Hill Helicopters

Leaders in the sector say business is on an upward trajectory after years of stagnation.

Helicopter manufacturers are beginning to turn their attention to modernizing their bestsellers.

Hill Helicopters says it will fire up its internally developed GT50 turboshaft engine for its HX/HC50 family of single-engine light helicopters this summer.

Renewed demand and new technology are prompting manufacturers to turn their attention to the lighter end of the rotorcraft market.

New orders are rolling in, buoyed by upticks in defense spending and increased demand from the public safety, air ambulance and energy sectors.

Start-up rotary-wing aircraft manufacturer Hill Helicopters has pushed the first flight of its HX50 single-engine turbine helicopter back 12 months citing the need to expand in-house manufacturing capability.

Hill Helicopters has pushed the first flight of its HX50 single-engine turbine helicopter back 12 months.

The company’s in-house-developed engine has still yet to be fired up and fully tested.

Jason Hill, founder of UK startup Hill Helicopters, has committed to achieving a first flight of the company’s HX50 turbine-powered light helicopter this year.

Hill Helicopters’ founder says the aircraft could find a role in providing advanced air mobility ahead of eVTOLs.

Hill, which will offer two models, is looking to challenge the general aviation industry by delivering a helicopter developed primarily for private ownership.