Designer Of New HX50 Expects First Model To Deliver In 2023
Hill Helicopters is promoting an all-new helicopter design — the HX50. The 5-seat, turbine-powered, 500-horsepower rotorcraft is touted to ‘deliver a whole new experience in safety, performance, adventure, comfort, and elegance.’
Designed by a team led by aeronautical engineer Dr. Jason Hill, Ph.D., the HX50 utilizes a composite structure and rotor system, along with an optimized engine, reimagined avionics, and elevated interior design.
“The helicopter industry has long awaited an Elon Musk-style disruption that redefines the modern helicopter. The wait is over,” says Hill, founder and CEO of Hill Helicopters.
“The only way to create something that is truly ground breaking is to design from the ground up, giving equal focus to aerospace design, performance, and safety as well as to the artistic and experiential aspects, including comfort, ergonomics, intuitive technology, and luxury. The HX50 brings all of this together to deliver a truly unique aircraft and experience.”
The HX50’s anticipated performance and characteristics are promised to be impressive…
- Gross Weight: 3,630 lbs (1650 kg)
- Empty Weight: 1,870 lbs (850 kg)
- Payload: 1,760 lbs (800 kg)
- Cargo: 60 lbs (27 kg)
- Fuel: 700 lbs (317 kg)
- Length: 32 feet (9.8 m)
- Width: 5 feet (1.6 m)
- SHP: 500 HP
- T/O Power: 440 HP
- Continuous Power: 400 HP
- Max Cruise Speed: 140 kts (at max gross weight up to 10,000 feet)
- Fuel Burn: 35 gph at 140 kts; 22 gph at 110 kts
- Capacity: 5 people, including pilot
The HX50 is currently in the advanced design phase, with three prototypes scheduled to begin flight testing in 2022. Optimistically,; the first deliveries are anticipated to take place in 2023.
A 20-year helicopter pilot, Dr. Hill founded Hill Helicopters to design the ideal personal luxury helicopter that blends the latest safety and efficient performance technology with a truly luxurious and high-tech experience.
He received his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from Aston University and a Ph.D. in aeronautics from Canfield University. After building considerable helicopter engineering experience at GKN Westland (now Leonardo) he founded Dynamiq Engineering, delivering engineering analysis, design, product and technology development to clients across the engineering industry. With hand-picked engineers from Dynamiq Engineering and beyond, Hill formed Hill Helicopters and the company remains fully owned by Hill, allowing his team complete creative control to meet ambitious designs and timelines.
FMI: www.hillhelicopters.com
