A Cornish manufacturer is working on a trailblazing new luxury helicopter project described as an “Elon Musk-style” disrupter for the aviation business.
, based in Saltash near Plymouth, is using extensive experience in closed-mould and infusion process technology to design and manufacture tooling and components for the high-performance composite fuselage of the HX50 helicopter.
The whirlybird is the latest project of Staffordshire’s Hill Helicopters, which describes the five-seat, turbine-powered, 500-horsepower rotorcraft is the world’s “first truly private, luxury helicopter crafted to deliver a whole new experience in safety, performance, adventure, comfort, and elegance.
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It said the newly unveiled vehicle is “disruptive” and designed by a team of hand-selected, highly skilled engineers led by aeronautics engineer Dr Jason Hill.
The firm said the HX50 is a fusion of “refined performance and artistic elegance”. Its composite structure and rotor system, optimized engine, reimagined avionics, and elevated interior design make the HX50 an “exquisite”, high-tech and high-performance personal aircraft.
“The helicopter industry has long awaited an Elon Musk-style disruption that redefines the modern helicopter. The wait is over,” said Dr Hill founder and chief executive of Hill Helicopters. “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.”
Composite Integration said that following multiple recent projects for process development and equipment design/manufacture in the aerospace sector, this project provides an excellent platform to demonstrate the company’s capabilities.
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Founded in 2002, Composite Integration has a proven track record of delivering new technologies, processes and production solutions into a wide variety of global sectors including aerospace, renewable energy, marine and automotive.
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.
In just 18 years, Composite Integration has grown from a two-person start-up to a £5million turnover, 30-plus person company specializing in the design and manufacture of equipment and tooling for composites manufacture.
It also has a strong research and technology profile and is currently running multiple multi-year collaborative funded and commercial R&T programmes. The company moved for the fourth time to new fully-refitted premises in Saltash in August 2019.
Hill Helicopters said its mission is to “fully disrupt the general aviation market with a completely revolutionary new private aircraft design”.