Autonomous vehicles have captured the imagination of consumers in recent years, with significant investments from companies like Tesla (NASDAQ: TSLA) pushing the technology forward. However, the aviation industry is also approaching an autonomous revolution, with the market for autonomous aircraft projected to be worth some $22.71 billion by 2030.
Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR), led by CEO Brandon Robinson, is one of the companies at the forefront of this transformation. The company is developing the Cavorite X7, a hybrid electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. In a recent interview with Benzinga, Robinson, a former CF-18 fighter pilot, discussed the role of autonomous technology in aviation and Horizon's strategy for leading this innovation.
Commercial aircraft already exhibit some level of autonomy, with many capable of flying and landing without human intervention. Despite this, two pilots are still required in the cockpit. Robinson emphasized the complexity and unforgiving nature of the air environment, stating, "There are many unforeseen circumstances that often arise, and it has been historically important to have a human in control of the aircraft to properly analyze the myriad of possibilities and prioritize safety."
While the complete elimination of pilots is not imminent, Robinson predicts that within a decade, human pilots may be trained only for remote monitoring roles. He noted, "Many commercial aircraft are largely completely autonomous now, with several able to fly the majority of the route, land, and stop on the runway without any human pilot intervention."
In the medium term, Horizon Aircraft is focusing on piloted aircraft, recognizing that customer comfort and trust are critical. The Cavorite X7, equipped with advanced sensors and fly-by-wire systems, is designed to facilitate a smooth transition to autonomy when the time is right. The eVTOL can take off and land vertically and reconfigure its wings to fly like a traditional aircraft, using Horizon's patented HOVR Wing technology.
Looking further ahead, Robinson envisions a future where autonomous air taxis become as routine as taking an Uber (NYSE: UBER). Urban air travel offers massive potential benefits, including bypassing ground traffic and reducing congestion. Robinson explained that the ability to keep aircraft separated at different altitudes enhances safety and efficiency compared to road travel.
Horizon’s Cavorite X7 has shown promising results in hover and slow forward flight. The current flight-testing program aims to achieve higher speeds and reach "transition speed," allowing the wings to reconfigure. Earlier this year, Horizon announced several technical updates, including the validation of its patent-pending yaw control system and the commencement of production and testing of its full-scale core vertical lifting fan technology.
Robinson expressed confidence in the company's progress, stating, "We’re now seeing technology and advanced air mobility companies mature to the point that this optimism can be justified."
For more insights into the developments at Horizon Aircraft, watch the complete interview with Benzinga here.
