CycloRotor Aviation Propulsion
CycloRotors provide unmatched manoeuvrability by directing thrust 360° around their rotational axis, surpassing traditional one-direction systems. CycloTech’s 5th-generation CycloRotors powered an entire aircraft in 2021, demonstrating revolutionary design flexibility for UAVs and UAM vehicles.
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.
Unique Characteristics of CycloRotors
360° THRUST VECTORING
Easy transition hover to forward flight
Superior manoeuvrability and gust control
Decoupling of flight path and vehicle attitude
COMPACT DESIGN
Small footprint
CONFINED AREAS
CROWDED AIRSPACE
ADVERSE WEATHER
ADDED SAFETY
AGILITY
COMFORT
Unique Characteristics of CycloRotors
360° THRUST VECTORING
Easy transition
hover to forward flight
Superior manoeuvrability
and gust control
Decoupling of flight path
and vehicle attitude
COMPACT DESIGN
Small footprint
CONFINED AREAS
CROWDED AIRSPACE
ADVERSE WEATHER
ADDED SAFETY
AGILITY
COMFORT
CycloRotor Development
The CycloRotor’s innovative propulsion system requires an ultra-light yet durable design, utilising advanced materials and manufacturing techniques. CycloTech has created an automated toolchain combining CFD simulations, multi-body dynamics, and FE modelling to optimise performance, with rigorous testing in wind tunnels and flight. In just three years, efficiency has more than doubled, paving the way for even greater advancements in this evolving technology.
CycloRotor CR-42*
The current rotor design with a one-sided mounting offers an easy connection to any aircraft structure via a simple suspension system. CR42 is a fully electric CycloRotor with an electric motor and a gearbox as a drivetrain. The core of the agility is the patented mechanical configuration and control system.
Spanwidth: 420 mm
Max Thrust: 253 N
*in operation in our technology demonstrator
Detailed Information
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CycloRotor Concepts & Increasing Efficiency
CycloTech continues to refine CycloRotor technology, unlocking further efficiency and performance gains. Key focus areas include:
- Enhanced Thrust & Efficiency – Optimizing hover and forward flight performance
- Lightweight Design – Reducing weight through advanced materials and engineering
- Direct Drive Innovation – Eliminating the gearbox for improved efficiency
- Safety & Redundancy – Critical for aviation certification and reliability
CycloRotors can also be used as a main or auxiliary propulsion system, combined in various configurations, offering diverse design possibilities for aircraft manufacturers.
Demonstrator Development
The proof of concept was performed with a flight demonstrator of 83kg take-off weight equipped with 4 of our CycloRotors in 2021. The demonstrator is used as a technology platform to test further optimization loops of the rotor technology.
In 2023, following EASA regulations, CycloTech received permission from the national aviation safety authority (Austro Control) to perform outdoor flights with its second demonstrator, which also features an enhanced flight control system.
First outdoor free flights took place in August 2023.