Take-off
British start-ups unveil new aircraft projects Two British companies have announced two brand-new aircraft projects. They are Vertical Aerospace with its VA-1X electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) air taxi, and Hill Helicopters’ HX50 five-seat helicopter. Both are to be built in the UK. Bristol-based start-up Vertical Aerospace had already shown a concept eVTOL, the Seraph, but the new VA-1X is a major step forward. It’s all-electric with four forward facing electric motors along the wing leading edge, which swivel through 90° for take-off and landing, aided by another four electric motors mounted horizontally at the rear of the wing. “VA-1X has been designed with noise reduction in mind,” said the company. “Using distributed propulsion and large open rotors that have significantly lower tip speeds than on a helicopter, VA-1X can achieve noise levels 30 times quieter than an equivalent helicopter, allowing it to blend into inner city life. “Inherently, VA-1X will be exceptionally aerodynamically efficient, able to fly with far less energy and power than a helicopter would need.
12 | FLYER | October 2020
Above The VA-1X air taxi from Vertical Aerospace Right Hill Helicopters’ HX50 Below Simulation of VA-IX in flying mode over London
“With cruise speeds of 150mph and a range of up to 100 miles, you could travel from London to Brighton in approximately half an hour, compared to two hours driving, or an hour by train.” The Hill Helicopters HX50 has a composite structure for light weight and is powered by a 500shp turbine. It was designed by aeronautics engineer Dr Jason Hill, whose company, Dynamiq Engineering, has received a £1.4m grant from Innovate UK. “The helicopter industry has long awaited an Elon Musk-style disruption that redefines the modern helicopter. The wait is over,” said Hill, founder and CEO of Hill Helicopters. The HX50 is currently in the advanced design phase, says Hill, with three prototypes scheduled to begin flight testing in 2022. The first deliveries are anticipated to take place in 2023. It will be built at a manufacturing base in Cornwall. The application for the Innovate UK grant said, “During this ambitious and innovative project, our consortium will develop a next-generation private helicopter that delivers reduced environmental impact, lower noise levels and unprecedented levels of safety, comfort and performance at a game-changing price point. “The project will result in a helicopter that will appeal to a new global market – private owners that are looking for a practical, luxurious, affordable and well specified five-seat helicopter with low running costs (£15k per year).”
