CycloTech Presents: “The BlackBird Demonstrator!”
Austrian-based CycloTech is introducing a new flying vehicle called “The BlackBird Demonstrator”, which features the company’s latest propulsion system for any kind of manned or unmanned aircraft, although it is primarily designed for flying cars, reports a press release. The company says “It is developing and using a technology that sets completely new standards in its application.”
Innovative Technology
The company claims the CycloRotor technology is the only propulsion system in aviation that can control the thrust vector in strength and direction in a full 360° circular path.
Superior Manoeuvrability
Six 7th generation CycloRotors enable vertical take-off and landing, as well as precise control in all directions, including parallel parking and mid-air braking/deceleration.
Maximum Passenger Comfort
The unique decoupling of the flight path and aircraft orientation ensures stability and a high level of passenger comfort, even in challenging conditions. The first flight is planned for Q1 of 2025.
Hans-Georg Kinsky, CEO of CycloTech, commented, “We are the only company in the world currently working on the commercial application of CycloRotors as the main propulsion system. With the BlackBird, we are showing how this innovative technology will open up the market for flying cars. We are positioning ourselves as a supplier of drive systems for electric flight.”
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The Blackbird, with a maximum take-off weight of 340 kg, is now in development and expected to be completed by the end of this year. It will build on the knowledge gained from over 800 successful flights of CycloTech’s first-generation flight demonstrator.
Kinsky continued, “Safety is of the utmost importance in aviation. An engine failure is a challenge for all aircraft. That’s why at CycloTech we use at least six CycloRotors to ensure the aircraft can continue to fly in a controlled manner in the event of an engine failure.”
“In addition,” says the release, “The 360° thrust vector control enables the aircraft to brake and stop in mid-air, thus increasing control and safety, especially in busy airspace. The 2 CycloRotors in the longitudinal axis of the aircraft enable lateral flight without banking the aircraft and increased manoeuvrability.”
It goes on, “CycloRotors enable the construction of compact aircraft that are half the size of those with propellers or rotors, which means that no special infrastructure is required and that they can be more easily integrated into the current domestic environment.”
The BlackBird highlights the capabilities of the 7th generation CycloRotor, offering precise control, vertical take-off and landing and maximum stability at different pitch angles of up to 30 degrees while hovering, the demonstrator is suitable for a wide range of applications.
Background
CycloTech’s aviation propulsion systems are based on the Voith-Schneider-Principle. The company has developed a unique 360° thrust vectoring CycloRotors which are electrically driven, sustainable and highly manoeuvrable for the air mobility demands of the 21st century.
This enables an easy transition from hover to forward flight profiles with gust control and precision landing and “is ideal for safe operations in crowded airspace and confined areas,” says the company.
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(Images: CycloTech)
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