CycloTech Compound Helicopter

Compound Helicopter
CycloTech GmbH
Linz, Austria
www.cyclotech.at

Cyclotech GmbH was found in 2004 in Austria as IAT 21 and has logged more than 15 years of research into its rotor technology. It's core business is the development and optimization of Cyclogyro rotors for gasoline, hybrid-electric or electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Three patents have been made, another is pending and three more are in preparation (as of June 2020). While the company has already has had investments from Breeze Invest, the company is seeking more financial investors. 

The Cyclogyro rotors are compact, efficient for long distance flight, precise airflow control during VTOL flight, excellent maneuverability and provide a very stable transition from vertical to forward flight. 

A Cyclogyro rotor has multiple blades about a central axis and which are connected to a rotatably-mounted hub. When more power is applied turning the rotors faster, this generates thrust.  Each rotor wheel is controlled independently allowing almost instantaneous power changes which allow for a more stable aircraft when compared to a plane or helicopter. 

An advantage of the Cyclogyro rotor is it is smaller than standard propellers normally used on aircraft being designed for Urban Air Mobility. The company states their rotors take up 70% less space is required per passenger using their specialized rotors, which reduces the costs of operating the aircraft. 

The rotor blades are a familiar propulsion mechanism in the maritime industry called the Voith-Schneider propeller, suitable for use in the aviation industry. 

Cyclogyro rotors can not only serve as a main aircraft propulsion system but can also be a perfect complement to existing aircraft solutions. CycloTech’s patented compound helicopter has two laterally placed Cyclogyro rotors. These allow the removal of the conventional tail rotor and support lift generation, leading to a reduction of the main rotor diameter.

Smaller Cyclogyro rotors could be used to precisely maneuver an airship, or enhance the agility and precision of eVTOL air taxi concepts currently being developed. The company states there is a 20% greater than cost benefit of their Cyclogyro rotors when compared to tilt-wing or full electric helicopter concepts.

Cyclotech is also developing a Passenger Demonstrator and UAV Demonstrator.

Specifications:

• Aircraft type: Gasoline powered VTOL, hybrid-electric VTOL, eVTOL helicopter
• Piloting: Unknown
• Capacity: Unknown
• Rotor: 1 main 5-bladed helicopter rotorblade 
• Wheel rotors: 2  Cyclogyro rotors
• Tail: Has a typical helicopter-type tail boom with a rear horizontal stabilizer. At the ends of the horizontal stabilizer are 2 vertical stabilizers. The tail boom has no tail rotorblade
• Electric Motors: 2 or more
• Windows: Large panoramic windows providing spectacular views
• Landing gear: Skid type
• Safety feature: Helicopter has the ability to autorotate if there is an engine or electric motor failure

Company Insights:

• Tracxn

Resources:

• CycloTech GmbH website