FAQ

CycloTech is an Austrian aviation propulsion technology company, and the global leader in the development of 360degree thrust vectoring CycloRotors. Based in Linz, Austria, CycloTech employs 55 people in fields such as aerodynamics, structural and mechanical engineering, software and hard development, flight testing and more.

CycloTech offers a range of CycloRotors and Customization/Development Services to tailor CycloRotor solutions to the specific needs of a vehicle manufacturer.

A CycloRotor is an electrically driven aviation propulsion unit based on the same principle as the Voith-Schneider-Propeller which is already successfully applied in maritime industry since decades. A CycloRotor is a cycloidal propulsion system capable of generating thrust 360° around its rotation axis.

A CycloRotor contains multiple parallel blades rotating around a central axis of rotation. Accelerated airflow is generated by each blade and its periodic change in pitch angle during one revolution, creating thrust. The direction and magnitude of the thrust can be instantly changed, by shifting the center of the hub, without the need of tilting any aircraft structure.

       

CycloRotors can direct thrust in a full circle, unlike traditional propulsion systems, which are limited to generating thrust in only one direction. Their compact design and instantaneous control of magnitude and direction of thrust enable smooth transitions from hover to forward flight, gust control, and precision landings, ideal for safe operation in crowded airspaces, confined areas, and adverse weather conditions. The unique characteristics of CycloRotors give vehicle manufacturers unprecedented freedom to design a new generation of aircraft.

The megatrends of decarbonization and the growing problem of traffic congestion are leading to the creation of an entirely new aviation industry – Advanced Air Mobility, i.e. electric short range flying. However, all current designs use propulsion systems developed in the last century, such as propellers and rotors, which were designed to pull or push in one direction. Yet, thrust generation in multiple directions is required to operate in air and land safely in urban, suburban and remote areas without traditional aviation landing areas such as runways, helipads or vertiports. The CycloRotor bridges this technology gap by providing the unique capability of 360° thrust vectoring. CycloRotors are the entry ticket to the mass market of sustainable aviation.

Traditional propulsion systems that originated in the last century, such as propellers, rotors and the jet engine, were designed to push or pull in one direction. These systems are designed for classical aviation, burning fuel and emitting CO², for medium and long distances. The CycloRotor offers 360° thrust vectoring and is an electrically powered and sustainable propulsion system, ideal for short ranges and the ability to maneuver precisely even in gusty situations.

Air vehicles equipped with CycloRotors can be much more compact than other designs and provide the vehicle with 6 degrees of freedom to move. This allows for midair braking and better handling of gusty and windy situations. Air vehicles equipped with CycloRotors make operations in congested airspace and confined landing areas possible, providing additional operational safety.

CruiseUp is a flying car. It was developed as part of a feasibility study for a new generation of aircraft equipped with CycloRotors. The CruiseUp concept showcases the advantages of CycloRotor technology in a compact and passenger-friendly design. CruiseUp offers high maneuverability and a seamless transition from hover to forward flight, providing an outstanding travel experience with maximum passenger comfort. The special arrangement of the 6 rotors, including 2 on the longitudinal axis, allows for highly precise sideways and forward flight as well as braking in mid-air – all without tilting or rolling the vehicle. CruiseUp is designed to operate in confined spaces and adverse weather conditions with a range of 100 km and a speed of up to 150 km/h. CruiseUp demonstrates true point-to-point transportation as an autonomous AirCar for everyday use with a footprint only 50% larger than a mid-size car, enabling take-off and landing in confined spaces.

This depends on the you use CycloRotors as main propulsion system or as auxiliary propulsion system.

CycloTech’s development roadmap is structured to achieve product certification as main propulsion system by the end of 2030. By the mid 2030ies, CycloRotor equipped vehicle, such as Air cars, will soar the skies. That  is 10 years after the successful introduction of AirTaxi services (starting at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games) and based on all the public acceptance of electrical flying gained thereafter.

As an auxiliary propulsion system, CycloRotors provide stability, precision navigation and enhanced maneuverability. Thus they can be applied to to drones and other flying vehicles, such as flying cranes, already today.

CycloTech will provide aircraft manufacturers with the necessary technology to realize innovative air vehicle concepts for the individual and urban air mobility markets of the 21st century.

CycloRotors can be significantly quieter than conventional propulsion systems such as propellers or rotors. The decisive factor is the constant wing speed of the CycloRotor over the wing span, which results in superior acoustic characteristics. So far, CycloTech has conducted several noise test campaigns. Outdoor measurements at an airport documented that, at a distance of 100 meters, the CycloRotor generates a sound pressure level of 59 dBA, equivalent to a standard conversation between two people. This underscores the CycloRotor’s capability in reducing noise emissions in densely populated areas.

CycloRotors are safe and will comply with the highest safety standards as controlled by the aviations safety agencies.  As for all eVTOL vehicles safety is ensured through the concept of distributed electric propulsion.

CycloRotors will become a product for a mass market with more than a million units produced per year. This mass production will make CycloRotors affordable…finally for everyone.