Cyclorotors
Also known as Voith-Schneider propellers, cyclorotors are barrel-shaped propulsion systems that spin at a constant speed, but can vector thrust nearly instantly in 360 degrees by adjusting the pitch of blades running the length of the barrels. They're currently being considered for a variety of electric aircraft and UAV applications.
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After 15 years of development and prototype testing, CycloTech has presented its first concept aircraft. The CruiseUp is a unique-looking personal two-seat eVTOL air car designed for cross-town hops – and it'd probably stop better than any other eVTOL. -
Having received permission from Austrian authorities to begin outdoor flight testing on its remarkable CycloRotor-propelled technology demonstrator, CycloTech has announced noise testing results for its 360-degree thrust vectoring propulsion barrels. -
Most drones need to tilt to move and correct against gusts of wind. Pitch Aero's Astria, however, can keep itself preternaturally level and stable, thanks to a novel use of cyclorotors that opens up a range of use cases other drones can't handle. -
Innovative vertical propulsion company Cyclotech has partnered with Yamato, one of Japan's largest delivery companies, to produce a concept for a very unique-looking mid-capacity delivery drone using Cyclotech's thrust-vectoring propulsion system. -
Although the electric VTOL market is beginning to reach adolescence, there are still plenty of designs coming in from way out of left field, hoping to disrupt the market with all sorts of interesting approaches. Here are 10 of our favorites. -
The fascinating CycloTech eVTOL prototype has taken its first flight tests, running its paddle steamer-style "Cyclogiro" propulsion system, which offers some interesting advantages over typical multirotor-style designs. -
Russia's Foundation for Advanced Research has already flown a 60-kg prototype of its Cyclocar VTOL aircraft, which uses a super-responsive cyclical propeller propulsion system. A full-size, long-range, six-seat Cyclocar is expected within a few years. -
Austrian company Cyclotech is planning to begin flight-testing an 80-kg (176-lb) demonstrator of its unique electric VTOL airframe, which uses Voith-Schneider propellers instead of rotors for exceptional agility and control in the air.