Hill Helicopters has completed the first successful run of its GT50 light turbine engine at its Production Centre 1 in Stafford, England, advancing the propulsion programme for the HX50 and HC50 helicopter family. The prototype ignited on the first attempt and reached 55% N1 during the initial test, which took place in the early hours of 20 July.
The engine remained at that setting for five minutes before being taken briefly to 33,000 rpm. Hill has positioned the GT50 as the first new light turbine helicopter engine in four decades, with targets of 400 hp continuous power, 440 hp take-off power for five minutes to 10,000 feet in ISA +15°C conditions, and 500 hp emergency power for 30 seconds.
The run follows earlier guidance from the company that the programme was on track for a spring first engine test. For Hill, the result moves the GT50 from development planning into demonstrated ground operation, while leaving certification, production timing and wider test data still to be disclosed.