There's something irresistibly fascinating about these cylindrical rotors from Cyclotech. Maybe it's their visual strangeness, or maybe it's the promise of solving one of the fundamental problems of electric vertical flight: immediate response to commands. The fact is that, after having talked about them a while ago here and in 2022 here in 2024, I'm happy to update you again.
Yes, because the Austrian company has just entered the testing phase of its “Blackbird” prototype, the first aircraft in the world equipped with six “Cyclorotors”. A step that could mark a decisive turning point in the eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing) sector.
Cylindrical rotors they are not an absolute novelty (derived from the principle of Voith-Schneider propellers used in boats) but their application in flight represents a clear break with tradition. Yes, sir: sometimes the most disruptive innovations are precisely those that adapt existing technologies to completely new contexts.
The reappearance of a project that seemed impossible
When we first talked about Cyclotech, many raised their eyebrows. “Yet another project that will never see the light of day,” they said. And how can you blame them? In the world of flying vehicles, the bombastic announcements far outweigh the concrete implementations.
Yet, despite the detractors and those who would not like to change anything (how many still cling to obsolete or toxic?), some projects are moving forward. We don't know yet how it will end with Cyclotech, but in the meantime something is moving. And that's no small thing, considering that we're talking about an idea that many aeronautical engineers considered "impossible".
The Austrian team, which I personally even follow since 2011 (when it was still called D-Dalus), has shown rare tenacity. It takes time to change things: these guys have been pursuing their propulsion concept for more than a decade, perfecting it until it was functional. And now, finally, comes the evidence that counts.
How Cyclotech's "absurd" technology works
How Cyclorotors work is fascinating. Each propulsive “cylinder” rotates at a constant speed, but its “walls” are made of steerable aerodynamic blades, similar to those of a Voith-Schneider propeller. Just as a helicopter constantly adjusts the pitch of each blade as it spins, Cyclorotors continually adjust the angle of their blades as the cylinders spin. They even use a mechanism similar to a helicopter’s swashplate: a tilting disc that ensures each blade is perfectly timed to tilt into the airflow at just the right moment in the spin.
The technology allows for instantaneous vectoring of thrust, with 360-degree freedom – a huge advantage when dealing with VTOL aircraft that must quickly adjust thrust across multiple propulsion units to balance wind gusts while hovering.
Compared to traditional propellers, which take time to accelerate and build up thrust, Cyclorotors can respond almost instantly. And while electric motors provide immediate torque, they can’t respond as quickly as Cyclotech’s blade pitch adjustments.
The Blackbird prototype
The tested prototype (nicknamed “Blackbird“) was assembled with impressive speed, passing from concept to first flight in just 11 months. It has a cyclorotor at each corner, similar to a quadcopter drone, but adds a pair of cylinders under the front and rear of the craft, mounted perpendicularly.
It is not yet a full-scale aircraft. Blackbird weighs 340 kg and has no seats. The production version, currently called “CruiseUp“, is expected to launch as a two-seater with a range of 100 km and a top speed of about 150 km/h. It is intended as a personal aircraft rather than a fully certified commercial air taxi. So, will it fly? Nope. It will take years to arrive: this thing will go into production in 2035.
Currently the business model seems to be more focused on proving the propulsion system and making it available for other applications. A sensible approach, considering the regulatory challenges that await the eVTOL sector. But when it is ready, will all those who “never make it” be ready to get on it? :)
