HILL HELICOPTERS has secured 432 orders for the new light helicopter it is developing, the Rugeley, Staffordshire-based firm's founder Dr Jason Hill disclosed during a presentation.The company had received 373 orders for its baseline HX50 "luxury private helicopter" and 59 for the HC50, the commercial version of the aircraft.Hill noted vertical integration is "crucial in delivering this aircraft to the price point and timescales" promised. The company will produce the aircraft in-house, and Hill Helicopters has developed advanced manufacturing processes so it can create the bespoke parts for the helicopter and its GT50 engine. Hill Helicopters purchased an advanced coordinate measuring machine and metrology suite to produce precision components to extremely tight tolerances. It has also invested in sheet metal pressing, forming and fabrication capabilities, and advanced casting and composite manufacturing facilities.
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