- News
- Feb 28, 2024
- 3 min read
Heli-Expo 2024: Orders for Hill HX50 and HC50 Helicopters Exceed 1,200
British aviation company Hill Helicopters has unveiled what it says is the world’s first fully private helicopter.
Several days after the first run of its proprietary GT50 gas turbine engine, Hill Helicopters unveiled a mock-up of its HX50 helicopter at Heli-Expo 2024. Hill founder and CEO Jason Hill admitted that he was overwhelmed by the positive response the helicopter received at Heli-Expo 2024.
“We seem to be quite popular,” he said with some understatement as he stood in front of the mock-up, surrounded by visitors climbing into the luxurious cabin. Hill said the combined order book for the $747,000 owner-built HX50 variant and the $910,210 certified HC50 variant had reached 1,268 units. He expects to leave with even more orders, but stressed that the main purpose of attending Heli-Expo was to raise the company’s marketing profile. Hill also plans to appear at upcoming shows later this year, including Sun ’n Fun and EAA AirVenture.
According to Hill, Hill Helicopters’ efforts have recently focused on engine development and securing a lease for a new development center, allowing its various operations to be consolidated. Hill described the engine’s first run as successful and said the company plans to use its test rig to test fuel combustion and refine the spray pattern of the fuel injectors to achieve maximum efficiency and stability. Engine testing will continue through the summer.
The five-seat, carbon-fiber HX50 has target specifications including a cruise speed of 140 knots, a maximum range of 700 nautical miles and a useful load of 1,760 pounds. Equipment includes leather seats, climate control, a digital cockpit, a two-axis autopilot, retractable or skid landing gear, and several color options.
Several days after the first run of its proprietary GT50 gas turbine engine, Hill Helicopters unveiled a mock-up of its HX50 helicopter at Heli-Expo 2024. Hill founder and CEO Jason Hill admitted that he was overwhelmed by the positive response the helicopter received at Heli-Expo 2024.
“We seem to be quite popular,” he said with some understatement as he stood in front of the mock-up, surrounded by visitors climbing into the luxurious cabin. Hill said the combined order book for the $747,000 owner-built HX50 variant and the $910,210 certified HC50 variant had reached 1,268 units. He expects to leave with even more orders, but stressed that the main purpose of attending Heli-Expo was to raise the company’s marketing profile. Hill also plans to appear at upcoming shows later this year, including Sun ’n Fun and EAA AirVenture.
According to Hill, Hill Helicopters’ efforts have recently focused on engine development and securing a lease for a new development center, allowing its various operations to be consolidated. Hill described the engine’s first run as successful and said the company plans to use its test rig to test fuel combustion and refine the spray pattern of the fuel injectors to achieve maximum efficiency and stability. Engine testing will continue through the summer.
Sponsored by Jet24 global
The five-seat, carbon-fiber HX50 has target specifications including a cruise speed of 140 knots, a maximum range of 700 nautical miles and a useful load of 1,760 pounds. Equipment includes leather seats, climate control, a digital cockpit, a two-axis autopilot, retractable or skid landing gear, and several color options.
Popular tags:
