UK start up Hill Helicopters has unveiled its new rotorcraft the HX50. The five-seat, turbine-powered, 500-horsepower machine has been crafted to deliver safety, performance, adventure, comfort and elegance.

Designed by a team of engineers led by Jason Hill, the HX50 features a composite structure and rotor system, an optimised engine, reimagined avionics and elevated interior design.

“The helicopter industry has long awaited an Elon Musk-style disruption that redefines the modern helicopter. The wait is over,” says founder and CEO Hill. “The only way to create something that is truly groundbreaking is to design from the ground up, giving equal focus to aerospace design, performance and safety as well as to the artistic and experiential aspects, including comfort, ergonomics, intuitive technology and luxury. The HX50 brings all of this together to deliver a truly unique aircraft and experience.”

The HX50 is currently in the advanced design phase, with three prototypes scheduled to begin flight testing in 2022. The first deliveries are anticipated to take place in 2023.

A 20-year helicopter pilot, Hill founded Hill Helicopters to design a personal luxury helicopter that blends the latest safety and efficient performance technology with a luxurious and high-tech experience. After building considerable helicopter engineering experience at GKN Westland, now Leonardo, he later founded Dynamiq Engineering. With hand-picked engineers from Dynamiq Engineering, Hill Helicopters is fully-owned by Jason Hill, allowing his team complete creative control to meet ambitious designs and timelines.