At Hill Helicopters, we're not just designing a new helicopter; we're fundamentally rethinking the manufacturing process from the ground up. Our philosophy? Become a world-class manufacturer before becoming a helicopter company.

Our philosophy? Become a world-class manufacturer before becoming a helicopter company.

Hill Helicopters: Revolutionizing Manufacturing First

For too long, the dream of owning and flying a personal helicopter has remained just that for many – a dream, drifting further away due to stagnant innovation and spiralling costs.

General Aviation market has seen a decline, not because the desire to fly diminished, but because the accessibility and affordability of suitable aircraft did.

Making the Dream of Flight an Achievable Reality

Affordable: HX50's Approach to Helicopter Ownership

A unique characteristic of the HX50 experience is our customer Build School – an immersive program designed not just to deliver an aircraft, but to empower you with unparalleled knowledge and insight.

A unique characteristic of the HX50 experience is our Build School – an immersive program designed to empower the owner with unparalleled knowledge and insight.

The Build School: Know Your Aircraft, Inside and Out

How the Build School Creates a Safer, More Knowledgeable Pilot-Owner 

The HX50 helicopter undeniably turns heads with its strikingly beautiful design. However, for owner-operators, its most captivating feature is something less visible but far more impactful: its performance.

But how have we engineered a helicopter that significantly outpaces its comparable counterparts? The answer lies in a fundamental rethinking of helicopter aerodynamics.

How have we engineered a helicopter that significantly outpaces its comparable counterparts? The answer lies in a fundamental rethinking of helicopter aerodynamics.

How the HX50 Redefines Helicopter Performance

One of the questions we're most frequently asked is about the "why" and "how" behind our approach to the HX50. 

The answer lies in understanding what General Aviation once was and what we believe it can become again. It's about creating an aircraft that doesn't just fly, but truly soars into the 21st century, meeting the desires of today's pilots.

One of the questions we're most frequently asked is about the "why" and "how" behind our approach to the HX50.

A New Era for General Aviation

Why We're Building the HX50 the Way We Are

Flying is about freedom, precision, and confidence. In today's world, pilots expect technology that enhances, not hinders, that experience. 

At Hill Helicopters, we're not just building an aircraft; we're crafting a seamless extension of the pilot.

A Deep Dive into the Hill Digital Cockpit

Here at Hill, we needed a way to define the precise journey – the 'route' – each component takes, from raw billet to finished, inspected, and packed part. 

Job Tracking & Laser Etching System

Real-Time Job Tracking & Laser Etching System

At the heart of groundbreaking engine development lies the precision of investment casting. And the foundation of every great casting? A perfect wax pattern. 

Why Our New In-House Wax 3D Printer is a Game-Changer

Helicopter sound is a critical aspect of the flight experience – both for those onboard and the environment below. When we originally designed the HX50's tail rotor, its tip speed matched that of the main rotor. 

However, we identified an opportunity to push the boundaries further and achieve the lowest possible noise level for this aircraft.

We have been working on improving the HX50's tail rotor, specifically optimising its design for reduced noise while maintaining peak performance.

Refining the Tail Rotor for Quieter Flight

At PC1, our first AMA of 2025 set the stage for a new era of in‐house manufacturing. 

Every GT50 and HX50 component is now made under the same roof— from advanced composite laminating and precision aerospace casting to state-of-the-art machining.

At PC1, our first AMA of 2025 set the stage for a new era of in‐house manufacturing.

Recap February's HX50 Monthly Update & AMA

We're thrilled to announce another milestone in our journey: production of our state-of-the-art composite main rotor blades is set to begin right here at PC1 in just three weeks!

Exciting news! After completing intensive design and simulation phases, production of our composite main rotor blades starts in just three weeks.

From Blueprint to Blade

Rotor Blades' Production Begins in 3 Weeks!

The iterative cycle – build, test, find problems, fix, re-test – is the core of our development process. From testing the starter generator system to refining the gearbox test rig, every element is being scrutinised to deliver a reliable and efficient engine. 

From testing the starter generator system to refining the gearbox test rig, every element is being scrutinised to deliver a reliable and efficient engine.

GT50 Engine Developments

If you missed the live stream, don’t worry! You can watch the full recording here and stay informed about all the latest developments from Hill Helicopters.

Stay up to date with the latest HX50 Monthly Update & AMA, streamed live on February 27, 2025 from the Hill Helicopters Production Centre One.

HX50 Monthly Update & AMA - February 27

At the heart of innovation in helicopter design stands Jason Hill’s groundbreaking vision for the HX50—a machine that isn’t just built to fly but built to inspire. A key driver behind this transformative project is Henry Morshead, Chief Designer at Hill Helicopters.

At the heart of innovation in helicopter design stands Jason Hill’s groundbreaking vision for the HX50—a machine that isn’t just built to fly but built to inspire.

Reshaping Helicopter Design

Jason joined former fighter pilot John Ramstead on HangarX Studios, a podcast that explores innovation in all things cutting edge in aerospace and vertical takeoff, featuring guests such as aviation experts, pilots, financiers, military leaders, and innovators of all types.

HangarX Studios Interview with Jason Hill

When it comes to installing a turbine engine in the back of a composite helicopter, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring fire safety. Over the past few weeks, we’ve been doing rigorous tests on various candidate materials for the HX50 firewall, designed to protect the HX50's sensitive composite structures from heat and fire hazards.

When it comes to installing a turbine engine in the back of a composite helicopter, one of the biggest challenges is ensuring fire safety.

HX50 Firewall

“What a journey it’s been. From three small development centres in Rugeley to a cavernous, empty unit in Stafford to a completely vertically integrated production facility capable of producing essentially every part of HX50 from raw materials at a price that will stir General Aviation back into life.” - Jason

Recap December's HX50 Monthly Update & Ama

We’re starting the year off strong with exciting progress on the GT50 engine and HX50 helicopter development. 

Starter Generator and Gearbox Update

Stay up to date with the latest HX50 Monthly Update & AMA, streamed live on December 5, 2024 from the new Hill Helicopters Production Centre One.

Latest News & Stories

Why Hill Became a Manufacturer First

Affordable: HX50's Approach to Helicopter Ownership

How the Build School Creates a Safer, More Knowledgeable Pilot-Owner

How the HX50 Redefines Helicopter Performance

Why We're Building the HX50 the Way We Are

A Deep Dive into the Hill Digital Cockpit

Real-Time Job Tracking & Laser Etching System

Why Our New In-House Wax 3D Printer is a Game-Changer

Refining the Tail Rotor for Quieter Flight

Recap February's HX50 Monthly Update & AMA

Rotor Blades' Production Begins in 3 Weeks!

GT50 Engine Developments

HX50 Monthly Update & AMA - February 27

Reshaping Helicopter Design

HangarX Studios Interview with Jason Hill

HX50 Firewall

Recap December's HX50 Monthly Update & Ama

Starter Generator and Gearbox Update

HX50 Monthly Update & AMA - December 5, 2024

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