Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
After two weeks of intensive work commissioning the combustion system, we have successfully driven it beyond ground idle — confirming the core of our proprietary turbine performs exactly as designed. Alongside this breakthrough, the prototype gas generator is nearing completion in our mechanical assembly lab, with full engine assembly expected by the weekend.
Phase by Phase:
- Ignition & stable flame — achieved earlier ✅
- Starter cycle up to ground idle — resolved swirler issues and pulsations ✅
- High-power testing with aircraft air starter unit — sourced a ~250-300 HP gas turbine starter - to deliver the massive compressed air volumes needed (GT50's compressor consumes 1000+ HP at max power) ✅
- Lean flame & lean extinction limit — pushed successfully✅
- Combustion system works properly up to and just beyond ground idle — first major checkpoint passed. ✅
Next Steps for Combustion:
- Automate fuel mappings into the control system
- Implement on the prototype engine
Discover more ► hillhelicopters.com
After two weeks of intensive work commissioning the combustion system, we have successfully driven it beyond ground idle — confirming the core of our proprietary turbine performs exactly as designed. Alongside this breakthrough, the prototype gas generator is nearing completion in our mechanical assembly lab, with full engine assembly expected by the weekend.
Phase by Phase:
- Ignition & stable flame — achieved earlier ✅
- Starter cycle up to ground idle — resolved swirler issues and pulsations ✅
- High-power testing with aircraft air starter unit — sourced a ~250-300 HP gas turbine starter - to deliver the massive compressed air volumes needed (GT50's compressor consumes 1000+ HP at max power) ✅
- Lean flame & lean extinction limit — pushed successfully✅
- Combustion system works properly up to and just beyond ground idle — first major checkpoint passed. ✅
Next Steps for Combustion:
- Automate fuel mappings into the control system
- Implement on the prototype engine
Discover more ► hillhelicopters.com
