APEX
PELICAN
15,279 lb MTOW · 6,565 lb Payload · 230 KTAS · 600 NM Range
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Apex Pelican is Helix's flagship heavy-lift tilt-rotor aircraft, designed to fill the capability gap between conventional helicopters and fixed-wing cargo aircraft. With a 15,279 lb maximum takeoff weight and 6,565 lb payload, the Pelican carries more than any helicopter in its class while cruising at 230 knots — nearly twice the speed of a CH-47.
The hybrid-electric powertrain pairs two Nelson Racing LS427 twin-turbo gensets (1,500 hp each) with 8 YASA axial-flux motors in a dual-stack generator configuration. This architecture eliminates the complex mechanical transmission of conventional tilt-rotors, dramatically reducing maintenance burden and improving reliability.
Four 15-foot CFRP rotor assemblies — 16 blades total — provide the disc area needed for efficient hover while the tilt mechanism converts to high-speed forward flight in under 12 seconds.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHTS
PERFORMANCE
PROPULSION
DIMENSIONS
AVIONICS
HYBRID-ELECTRIC POWERTRAIN
The Pelican's powertrain is a series hybrid architecture: the LS427 gensets produce electricity, which flows through the Skeleton Technologies supercapacitor buffer to the YASA drive motors. There is no mechanical connection between the engines and the rotors — only electrical.
MISSION PROFILES
Military Logistics
The Pelican's 6,565 lb payload and 600 nm range make it the premier solution for theater resupply, forward arming and refueling point (FARP) operations, and special operations support. Tilt-rotor capability allows operations from unprepared sites with no runway requirement.
Aerial Firefighting
Carry 4,000 lb of fire retardant at 230 KTAS to active fire lines, then hover precisely over ridge-top terrain for targeted drops. The Pelican's hybrid-electric drivetrain eliminates the acoustic signature that alerts wildlife and allows extended low-altitude operations.
Heavy Cargo & Sling Load
A 2,000 lb-rated Onboard Systems cargo hook enables precision sling-load operations for construction, disaster relief, and offshore platform resupply. The Pelican's 420 cu ft pressurized cabin accommodates 12 combat-equipped troops or 6 litter patients.
INTERESTED IN THE PELICAN?
Request a full technical brief or discuss acquisition and partnership opportunities.