Inside The $750,000 Hill HX50 Private Helicopter
0:00 - Intro
This is the Hill HX50, the world's first fully private helicopter. Stay with us till the end of the video because here is everything you need to know about the Hill HX50.
0:54 - Cabin
The cabin is designed to accommodate 5 passengers. Options 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 HX50 features a 1+4 seating configuration. The space between seats measures approximately 21 inches or 53 centimeters. Seats are covered in premium leather with contrast stitching. Each passenger seat can support rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats for children.
The incorporation of materials like carbon fiber and brushed aluminum alongside the soft-touch leather suggests a harmonious balance between durability and luxury.
With a storage capacity of around 35 cubic feet or 1,000 liters, the helicopter offers enough room for golf bags, luggage, or even skiing equipment. Additional compartments in the form of overhead bins and pockets behind the seats offer space for smaller items like gadgets and personal documents.
For amenities, the HX50 features an excellent climate control system that maintains cabin temperature between 65 and 75°F or 18 and 24°C. Add to that the well-placed vents and air outlets, and a built-in entertainment system with speakers and Bluetooth connectivity.
3:20 Cockpit
Which brings us to the cockpit, a digital touch-screen wonderland that's also designed and manufactured in-house. The main instrument panel is dominated by a sprawling 17-inch glass panel display, which serves as the primary interface for flight information, engine data, and navigation. There are also two giant, 15-inch full-color dashes that can be set up in multiple modes depending on who's in the front seats, as well as a further large iPad in the middle, plumbed into the GPS, and standard two-axis autopilot systems.
The seats are spaced about 21 inches or 53 centimeters apart, and come with multi-way power adjustments. The digital cockpit display screens are intentionally positioned low so as to not obscure outside vision at an angle Hill describes as “a little below 20 degrees for most people.” A center console between the two front seats provides ample storage for beverage bottles and small snacks.
The avionics suite incorporates Synthetic Vision Technology, Traffic Advisory Systems, and real-time weather radar. The GPS navigation system is highly reliable. An integrated autopilot system facilitates a range of functionalities from basic level holding to more complex navigational tasks.
Unlike traditional helicopters, which utilize a complex array of levers and pedals, the HX50 simplifies flight controls. A distinct feature is the Force Trim system, which minimizes inadvertent control inputs, giving the pilot a smoother, more controllable flight. Throttle controls are finely tuned for precise manipulation, giving the pilot the ability to make minute adjustments effortlessly.
The HX50 incorporates a dual-band radio system. Additionally, there’s a Bluetooth-enabled entertainment system, complete with noise-canceling headphones.
To support the extensive data generated and displayed, the HX50 comes with ample data storage capabilities.
6:38 - Engine, Performance Specs, and Flying Experience
Now, let’s talk about the engine, performance specifications, and how it flies. The Hill HX50 is equipped with a three-blade rotor system and an in-house GT50 turboshaft engine with a TBO of 5,000 hours, good for 400 horsepower all day long, and can deliver bursts of as much as 500 horsepower in an emergency situation for 30 seconds. This gives the chopper a cruise speed of 140 knots and a range of up to 700 nautical miles, which is 805 miles or 1,300 kilometers.
The fuel bladders hold 175 U.S. gallons or 660 liters and sit behind the rear cabin bulkhead and ahead of another bulkhead for the capacious luggage compartment. The engines allow a maximum rate of climb per minute of 2,000 feet or 610 meters, and a maximum cruising altitude of 14,000 feet or 4,300 meters.
The maximum net payload for the HX50 is set at 1,200 pounds or 544 kilograms, and the full-fuel payload, which stands at around 900 pounds or 408 kilograms.
9:40 - Purchase and Charter Price
The base purchase price for a new Hill HX50 is £595,000, or about $750,000 before options.
9:49 - Outro
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