HILL HELICOPTER HX50 THE LIGHT HELICOPTER REVOLUTION IS HERE

KWWSV ZZZ \RXWXEH FRP ZDWFK"Y .5D$L&D$YG0

The arrival of Hill Helicopter’s HX50 is set to shake up the world of general aviation, with some of the most interesting technological developments seen in decades. Billed as the world’s first truly private helicopter, the HX50 will be able to carry five passengers and their luggage in the sort of comfort and style you would expect to find in a Grand Tourer.

What began as a youthful passion for helicopters on the part of Jason Hill, led to his career in aeronautical engineering, starting his own company and eventually launching this pioneering project to completely reimagine light helicopter design, to produce a best-of-breed personal helicopter. Thirteen years later, with the contribution of dedicated research and development by a hand-picked team of industry specialists, drawn from a wide range of engineering disciplines, the HX50 is making a name for itself in the world of iconic British design.

The exterior is all about futuristic, elegant, sculpted contours and a revolutionary aerodynamic design that will give the HX50 the edge in performance, attested to by specs like cruise speed of 140 knots, 500 SHP and maximum range of 700 nm, achieved by designing the whole aircraft to minimise drag and maximise efficiency.

The interior features panoramic windows and skylights, luxury leather seating, with details like elevated rear seats, to give maximum visibility. Flight controls have been redesigned for ease of use, as has every aspect of the HX50. Instrument panels are designed in a way that does not unnecessarily obscure the pilot’s view. In fact, even the GT50 turboshaft engine has been purpose-built and engineered from the ground up and developed in parallel with the helicopter.

The HX50 is intended to be the pilot’s dream helicopter. Beyond its ground-breaking exterior, interior and engine design, there is another important feature that deserves to be highlighted; the HDC, Hill’s digital cockpit, which represents the future of VFR helicopter flying, the object being to make flying as simple, convenient and intuitive as driving a car. A single pilot interface where every element is close to hand and easy to see gives control over every system, with full integration of iPad-based navigation and flight planning apps. The idea is that the pilot receives a clear, graphical display of flight information as and when it is needed, making things simpler, reducing the workload and ensuring maximum safety.

Other features such as superior synthetic vision and enhanced situational awareness, along with an advanced haptic control system and Hill’s own Active Safety Management system go far beyond what is usually available to light helicopter pilots. In fact, this is a complete rethink of how pilots and passengers interact with their aircraft and it signals a simplified but exhilarating flying experience, unmatched by any other aircraft. It is not surprising that there is a real buzz around the HX50, a helicopter that is eagerly and attentively awaited.