HILL GT50
Unlocking True Engine Potential
The new GT50 turboshaft engine delivers smooth, refined power, an iconic soundtrack and reliable operation at high power settings, while providing extended periods between overhauls. Designed specifically to meet the needs of the HX50, with simplicity, efficiency and a holistic approach to safety as core design values, the GT50 releases the untapped potential of a next-generation light helicopter.
Unrivalled
Performance
400
HP
Max Continuous Power
440
HP
Take-Off Power
500
HP
Emergency Power
35
GPH
Fuel Consumption
A blend of proven technology and cutting-edge innovation
Designed and developed by a team of industry veterans, using methods, tools, and techniques pioneered over decades, the GT50 is a masterful combination of time-tested ideas and architecture, integrating modern advancements, manufacturing methods and supply chain opportunities, to deliver a one-of-a-kind engine, purposely built for the HX50.
By developing the engine in parallel with the helicopter, we were able to define exactly what attributes were required for the powerplant in order to deliver the payload, performance, package and engine control characteristics essential to the HX50, rather than having to accept a poorly suited and unnecessarily expensive old technology engine.
Simpler yet Stronger
The real strength of the GT50 lies in its simplicity. Simple to design, simple to develop, simple to manufacture, simple to maintain and simple to operate. The key to designing a simple engine has been the ruthless focus on delivering the perfect engine for the HX50.
Simpler yet Stronger
The real strength of the GT50 lies in its simplicity. Simple to design, simple to develop, simple to manufacture, simple to maintain and simple to operate. The key to designing a simple engine has been the ruthless focus on delivering the perfect engine for the HX50.
Innovative from the Core
The expensive and heavy compressor turbine gearbox has been completely eliminated, with a direct-drive starter-generator being employed to dramatically reduce the cost and mechanical complexity of the engine. Extensive use of redundant electrical engine ancillaries further simplifies the engine package, and modular design makes for easy maintenance.
Innovative from the Core
The expensive and heavy compressor turbine gearbox has been completely eliminated, with a direct-drive starter-generator being employed to dramatically reduce the cost and mechanical complexity of the engine. Extensive use of redundant electrical engine ancillaries further simplifies the engine package, and modular design makes for easy maintenance.
Unmatched Efficiencies
The Hill GT50 employs state-of-the-art component and gas-path design delivering unmatched component and cycle efficiencies for an entry-level turbine. The outstanding performance and operating range for the compressor and turbines is coupled with an efficient and bio-fuel ready modern annular combustor system, providing a pragmatic route to carbon-neutrality for all Hill Helicopters. The engine has been completely optimised around the unique requirements of the HX50, allowing for a significant improvement in engine performance and durability.
Improved FADEC
The GT50 is fully electronically controlled, providing trouble free, rapid start-up and shutdown, tight RPM management and optimal engine monitoring and control, through the use of the Hill FADEC system. The engine is tightly integrated with the Hill Digital Cockpit and the HX50’s advanced flight controls, providing simple engine and power management including full integration with Hill’s Haptic Power Management system that provides shaped force gradients and feedback through the collective as power limits are approached, allowing pilots to 'feel' power reserves and keep their eyes outside during critical phases of flight.
Ingenious Turbine Design
The GT50 is a two-spool turboshaft engine, comprising a single stage centrifugal compressor with a pressure ratio of 7.0:1 at 46,000rpm, driven by a single-stage axial turbine, specifically optimised for high efficiency, low fuel consumption and long-life.
The single-stage free power turbine operating at 36,000rpm includes a rear power take-off, dramatically simplifying the engine mechanical design, delivering output power through a high-speed reduction gearbox at 5,500rpm for the tail rotor, and a forward drive shaft located underneath the engine to provide drive to the main rotor gearbox.
The engine has been configured to use proven aerospace gas turbine technology, fused with modern manufacturing and quality assurance methods, providing low cost, low development risk, high efficiency, low emissions and excellent fuel flexibility.
Simplicity, performance and reliability through elegant, modern design
At the heart of the simple GT50 turbine lie 5 exquisitely crafted components, manufactured from the finest aerospace materials using state-of-the-art processes and quality assurance to deliver smooth, refined and reliable power for the HX50.
1
High Pressure Ratio Single Stage Centrifugal Compressor
2
Highly Efficient, Optimally Loaded, Single Stage Gas Generator Turbine
3
Robust, Free Power Turbine with Rear Power Take-off
Two-spool turboshaft engine
Direct-drive starter generator
Inlet barrier filter and silencer
Light compact design
Two-spool turboshaft engine
Direct-drive starter generator
Inlet barrier filter and silencer
Light compact design
HILL GT50
Specifications
Maximum Continuous Power
400 hp
Take-Off Power (5mins)
440 hp (up to 10.000 ft, ISA +15°C)
Emergency Power (30s)
500 hp
Fuel Consumption (MCP)
35 US gallons per hour
Fuel Type
Jet A1 (Alternatives to be announced soon)
Cruise speed
140 kts
Max range
700 nm
TBO
5,000 hours or 20,000 cycles, on condition.
Control
Hill FADEC (Dual channel, with manual reversion)
Management
Fully integrated with Hill Digital Cockpit
Weight
100 kg / 220 lbs
Payload
1760 lbs
Introducing the Future of General Aviation
The availability of reliable, powerful and affordable engines has been the limiting factor in light helicopter design. By designing and developing the groundbreaking GT50 engine, we have completely unlocked the potential of the helicopter both in terms of performance and cost, providing the enchanting opportunity to relaunch general aviation.
Join Us for the HX50 Open Day
Experience the HX50 up close at our Open Day on Dec 7, 2023, at the iconic IWM Duxford, UK.
JOIN OUR GROUP PRESENTATION
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 via ZOOM
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HX50
Exterior Concept
Interior Concept
GT50 Turbine Engine
General Aviation 2.0
Hill Digital Cockpit
Journey to HX50
Technical Details
Orders List
Range Simulator
ADDRESS
Hill Development Centre
Units 3 & 4 Key Pt, Towers Business Pk, Wheelhouse Road
Rugeley, Staffordshire WS15 1UZ
United Kingdom
© 2023 HILL HELICOPTERS