Developing the Future

In aviation, claims of “game changers” abound. Many have come, many have failed. Very light jets (VLJ) were promised by multiple manufacturers, and prototypes flew. Only the much-delayed Cirrus Vision Jet, with a well-financed new owner and at a much-increased price, made it to production.

Designing, producing, and certifying a new aircraft is an expensive game, with big risks, and potential big rewards.

UK based Hill Helicopters is promoting a stunningly beautiful, Gen 2.0 helicopter designed to challenge the rotary wing status quo. After years in “dark mode,” the secret is out, with sales and marketing spooling up at turbine speed.

There are Cirrus parallels with the HX50. More than 300 HX50s have been ordered, from 34 countries, including customers in Australia and New Zealand. A non-refundable deposit secures a serial number, which cannot be usurped by later buyers, but can be transferred or sold.

Behind it all

Dr Jason Hill, founder and chief engineer, is no ordinary man with an idea. He has a PhD in aeronautics from Cranfield University and an impressive entrepreneurial record.

Hill founded Dynamiq Engineering, which operates at the leading edge of analysis, design, and product development, in sophisticated areas like finite element analysis and computational fluid dynamics.

Hill has a history of embracing, difficult, even “impossible projects” rejected by others, quoting