Staffordshire-based Hill Helicopters recently unveiled the HX50, a new UK-built helicopter concept. The five-seat, turbine-powered, 500hp rotorcraft is crafted to deliver a whole new experience in safety, performance, adventure, comfort and elegance.

Dr Jason Hill, founder and CEO of Hill Helicopters, said “The helicopter industry has long awaited an Elon Musk-style disruption that redefines the modern helicopter — the wait is over.

“The only way to create something that is truly ground-breaking 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.”

Cornwall-based Composite Integration Ltd is using its extensive experience in closed-mould and infusion process technology to design and manufacture tooling and first-off components for the high-performance composite fuselage.

Following on from multiple recent projects for both process development and equipment design/manufacture in the aerospace sector, this project provides an excellent platform to demonstrate the company’s capabilities.

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.