APEX
PEREGRINE HX
6,200 lb MTOW · 2,195 lb Payload · 185 KTAS · 675 NM Range
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Apex Peregrine HX is the high-performance single-engine variant of the Peregrine airframe, powered by one Nelson Racing Engines LS427 twin-turbo V8 genset producing 1,500 hp peak and 1,200 hp continuous. This configuration increases MTOW to 6,200 lb — a 29% increase over the dual-Hayabusa Peregrine — enabling meaningful payload for MEDEVAC hoist operations, light combat support, and offshore crew rotation missions.
The single LS427 drives two YASA M400-R generator motors in a dual-stack configuration — the same architecture used in the Pelican — providing full absorption of the engine's 1,118 kW peak output. Four dedicated YASA M400-R drive motors (one per rotor) deliver independent torque control at each nacelle, with 13-ft CFRP rotors providing a disk loading of only 11.7 lb/ft² for exceptional hover efficiency.
The HX's 34% hover power margin at sea level MTOW enables continuous hover operations — a capability the dual-Hayabusa Peregrine cannot achieve. The 10,000 ft hover ceiling covers high-altitude mountain rescue and forward operating base operations across the full operational envelope.
The Peregrine HX mitigates single-engine risk through a 2.4 kWh supercapacitor buffer (14.9 seconds of emergency hover power), fly-by-wire autorotation assist, and high-inertia 13-ft CFRP rotors. The FBW system automatically detects engine failure and initiates autorotation guidance within 200 ms. This architecture is analogous to certified single-engine turbine helicopters operating under FAR Part 27 OEI provisions.
POWERTRAIN CHAIN
FUEL → ENGINE
ENGINE → DC BUS
DC BUS → ROTORS
ROTORS → THRUST
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
WEIGHTS
PERFORMANCE
PROPULSION
DIMENSIONS
AVIONICS
MISSION PROFILES
MEDEVAC & Hoist Operations
The Peregrine HX's 34% hover power margin enables sustained hoist operations at MTOW — a mission profile the standard Peregrine cannot perform continuously. The 2,195 lb payload accommodates two litter patients, full medical crew, and equipment. The 10,000 ft hover ceiling covers high-altitude mountain rescue operations.
Offshore Energy Support
Crew rotation and equipment delivery to offshore platforms up to 300 nm from shore. The single Nelson LS427 TT genset provides 185 KTAS cruise speed — 16% faster than the dual-Hayabusa variant — while the 675 NM range covers most Gulf of Mexico and North Sea platform locations with reserve.
Light Combat Support
Forward arming, resupply, and ISR support for special operations forces. The 2,195 lb payload carries full combat equipment for 4 operators, and the 220 KTAS Vne allows rapid ingress and egress from contested areas. The fly-by-wire autorotation assist system provides engine-out survivability in single-engine operations.
APEX SERIES COMPARISON
| SPECIFICATION | PEREGRINE | PEREGRINE HX | PELICAN |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTOW | 4,800 lb | 6,200 lb | 15,279 lb |
| Max Payload | 1,580 lb | 2,195 lb | 6,565 lb |
| Cruise Speed | 160 KTAS | 185 KTAS | 230 KTAS |
| Vne | 195 KTAS | 220 KTAS | 265 KTAS |
| Range | 991 NM | 675 NM | 600 NM |
| Hover Ceiling (MTOW) | ~3,500 ft | 10,000 ft | 12,000 ft |
| Hover Power Margin | None (peak only) | +34% | +40% |
| Gensets | 2× Hayabusa TT | 1× Nelson LS427 TT | 2× Nelson LS427 TT |
| Peak Power | 800 hp | 1,500 hp | 3,000 hp |
| Hover RPM | 1,148 rpm | 964 rpm | 835 rpm |
| Hover Collective | 10.8° | 12.3° | 18.8° |
| YASA Motors | 6× M400 | 6× M400-R | 8× 750R |
| Rotor Diameter | 11 ft | 13 ft | 15 ft |
| Engine Redundancy | DUAL | SINGLE | DUAL |
| Engine Cost | ~$50,000 | $170,000 | $340,000 (×2) |
INTERESTED IN THE PEREGRINE HX?
Request the full HR-TPD-003 technical brief or discuss acquisition and partnership opportunities.