Hill Helicopters' GT 50 engine

[riggerrob]

Hill Helicopters announced both their new HX helicopter and GT 50 engine in August of 2020. Hill has chosen the rare path of developing both a new airframe and new engine simultaneously.

The GT 50 gas turbine engine is projected to produce 400 horsepower, similar to the Rolls-Royce Allison 250, PT6A, SAFRAN, etc. engines powering current production light helicopters (2 to 6 seat).

Hill GT 50 is unusual in having three, external, reverse-flow, burner cans arranged radially around the middle of the engine casing. In comparison, RR/Allison uses a single burner can while most other engines have annular combustion chambers that are standard on all larger turbine engines.
What are the advantages of using 1 to 3 burner cans versus annular combustion chambers?
Are burner cans simpler to manufacture?
Are they better suited to small turbine engines (400 horsepower)?

www.hillhelicopters.com

 

[bobbymike]

Forget the Jet. The ‘World’s First Private Helicopter’ Is Hitting the Skies Next Year.

Designed for personal use, the Hill HX50 chopper starts at roughly $648,000.

robbreport.com

 

[Nicknick]

I think using three burners instead of one brings the packae closer to an anular combustion chamber. It might be a good compromize which keeps the combustion stability of the burner cans, makes flow distribution easier compared to a single burner and might add reduncy against flame outs.

BTW, the Chrysler turbine car with its can burners could operate with gazoline, Diesel fuel, Channel No.5, Wiskey....

I would like to know the bsfc of it...

 

[RavenOne]

I am watching the pre tomorrows event here in my neck of the woods, IWM

cheers

 

[RavenOne]

and here are more of my screen captures





cheers

 

[riggerrob]

and here are more of my screen captures

View attachment 713490
View attachment 713488
View attachment 713487

cheers

Interesting how the latest engine mock-up has an annular combustion chamber.

 

[F119Doctor]

A centrifugal compressor, reverse flow annular combustor, and a free power turbine. Just like a PT6 from the 1960’s in layout.

 

[timmymagic]

If they can get it certified, and it flys well, meeting all the stated performance criteria.....all massive challenges in themselves...... and then actually sell at these prices it will sell in the hundreds if not thousands....

https://twitter.com/x/status/1732483063857222106

View: https://twitter.com/HillHelicopters/status/1732483063857222106

 

[RavenOne]

Greetings from IWM Duxford



cheers

 

[Scott Kenny]

A centrifugal compressor, reverse flow annular combustor, and a free power turbine. Just like a PT6 from the 1960’s in layout.

Looks more optimized for helicopter use than a small PT6 or 250. Those scroll tubes on the 250 are damage magnets!