7 December 2023
Hill Helicopters unveiled its complete all-new single engine turbine helicopter, the HX50, last night at a special event held at the Duxford IWM.
The presentation by company founder Dr Jason Hill was livestreamed and he also announced a commercial version of the helicopter, the HC50.
The HC50 will be a fully certified helicopter with a base price of £725,000 while the HX50, aimed at private use, is a kit that can be built in ten days at Hill’s Rugeley, Staffs factory with the help of Hill engineers. Base price is £525,000.
Both helicopters share the same airframe, engine and avionics, which are all-new and developed in-house by the company.
The engine is the GT50, said to develop maximum power of 500shp. That’s only for emergencies, with 440shp available for take-off and 400shp max continuous power. Engine TBO is 5,000 hours.
The HX50/HC50 is claimed to burn 35gph, have a cruise speed of 140kt, 700nm max range and a payload of 800kg.
Hill says the HX50/HC50 is being developed using EASA CS-27 as the basis for its airworthiness approval. It will be available with either retractable wheeled undercarriage or skids, which Hill called the ‘special needs’ undercarriage.
Hill also announced he had taken a 10 acre site at Halfpenny Green Airport.
Revealed! The Hill HX50 helicopter, fitted with wheeled undercarriage
Hill HX50 with skids as undercarriage
Hill’s own engine, the GT50 turbine, said to be able to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Large, luxurious five seat cabin
The HX50/HC50 also have Hill’s own avionics with a central iPad for navigation
Dr Jason Hill
