FutureFlight
Hill Helicopters Founder Slams eVTOL Technology and Business Case
Arguing that the UK start-up's new single turbine light helicopters will be more competitive for new air mobility missions, CEO Jason Hill was dismissive of his eVTOL rivals.
Hill Helicopters
Hill Helicopters claims its new HX50 and HC50 single-turbine rotorcraft will outperform eVTOL rivals in the air mobility market. (Image: Hill Helicopters)

The founder of Hill Helicopters this week expressed skepticism about the future of eVTOL aircraft during the company’s virtual “Global Meet Up” on December 20. CEO Jason Hill said alternative energy sources for these aircraft, specifically battery power, and hydrogen, remain impractical and that the overall costs associated with these aircraft are far too high.

The UK-based start-up believes it will offer a more competitive rotorcraft alternative to eVTOLs in the shape of its new HX50 kit-built and HC50 certified single-engine light helicopters. To be available from 2023 and 2026, respectively, these are powered by Hill's own turbine engine design and are expected to deliver range of just over 800 miles at speeds of around 160 mph, and with up to five people on board.