Providing 360° Thrust

The CycloRotor

360° Thrust Vectoring System

A CycloRotor is a propulsion unit that can change the magnitude and direction of thrust without the need to tilt any aircraft structures. It contains several parallel blades rotating around a central rotation axis. The thrust is generated by a combined airflow through the rotor originating from each blade and its periodic change of the pitch angle during one rotation. The individual pitch angle of the blades is controlled by a certain pitch mechanism. Each blade is mechanically connected to a central hub with a conrod. The Cyclogyro-Rotor magnitude of thrust and its direction can be directly controlled by the eccentric positioning of this hub. This enables an easy and fast way of thrust-vector control of the propulsion unit. CycloRotors enable an immediate thrust generation 360° around the rotation axis – at constant rotation speed and direction – within fractions of a second.

Custom-made CycloRotor

We provide the CycloRotor as a fully customized system, tailored to the specific needs and use cases of our customers, whether for the use as a main propulsion or as an auxiliary propulsion system.

The CycloRotor’s innovative propulsion system requires an ultra-light yet durable design, utilizing advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. CycloTech has created an automated toolchain for CFD simulations, multi-body dynamics, flight control systems, and FE modeling to optimize performance, with rigorous testing in wind tunnels and in flight. We are continuously increasing efficiency and performance, paving the way for even greater advancements in this evolving technology.

Examples of CycloRotors

CR-42
The CR-42 served as the foundational research platform and was utilized in a 4-rotor configuration for the technology demonstrator. Successfully completing over 800 flights between 2021 and 2024, it validated key principles and set the stage for future advancements in CycloRotor technology.
Spanwidth: 420 mm
Diameter: 350 mm
Max. Thrust: 264 N
Thrust/Mass ratio: 24.7 N/kg
Rotation Speed: 3100 rpm
CR-60
Building on the CR-42, the CR-60 delivers enhanced thrust and efficiency. It is the rotor system currently employed in the BlackBird, a second-generation demonstrator that features a 6-rotor configuration.
Spanwidth: 600 mm
Diameter: 500 mm
Max. Thrust: 751 N
Thrust/Mass ratio: 30.9 N/kg
Rotation Speed: 2600 rpm
CR-84
The CR-84 is currently under development, aiming to further improve the efficiency and overall performance of the CycloRotor and its supporting system architecture. Though not yet available, the CR-84 is designed with the market in mind.
Spanwidth: 840 mm
Diameter: 700 mm
Max. Thrust: 1499 N
Thrust/Mass ratio: 48.2 N/kg
Rotation Speed: 1722 rpm

Refining the CycloRotor System

 

  • Enhanced Thrust & Efficiency - Optimizing hover and forward flight performance

  • System Engineering - Providing the system architecture and scalability

  • Safety & Redundancy - In line with aviation standards and certification

  • Improved Performance Metrics - Continuously improving rotor performance, achieving higher thrust-to-weight ratios for better efficiency and flight capabilities

System Demonstration

Over 800 Successful Flights.


Since 2021, our CycloRotor technology has proven its precision and control through rigorous testing in our 1st generation technology demonstrator, which accomplished more than 800 successful flights. Outdoor test campaigns were conducted in accordance with EASA / AustroControl regulations. Starting in 2025, the 2nd generation demonstrator, the BlackBird, serves as a testbed for the CycloRotor system.

First Generation, Technology Demonstrator (2021 - 2024)
Second Generation, BlackBird Demonstrator (2025 - present)