By Aman Tripathi
Austrian aviation company CycloTech is preparing to test a new electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft demonstrator featuring its innovative “CycloRotor” propulsion system.
The company has been developing its 360-degree thrust vectoring technology for several years and aims to showcase the seventh generation of this system in its upcoming BlackBird flying car.
“CycloTech is introducing a new flying vehicle, the BlackBird demonstrator, that features a new propulsion system for any type of manned or unmanned aircraft but especially for flying cars,” said the company in a press release.
360-degree thrust vectoring
Unlike conventional propellers, CycloRotors are cylindrical devices capable of generating thrust in any direction along a 360-degree axis.
“This propulsion system is the only system that can control the thrust vector in strength and direction in a full circular path (360 degrees),” highlighted the company.
This omnidirectional thrust vectoring capability unlocks unprecedented maneuverability. This enables the aircraft to perform vertical takeoffs and landings, precise hovering, and even mid-air braking.
“CycloTech is the only company in the world currently working on the commercial application of CycloRotors as the main propulsion system,” asserted Hans-Georg Kinsky, CEO of CycloTech.
Unique design with enhanced safety
The BlackBird demonstrator will have six CycloRotors strategically integrated into the aircraft’s design, with two positioned along its longitudinal axis. The aircraft’s unique propulsion system ensures a smooth, turbulence-free ride, even during complex maneuvers.
“The 2 CycloRotors in the longitudinal axis of the aircraft enable lateral flight without banking the aircraft and increased maneuverability,” explained the press release.
Additionally, the use of multiple CycloRotors guarantees redundancy, meaning that the aircraft can maintain control and stability even if one engine fails.
“That’s why we at CycloTech use at least six CycloRotors to ensure that the aircraft can continue to fly in a controlled manner in the event of an engine failure,” remarked Kinsky.
The BlackBird demonstrator will be a compact and agile vehicle, measuring 16 feet (4.9 m) in length, 7.5 feet (2.3 m) in width, and 6.5 feet (2 m) in height. Besides, it is projected to achieve a top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h).
“The new BlackBird demonstrator, with a maximum takeoff weight of 750 lb (340 kg), is now in development and expected to be completed by the end of 2024,” added the press release.
However, specific details regarding BlackBird’s passenger capacity and range are yet to be made public.
Potential applications and future outlook
That said, one can expect a vast range of applications for the BlackBird. No doubt, it will function as a personal aerial vehicle to help individuals bypass ground-based traffic and swiftly navigate densely populated urban areas.
But it can also be used for more challenging tasks such as rescue operations, thanks to its ability to hover and land precisely even in adverse weather and terrain conditions.
The BlackBird demonstrator is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025. Notably, the competition in the flying car market is getting intense, with several companies, such as Volocopter, Airbus, and Joby Aviation, developing their own models to boost urban mobility.
Story from Interestingengineering.com
Aman Tripathi
An active and versatile journalist and news editor. He has covered regular and breaking news for several leading publications and news media, including The Hindu, Economic Times, Tomorrow Makers, and many more. Aman holds expertise in politics, travel, and tech news, especially in AI, advanced algorithms, and blockchain, with a strong curiosity about all things that fall under science and tech.
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