One of the very early statements of design intent that I gave Henry was that if I put an Aston Martin and our helicopter on the lawn of a fancy hotel and walked outside with my wife, I want her to say to me, Let's take the helicopter. – Jason Hill 

Imagine the excitement when potential buyers first set eyes on the HX50. As this new era of helicopter manufacturing unfolds, it promises to revolutionise general aviation, reminding us that true progress comes from meticulous design and unwavering attention to detail.

In today’s market, where custom manufacturing is gaining ground over traditional component-based solutions, the HX50 represents a bold shift toward personalised production. Every element of its design, from the choice of materials to aerodynamic efficiency, has been crafted using first-principles thinking. This approach ensures that no detail is overlooked, blending form with function.

Henry’s extensive experience with Autodesk Alias has been instrumental in transforming traditional helicopter concepts into the sleek, futuristic design seen today. He describes Alias not merely as a tool but as an environment where creativity takes flight—allowing for rapid iterations and maintaining a fine balance between structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.

Despite its elegance, the HX50’s development is not without challenges. The rigorous demands of high-performance general aviation have driven up costs due to strict material regulations—an obstacle that required overhauls in traditional design processes. The task of crafting high-quality surfaces while ensuring the helicopter’s structural integrity proved too complex for old-school methods.

Yet it was precisely here that Henry’s innovative use of Autodesk Alias shone brightest. The software’s ability to streamline precise design processes and support freeform experimentation without compromising quality was pivotal in overcoming these hurdles.

Jason’s ambition goes well beyond this one helicopter, it paves the way for a future where high-performance aviation is reimagined from the ground up.