Oct 14 (Reuters) - Horizon Aircraft has agreed

to buy Pratt & Whitney Canada's PT6A engine for its hybrid

vertical takeoff aircraft, it said on Tuesday.

The Canada-based electric vertical takeoff and landing

aircraft (eVTOL) firm will integrate the engine, which powers

thousands of commuter, agricultural, and business aircraft

globally, into its Cavorite X7 aircraft.

While U.S. air-taxi firms like Joby and Archer

Aviation ( ACHR ) have put much of their focus on all-electric

models, Horizon is betting on hybrid-electric technology.

Horizon is also planning to produce the aircraft for

customers including emergency services and defense companies,

apart from commercial operators.

Hybrid aircraft offer operational advantages over

all-electric designs, including using warm air from the engine

for de-icing and cabin heating, CEO Brandon Robinson told

Reuters.

The aircraft's battery array can recharge en route within

minutes, allowing for a full charge during the landing phase, he

said.

The Cavorite X7 can carry up to seven passengers and

travel up to 800 km.

Horizon plans to have certified aircraft in production prior

to 2030.

EVTOL firms, including air taxi operators, are racing to

secure approvals, strengthen their supplier base and bring their

vehicles to market, aiming to meet the growing demand for

faster, more sustainable urban transportation.

Pratt & Whitney Canada is a subsidiary of U.S.-based defense

contractor RTX.

Horizon Aircraft has a market value of about $150 million as

of its closing price on Monday, according to data compiled by

LSEG.