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March 19, 2021

Hill Reveals More Features for HX50 Helicopter

by Mark Huber

 - March 19, 2021, 3:44 AM

In Hill Helicopters' new HX50, the avionics system can include synthetic vision, a traffic awareness system, weather data integration, an additional radio, a navigation radio and HSI, a radar altimeter, and ATC record and replay. (Photo: Hill Helicopters)

Hill Helicopters announced a new online configurator and a variety of features and options for its new HX50 turbine single that remains under development. Interior features include in-seat electric heaters and air-conditioned seat ventilation; a refrigerated center console compartment beneath the armrest cushion to chill drinks and snacks; and a power supply for each passenger's tablet computer with audio streamed directly to passenger headsets. The audio is fully integrated with the digital cockpit and onboard audio system. Each passenger seat can be equipped to support rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats for children. 

The HX50 can also be equipped with a pilot-operable folding blade system that replaces standard lag damper pins with interlocked quick-release pins, allowing the blades to pivot around the blade roots and orient over the tail boom. Safety interlocks prevent the aircraft from being operated with the blades unlocked.

A Helimove smart ground handling system uses electric drive units in the aircraft wheels to maneuver the aircraft on the ground after engine shutdown, from either within the helicopter or via a smartphone/tablet app. Similarly, a Home Base secure wireless link enables powered hangar doors to be opened or closed from within the aircraft. The aircraft can be ordered with landing skids as opposed to wheels and an emergency float system is fully integrated into flush-fitting pockets along the fuselage and inflate within 3 seconds of activation.

An optional cargo hook system will be capable of lifting 1,764 pounds (800 kg). The system includes pilot controls, haptic power management, digital cockpit-integrated load management system, and a downward-looking camera. 

In the cockpit, the avionics system can include synthetic vision, a traffic awareness system, weather data integration, an additional radio, a navigation radio and HSI, a radar altimeter, and ATC record and replay. All HX50 aircraft will be fitted with a standard two-axis attitude-based stability augmentation system and autopilot and can be upgraded to a four-axis autopilot. 

Hill unveiled the five-seat HX50 in August. It plans to initially offer it as an amateur-built aircraft in 2023, with a certified Part 27 version—the HC50—following in 2026. List price for the kit aircraft is $662,000. The design features an all-composite, three-blade main rotor, retractable landing gear, and ducted tail rotor. Performance targets include a 140-knot cruise speed and a maximum range of 700 nm.