Flying is about freedom, precision, and confidence. In today's world, pilots expect technology that enhances, not hinders, that experience.
7 May 2025
The HX50 is designed from the ground up as a digitally-enabled machine, fit for 2025 and beyond.
Our latest updates to the Digital Cockpit – encompassing the Primary Flight Display (PFD), Multi-Function Display (MFD), and Integrated Pilot Interface (IPI) – are bringing this vision closer to reality, focusing on intuitive control, enhanced safety, and unparalleled integration.
PFD Refinements
Following the design freeze of the production PFD late last year, our team has been implementing key refinements:
Introducing "Emotionally Sensitive" Warnings
In the critical moments when a caution or warning is triggered, pilots need clear, actionable information – not confusing alerts. We've designed the HX50's warning system to be "emotionally sensitive":
- Simple Language: Beyond standard warning lights, the system provides key information paraphrased directly from the Pilot Operating Handbook (POH) in simple, clear language – telling you what's wrong and what to do.
- Handling Multiple Alerts: To avoid obscuring vital flight data during multiple simultaneous warnings, we've implemented a Caution Advisory System (CAS) panel below the main alert banner. While the main banner can be cleared by the pilot, the CAS messages remain active until the issue is resolved.
- Focus on the Pilot: This clean, intuitive system is designed to deliver the best information, especially beneficial for owner-operators who may not fly every day.
Enhancing the Passenger Experience
We initially explored using the left-hand screen (often used for infotainment) as a large, dedicated traffic scope. However, after careful consideration, we determined that overlaying traffic information directly onto the mapping display (providing context) and relaying immediate threats via the HSI on the PFD offers superior situational awareness for the pilot.
This decision unlocked an exciting opportunity: we now have the freedom to create a fully optimised user interface on the MFD specifically for the non-flying passenger. They can safely and easily manage: Climate Control, Bluetooth Phone Connectivity and Streamed Music, and Multiple Aircraft Camera Feeds.
The IPI & Hill App
The HX50 embraces a paperless future. Technical logs, operational logs, and pilot logs are managed through secure, cloud-based digital record-keeping, facilitated by the Hill App. This requires a seamless and highly secure "digital handshake" between the pilot, support crew, and the aircraft.
Delivering this sophisticated user experience requires robust hardware. Our team is extensively testing the display processors, ensuring they seamlessly combine the UI, background layers, touch functionality, and video feeds at a smooth ~60 frames per second.
While performance is already strong, we're actively optimising memory management and processing power to maximize efficiency and provide ample margin for future capabilities and features.
The evolution of the HX50 Digital Cockpit is about creating an environment where technology serves the pilot and enhances the entire flying experience – for everyone onboard.
Are you interested in the HX50? Book your spot in our group presentation and learn why the HX50 will be better than your current helicopter.
What's in the presentation
Who
Mischa Gelb (aka Pilot Yellow) and Ruben Dias
What
Exclusive full details about the HX50 not yet available to the public
How
30 minutes presentation + Q&A
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HX50
Exterior Concept
Interior Concept
GT50 Turbine Engine
General Aviation 2.0
Hill Digital Cockpit
Journey to HX50
Technical Details
Range Simulator
ADDRESS
Hill Helicopters
Unit 3, Shackleton Way
Stafford, ST16 1GY
United Kingdom
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