Days after firing up its proprietary GT50 turbine engine for the first time, Hill Helicopters brought a mockup of its HX50 helicopter to Heli-Expo 2024. Hill founder and CEO Jason Hill told AIN that he was overwhelmed with the positive response the helicopter has received at the show.
“We seem to be quite popular,” he said in something of an understatement, standing in front of the mockup that was ringed by onlookers hopping in and out of the luxury-automotive-style cockpit.
Hill said the combined order book for the owner-built, $747,000 HX50 and certifiable, $910,210 HC50 variant had reached 1,268 coming into Heli-Expo and that he expected to leave with more. However, he emphasized that the main purpose of attending Heli-Expo was to increase the company’s marketing visibility. Hill also plans to display at upcoming shows later this year, including Sun ‘n Fun and EAA AirVenture.
According to Hill, efforts of late centered on the engine and closing a lease on a new development center, the latter allowing the consolidation of various operations.
Hill characterized the first engine fire-up as a success and said the company planned to use its combustion test rig to refine fuel nozzle spray patterns for maximum efficiency and stability. Testing of the engine will continue through the summer.
The carbon-fiber, five-seat HX50 has performance targets of a 140-knot cruise speed, 700-nm maximum range, and 1,760 pounds of useful load. Features include leather seats, climate control, digital cockpit, two-axis autopilot, retractable or skid landing gear, and a choice of colors. Fuel bladders hold 175 U.S. gallons and sit behind the rear cabin bulkhead and ahead of another bulkhead for the capacious cargo compartment, capable of carrying three full-sized rollaway bags or multiple sets of golf clubs.