The flexoelectric behaviour of a hypertwisted chiral nematic bimesogenic li
quid crystal is presented. Through detailed electro-optic measurements, wit
h particular emphasis on the switching properties, we demonstrate remarkabl
y high optical axis tilt angles. The material studied possessed a room temp
erature nematic phase and aligned easily on cooling under the application o
f a moderate electric field. Switching times of the order of 500 mus and co
ntrast ratios of 90:1 are readily achieved. The tilt angles, measured using
the rotating analyser technique, were found to be practically temperature
independent and linear with the applied field. Tilt angles of 22.5 degrees
were obtained with moderate applied fields of 9.4 V/mum whilst fields of 25
V/mum yielded tilt angles of 45 degrees. We believe these are the highest
tilt angles ever recorded for such fields.