The Standard 2-Axis Autopilot

At its core, a helicopter autopilot uses a sophisticated computer and a series of actuators on the flight controls to provide stability and reduce pilot workload. The HX50 comes standard with a powerful 2-axis autopilot, which is a significant leap forward in safety and comfort for any pilot.

This system places actuators on the cyclic control (the stick that governs the helicopter's attitude). It expertly manages the aircraft's pitch (nose up/down) and bank (rolling left/right), holding the helicopter in a stable, level attitude.

The Key Benefit is that it counteracts the helicopter's natural instability. In high-workload situations - navigating busy airspace, flying in gusty winds, or managing other in-flight tasks - the 2-axis autopilot acts as a tireless co-pilot, maintaining stability and giving you the mental space to focus on the bigger picture.

Unlocking Full Potential with a 4-Axis Autopilot

For those who desire the ultimate in automation and safety, the optional 4-axis autopilot is a true game-changer. This system expands its control to all three primary flight controls: the cyclic, the collective, and the anti-torque pedals. This complete authority unlocks a new realm of capabilities.

By adding an actuator to the collective, the autopilot can now manage power, allowing it to hold a precise altitude and airspeed. By controlling the pedals, it also manages yaw, keeping the aircraft perfectly coordinated at all times.

With the 4-axis system engaged, you can simply programme your desired altitude and cruise speed on the IPI (Integrated Pilot Interface). The helicopter will then climb, descend, accelerate, or decelerate to meet your commands smoothly and precisely.

Advanced Safety & Automation

Upgrading to the 4-axis system is about more than just convenience, it's about integrating a suite of intelligent safety features that actively protect you and your passengers. While some features will be available at launch, the hardware is capable of much more, which will be rolled out via free software updates as they are certified.

• Automated Hover, Takeoff, and Landing: Imagine executing a perfect, stable hover or a smooth, automated takeoff and landing with the press of a button. The 4-axis system can manage these critical phases of flight, dramatically reducing workload in confined areas or challenging conditions.
• Revolutionary Emergency Assistance: In the unlikely event of pilot incapacitation, an emergency button can be activated. The system will automatically select the nearest suitable airport, communicate with air traffic control, fly a perfect approach, and land the helicopter safely on the runway.
• Intelligent Autorotation Support: In the event of an engine failure, the system instantly reacts. It will lower the collective to maintain vital rotor inertia, potentially faster than a human pilot, and then perfectly manage rotor RPM throughout the descent. This allows the pilot to focus solely on steering the aircraft to a safe landing spot, dramatically reducing workload in a high-stress scenario.
• Smart Yaw & Gust Control: The system preemptively applies the necessary pedal inputs during transitions between hover and forward flight, resulting in exceptionally smooth and stable control. It also reacts instantly to wind gusts, making corrections faster than humanly possible and keeping the helicopter perfectly stable.
• Haptic Feedback Envelope Protection: This intelligent system provides tactile feedback through the flight controls to prevent you from exceeding the aircraft's limits. For example, as you approach a torque limit while lifting a heavy load, the collective will physically stiffen and even vibrate, providing intuitive, non-visual cues that you are nearing a performance boundary.