Hill Helicopters is the world’s first truly private helicopter. Hill Helicopters is designing the striking HX50 from the component level up. In addition to designing a futuristic and glamorous-looking airframe, the manufacturer is developing its own 500-horsepower turbine engine (the GT50) to power the aircraft, and creating its own avionics suite (the Hill Digital Cockpit). Hill Helicopters’ mission is to fully disrupt the general aviation market with a revolutionary aircraft design.

Technology has advanced so much since light helicopters were last being designed that it is now possible to build a turbine engine that offers high performance at a reasonable price point – this is one of the reasons behind Hill’s decision to go this route. Piston and diesel engines were researched, but were found to be lacking. Have a look at why other types of engines proved unsuitable, and what led to the opportunity to deliver a modern, electronically controlled, efficient small turbine.