CycloTech’s latest eVTOL concept stands poised to redefine the aeronautics industry, showcasing a pioneering use of the Cyclogyro rotor. This groundbreaking evolution of the Voith-Schneider marine propeller emerges, not just as a mere addition to the colorful eVTOL tapestry, but as a beacon of unrivaled technology.
Redefining Aerial Agility
CycloTech’s Cyclogyro
A whirlwind of aerodynamic proficiency.
Courtesy of CycloTech
Hans-Georg Kinsky, the CEO of CycloTech, presented the Cyclogyro’s remarkable advantages to Robb Report: extraordinary agility stemming from direct torque control, a compact architecture, and a seamless foray into forward flight mode. Such versatility promises widespread applicability, from commercial missions to discreet operations.
Marine Technology Takes to The Skies
The Cyclogyro’s wing system, a creative adaptation of marine propellers renowned for their nimble maneuvering in maritime environments, opens a realm of immediate and multidirectional aircraft movement. While this marine-inspired mechanism had not yet taken to the skies, CycloTech’s ingenuity has forged viable aircraft prototypes that leverage modern composite materials for maximal rotational velocity and structural resilience.
An Epicenter of Omnidirectional Control
At the heart of the Cyclogyro lies a quartet of wings radiating from a dynamic hub. With the hub’s intricate movement through a full 360° rotation, the wings alter their thrust, endowing the Cyclogyro with the ability to generate prompt force in any spatial vector. This functionality promises not only heightened efficiency but also nimble operation and minimized spatial requirements for launch and recovery operations.
The Path to Skyborne Service
CycloTech inches closer to actualizing its vision for the Cyclogyro, targeting the completion of a 175-pound demonstrator model by year’s end. Envisaged functions of this system encompass a spectrum including emergency response and infrastructure maintenance. And with an initial air-taxi design offering an operational edge over traditional aircraft—as per the Airbus Vahana study—CycloTech anticipates breaking new ground in economical aerial transit within half a decade.
Navigating the Future of Certification and Collaboration
Despite the optimistic trajectory, Kinsky acknowledges the daunting nature of navigating certification for such an innovative technology. The quest for a strategic alliance with industry giants may well be crucial, leveraging collective expertise to not just chart, but also soar through, the intricate tapestry of regulatory landscapes.
