CycloTech is transforming aviation with 360-degree thrust vectoring

In seismic shift toward Advanced Air Mobility

In the heart of Linz, Austria, a city known for its innovation and technological prowess, CycloTech is carving a niche as a global leader in aviation propulsion technology. The company specialises in the development of CycloRotors, a groundbreaking propulsion system that promises to transform air mobility.

At the core of CycloTech’s mission is the CycloRotor, an electrically driven propulsion unit inspired by the Voith-Schneider-Propeller. This technology has proven effective in maritime applications for decades.

According to Hans-Georg Kinsky, CEO of CycloTech, the CycloRotor’s unique ability to generate thrust in an entire 360-degree arc around its rotation axis sets it apart. This capability is achieved through multiple parallel blades that rotate around a central axis, dynamically adjusting pitch to create thrust. This instant control over thrust direction and magnitude enables smoother transitions from hover to forward flight, making it ideal for operations in crowded and confined environments.

Unlike traditional propulsion systems that operate primarily in a linear direction, CycloRotors facilitate multidirectional thrust, which is essential for urban air mobility. As cities face increasing congestion and the need for sustainable transport solutions, the CycloRotor is a pivotal technology in the shift toward Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), which aims to develop electric short-range flying vehicles that can take off and land without requiring traditional infrastructure like runways or helipads.

Sustainable propulsion system

The growing emphasis on decarbonisation and urban traffic management highlights the necessity for innovative aviation solutions. Conventional aircraft use outdated propulsion systems that burn fossil fuels, producing significant CO2 emissions.

In contrast, Kinsky says CycloTech’s CycloRotor technology represents a shift toward electrically powered, environmentally friendly solutions. This sustainable propulsion system provides enhanced manoeuvrability, which is critical for navigating complex urban environments.

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Air vehicles with CycloRotors can perform with six degrees of freedom, offering remarkable agility, midair braking capabilities, and resilience against turbulent weather conditions. This versatility allows for precise landings in challenging scenarios, enhancing operational safety and efficiency. It is this adaptability that makes CycloRotor technology a potential game-changer in the aviation industry, notes Kinsky

Prototype flying car

One of CycloTech’s flagship projects is the CruiseUp, a prototype flying car designed to showcase the potential of CycloRotor technology. Developed as part of a feasibility study, the CruiseUp exemplifies high manoeuvrability and user-friendly design. It seamlessly transitions between hovering and forward flight, providing passengers a comfortable and efficient travel experience.

With a range of 100km and speeds reaching up to 150km/h, the CruiseUp is engineered for point-to-point transportation. It can operate in confined spaces and has a footprint just 50% larger than that of a typical mid-size car.

Its innovative design features six rotors strategically placed to allow for precise lateral and forward movement without requiring the vehicle to tilt or roll. Kinsky says this is just one example of how CycloRotor technology can revolutionise urban mobility.

Kinsky notes: “At CycloTech, we have an ambitious development roadmap. By the end of 2030, we aim to achieve product certification for the CycloRotor as a main propulsion system. We envision a future where CycloRotor-equipped vehicles, including air taxis, are commonplace. With the introduction of air taxi services globally shortly, we expect public acceptance of electric flying vehicles to soar. This vision inspires us to continue our pioneering work in the aviation industry.”

Multiple uses

As an auxiliary propulsion system, CycloRotors also enhance the stability and manoeuvrability of drones and other flying vehicles, making them suitable for various applications beyond passenger transport. In this context, CycloTech is committed to providing manufacturers with the technology needed to realise next-generation air vehicles that cater to urban mobility demands in the 21st century.

A significant advantage of CycloRotors is their operational noise level, which is markedly lower than that of traditional propellers and rotors. Through extensive noise testing, CycloTech has demonstrated that CycloRotors produce sound levels comparable to a standard conversation at a distance of 100 metres. This characteristic is crucial for ensuring that urban air mobility solutions are viable in densely populated areas, addressing community concerns over noise pollution.

Furthermore, CycloTech prioritises safety, adhering to the highest industry standards. The distributed electric propulsion concept inherent in CycloRotors ensures a robust safety framework, making them compliant with aviation safety regulations.

“At CycloTech, we are committed to making our technology accessible to a broad market. With ambitions to produce over a million CycloRotors annually, we aim to lower costs, bringing sustainable aviation solutions within reach for consumers and businesses alike.

“This commitment to environmental sustainability is at the core of our mission, and as we continue to innovate and expand our offerings, we are leading the charge towards a new era of environmentally responsible air travel,” says Kinsky.

CycloTech’s pioneering efforts in developing 360-degree thrust vectoring CycloRotors represent a significant advancement in aviation technology and address pressing global challenges related to urban congestion and environmental sustainability. As the company moves towards certification and market readiness, aviation’s future appears more efficient and sustainable, thanks to the visionary work being done in Linz.

CycloTech was a key global exhibitor at Expand North Star, the world’s largest startup and investor event, held in Dubai from October 13 to 16, 2024.

Featured image: Rendering of the CruiseUp, a prototype flying car designed to showcase the potential of CycloRotor technology. Credit: CycloTech