Hill Helicopters HX50
Its an experimental/amateur built aircraft. Keep in mind quite a few of the slot holders are private individuals who look at this from strictly a recreational use vs a commercial use. They have time and money on their side. Regardless, E/AB’rs tend to march to a different drum beat than conventional aviators if that makes sense.
Do you have any E/AB experience?
Except you can’t compare it to the Kopter or Guimbal as they are certified aircraft. Apples and oranges. And E/AB aircraft come in different flavors so they’re not all considered “kits.” And what Hill is attempting on the E/AB side has never been done at this level.
As to the timeframe, I think more of the slot holders are along for the ride vs a customer waiting at the end. They know the drill. As I mentioned, people who follow E/AB are right there with Hill during this build process which they themselves will be personally involved in as their aircraft goes down the production line. Hardly the same as with any certified aircraft production buyer.
But if you want a comparison, look to the KX50s current competition in the E/AB world at around $100,000 USD out the door depending on method of build...
No. That’s why its ground breaking and innovative in the E/AB world vs just another helicopter in the certified world. A lot of people don’t realize its this difference that is behind the support and money.
Do you have any E/AB experience?
As to the timeframe, I think more of the slot holders are along for the ride vs a customer waiting at the end. They know the drill. As I mentioned, people who follow E/AB are right there with Hill during this build process which they themselves will be personally involved in as their aircraft goes down the production line. Hardly the same as with any certified aircraft production buyer.
But if you want a comparison, look to the KX50s current competition in the E/AB world at around $100,000 USD out the door depending on method of build...
Originally Posted by [email protected]
Wrench 1 - can you name one?
Funny you talk about the "wealth" requirement when this would be the cheapest new turbine helicopter on the market, if it succeeds. And the best-selling airplane in the world is the Cirrus SR22 which costs $1 million.
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I was talking specifically about new factory-built aircraft. Obviously there are tons of 50-year-old airplanes flying around.
https://generalaviationnews.com/2024...lanes-in-2023/
In 2023 there were 355 SR22T sales and 142 SR22 sales, compared to 180 Cessna 172s.
https://generalaviationnews.com/2024...lanes-in-2023/
In 2023 there were 355 SR22T sales and 142 SR22 sales, compared to 180 Cessna 172s.
Last edited by CGameProgrammerr; 9th May 2024 at 21:16. Reason: corrections
In case you forgot, the HX50 is a brand new helicopter. There are obviously a huge number of people that can afford it because over 350 people paid $1 million or more for a new SR22T in 2023 alone. Why are you talking about the number of people buying 50-year-old Cessnas? That has nothing to do with anything. My point is there are a lot of private owner-operators that can afford it and that, yes, are young enough to still be fit to fly.
It's not a brand new helicopter because it still doesn't exist.
Avoid imitations
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Let’s hope it doesn’t turn out to be an “Eliocopter”…
Its an experimental/amateur built aircraft. Keep in mind quite a few of the slot holders are private individuals who look at this from strictly a recreational use vs a commercial use. They have time and money on their side. Regardless, E/AB’rs tend to march to a different drum beat than conventional aviators if that makes sense.
Do you have any E/AB experience?
Do you have any E/AB experience?
As to the timeframe, I think more of the slot holders are along for the ride vs a customer waiting at the end. They know the drill. As I mentioned, people who follow E/AB are right there with Hill during this build process which they themselves will be personally involved in as their aircraft goes down the production line. Hardly the same as with any certified aircraft production buyer.
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Cost. Off the shelf engines are priced at the certified levels. I think one of the reasons Kopter ended up a Leonardo product was they sourced too many OTC components to include the engine vs in-house design/procurement. Its no different in the fixed-wing E/AB side when it comes to engines/powerplants and cost.
However, I wouldn’t exactly consider the GT50 to be a completely “new” design. Its core design is more a copy of a proven engine with many hours of service but incorporating a number of modern improvements. Its also my understanding he has some of the original engine design’s support people on his team. Same method also used toward the other major components in copying proven designs with modern upgrades.
Sure it’s a big undertaking, but considering the maintenance cycle he is projecting, I think it’s a more prudent way forward in the big picture. Having worked on most of the existing helicopter turbines out there, and their variants, I think if he stays the course the engine will be one of the least issues in the long run.
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