I’m amazed the myth of the Hill helicopter ever being a reality has lasted so long. And it wouldn’t matter if it wasn’t for the fact that presumably a reasonable number or people have been induced to put deposits into what is bound to be a doomed business.
Why? Because if it sounds too good to be true, it is….. Simply look at their web site headlines: 140kts, 700nm range, 5000 hrs engine TBO. And all for just £495k. Never going to happen. Or even get close. The existing manufacturers have vastly more competency and have been infinitely better funded than Hill, and haven’t got near that performance in 50 years. Sorry, but it’s just laughable. And if the industry giants of Leonardo, Airbus, Bell and Robinson don’t think it viable to make their own engines, how on earth can Hill consider it? Perhaps because at least they’re keeping the myth in-house, with no OEM supplier to undermine it…..
To be fair though, fabulous futuristic shape and interior design. And amazing how far that seems to have taken them.