of a bicycle with both pedals and an electric assist. For investors, hybrids matter because they change fuel costs, maintenance needs, regulatory compliance and consumer demand patterns, which affect automakers’ sales, profit margins and supply chains.

vertical lift fans technical

"Vertical Lift Fans - The aircraft features a total of 12 vertical lift fans"

Vertical lift fans are rotating fans built into an aircraft or vehicle that push air downward to lift it straight up, enabling vertical takeoff, landing or hovering without a runway. Think of them like powerful, internalized ceiling fans that lift the whole machine; they matter to investors because they drive performance, safety, fuel or battery needs, certification hurdles and production costs for next‑generation air taxis, military platforms and cargo drones, all of which affect market size and profitability.

canard technical

"five in each wing and one in each canard. Replacing four smaller canard fans"

A canard is a false or misleading story, claim, or rumor that is presented as if it were true. For investors, canards matter because they can distort market perceptions, trigger unnecessary buying or selling, and affect a company’s reputation much like a loud, baseless rumor can change how neighbors view someone; spotting and verifying such claims helps prevent overreaction and poor decisions.

aerodynamic technical

"updates on the Cavorite X7 that elevate safety, aerodynamics, and cruise performance"

Aerodynamic describes how an object’s shape and design lets air flow around it to reduce resistance and control lift or downforce; think of it as how smoothly something “cuts” through air. For investors, aerodynamic qualities affect fuel or energy use, speed, noise, and safety, which in turn influence operating costs, regulatory approval, product appeal and competitive position—similar to how a cyclist tucking in saves energy and goes faster.

dual-motor architecture technical

"enabled by a redundant, dual-motor architecture powering each lift fan"

Dual-motor architecture is a vehicle or machine design that uses two separate electric motors to drive different wheels or axles, often one for the front and one for the rear. For investors, it matters because this setup can boost performance, traction and reliability—like having two engines in a boat rather than one—while also affecting manufacturing cost, energy efficiency and the product’s appeal in competitive markets.

AI-generated analysis. Not financial advice.

Company shares updates on the Cavorite X7 design, safety, aerodynamics, and cruise performance

TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / January 21, 2026 / New Horizon Aircraft Ltd. (NASDAQ:HOVR), doing business as Horizon Aircraft ("Horizon Aircraft" or the "Company"), an advanced aerospace engineering company and developer of one of the world's first hybrid-electric VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft, shares exciting technical updates on the Cavorite X7 that elevate safety, aerodynamics, and cruise performance.

Following the successful transition flight of its large-scale prototype in May 2025 that validated the Company's patented fan-in-wing technology, Horizon Aircraft has been designing and building its full-scale hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft. The Cavorite X7's refined design has been a collaboration between Horizon Aircraft's highly skilled engineering team and internationally acclaimed mobility designer, Andrea Mocellin, resulting in a design that further enhances safety while optimizing performance.

Andrea Mocellin, Cavorite X7 Sketch

The following updates have been made:

Vertical Lift Fans - The aircraft features a total of 12 vertical lift fans: five in each wing and one in each canard. Replacing four smaller canard fans with two wing-size fans standardizes all 12 units, improving manufacturing efficiency, increasing performance, and simplifying maintenance. This update was achieved without compromising safety margins, enabled by a redundant, dual-motor architecture powering each lift fan.

Aerodynamic Surface Improvements - The canard and tails have been reprofiled to lower drag, improve cruise efficiency and enhance stability.

Enhanced Passenger Experience - The Cavorite X7's cabin has been slightly extended and its windows redesigned to provide more legroom and improved sightlines, creating a more comfortable and premium experience for passengers.

Horizon Aircraft Co-Founder and CEO Brandon Robinson stated, "These technical updates are a result of our world-class engineering team's ability to effectively enhance the performance of our aircraft. We remain committed to building one of the safest, toughest, and most performant modern VTOL aircraft, and these updates further advance that mission."

For more information about Horizon Aircraft, please see the Company's website or watch its innovative technology in action on the Company's YouTube channel.

About Horizon Aircraft
Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ:HOVR) is an advanced aerospace engineering company that is developing one of the world's first hybrid-electric VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) aircraft designed to fly most of its mission in traditional wing-borne flight, offering industry-leading speed, range, and operational utility. Horizon Aircraft's unique designs put the mission first and prioritize safety and performance. Upon successful completion of testing and certification of its full-scale aircraft, Horizon Aircraft intends to scale unit production to meet expected demand from regional operators, emergency service providers, and military customers.

For further information, visit:

Website www.horizonaircraft.com
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/horizon-aircraft-inc

For further information, contact:

Investors:
Kathryn Burns
ir@horizonaircraft.com

Media:
Edwina Frawley-Gangahar
EFG Media Relations
+44 7580 174672
edwina@efgmediarelations.com

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "aim," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "target," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result" and similar expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements herein include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the targeted readiness of the full-scale hybrid Cavorite X7 eVTOL prototype for initial testing, development priorities and technical milestones; funding and liquidity sufficiency and runway; certification and testing plans; and potential production, partnership, supply chain and market opportunities.

Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) changes in the markets in which Horizon Aircraft competes, including with respect to its competitive landscape, technology evolution or regulatory changes; (ii) the risk that Horizon Aircraft will need to raise additional capital to execute its business plans, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; (iii) the lack of useful financial information for an accurate estimate of future capital expenditures and future revenue; (iv) statements regarding Horizon Aircraft's industry and market size; (v) financial condition and performance of Horizon Aircraft, including the condition, liquidity, results of operations, the products, the expected future performance and market opportunities of Horizon Aircraft; (vi) Horizon Aircraft's ability to develop, certify, and manufacture an aircraft that meets its performance expectations; (vii) successful completion of testing and certification of Horizon Aircraft's Cavorite X7 eVTOL; (viii) the targeted future production of Horizon Aircraft's Cavorite X7 aircraft; and (ix) other factors detailed by us in the Company's public filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and under the Company's profile on sedarplus.ca, including the disclosures under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2025, filed with the SEC and filed under the Company's profile on sedarplus.ca on August 22, 2025. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.

Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it assumes no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. Horizon Aircraft does not give any assurance that Horizon Aircraft will achieve its expectations.

SOURCE: Horizon Aircraft

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

FAQ

What technical changes did Horizon Aircraft announce for the Cavorite X7 (HOVR) on January 21, 2026?

Horizon announced a 12-lift-fan layout with dual-motor redundancy, standardizing fan sizes, reprofiled canard and tails to lower drag, and a slightly extended cabin with redesigned windows.

How many vertical lift fans does the Cavorite X7 (HOVR) now use?

The design features 12 vertical lift fans: five in each wing and one in each canard.

What safety architecture does the Cavorite X7 (HOVR) use for lift fans?

Each lift fan is powered by a redundant, dual-motor architecture intended to preserve safety margins.

Did Horizon Aircraft (HOVR) change the canard fan configuration for the Cavorite X7?

Yes; the company replaced four smaller canard fans with two wing-size fans to standardize units and simplify maintenance.

What aerodynamic improvements were announced for the Cavorite X7 (HOVR)?

Canard and tail surfaces were reprofiled to reduce drag, improve cruise efficiency, and enhance stability.

How did Horizon Aircraft (HOVR) describe passenger experience changes for the Cavorite X7?

The cabin was slightly extended and windows redesigned to provide more legroom and improved sightlines for a more premium experience.