After 15 years of extensive development and prototype testing, CycloTech has revealed its highly-anticipated conceptual aircraft called the CruiseUp. The CruiseUp is a unique-looking personal two-seat eVTOL air car designed specifically for short-distance trips within a city. Not only does it have a striking appearance, but it also boasts exceptional braking capabilities compared to other eVTOL models.
CycloTech, based in Linz, Austria, has dedicated its efforts to popularize and commercialize the innovative CycloRotor propulsion system. In marine applications, this technology is known as Voith-Schneider propellers, featuring rotating barrels of thrust with wing blades functioning as “walls.” These blades tilt as the barrels spin, enabled by conrods connected to a swashplate. By operating similarly to helicopter rotors, the blades continuously adjust their pitch, resulting in thrust peaks at specific points during rotation.
This unique mechanism allows for immediate and precise thrust vectoring in 360 degrees. While primarily directed downward in this air car, the barrels can easily generate thrust in other directions, including rearward for accelerating forward, forward for effective air brakes, or even upward if necessary. This swift and efficient thrust vectoring is the significant advantage of the Voith-Schneider propeller in the maritime realm. Tug boats, ferries, and firefighting vessels, among others, utilize these propellers to position themselves accurately, maintain stability, and counteract towing forces.
However, it is important to note some drawbacks. The constant movement of the swashplate and tilting blades necessitates maintenance, unlike conventional propellers. This additional mechanical complexity adds weight and affects efficiency since the blades create drag without producing thrust continuously.
In the eVTOL industry, where weight and efficiency are crucial due to limited energy storage capacity, it is uncertain whether CycloRotors will outperform regular electric propellers. Yet, in a future where energy storage limitations are resolved, their agility could prove beneficial. Aircraft equipped with CycloRotors might hover more smoothly and steadily, responding quickly to wind gusts.
To witness the capabilities of CycloTech’s 80-kg (176-lb) prototype in action, you can view its first untethered outdoor flight footage from last month. The video demonstrates the aircraft hovering effortlessly, showcasing the potential of the CycloRotor system.
Although CycloTech has successfully developed its first conceptual aircraft, the CruiseUp is primarily designed for individual ownership rather than serving as an air taxi. In a theoretical future where it becomes legal to operate aircraft in unconventional spaces, the CruiseUp can take off and land in residential driveways or backyards. The overall size of the air car is approximately 1.5 times larger than a regular ground vehicle, accommodating only two passengers. However, there appears to be a small luggage compartment that could accommodate a child or two unnoticed.
The CruiseUp is equipped with six CycloRotors, with the four corner rotors being immediately visible. The other two rotors are positioned fore and aft of the cabin, spinning along a longitudinal axis. These additional rotors contribute to downward and lateral thrust, enabling sideways motion or rotation, but they do not contribute to forward or rearward thrust. Despite its resemblance to a high-heeled shoe while airborne, the CruiseUp operates similarly to a traditional multicopter. Since it lacks wings for lift during cruise flight, it relies solely on thrust for support, drawing significant power from the batteries. Consequently, the aircraft’s top speed is a modest 150 km/h (93 mph), with an estimated range of 100 km (62 miles).
CycloTech does not foresee the CruiseUp taking flight until at least 2035 or later. The company plans to wait for the eVTOL air taxi and shuttle sectors to establish themselves, setting the stage for a new era of clean electric air transport on a large scale. It is only then that the potential for widespread adoption of personal air cars may materialize, either due to advancements in energy storage capabilities or drastic changes in societal circumstances.
Considering the futuristic nature of this concept vehicle, CycloTech’s timeline is commendably practical. The company deserves recognition for successfully developing and flying a substantial sub-scale prototype. However, from a business perspective, it remains unclear how CycloTech intends to generate revenue during the next decade.
The immediate application for this type of aircraft may reside in smaller drones, where precise positioning and multidirectional agility are valuable for tasks such as asset inspection. Regardless, the mechanics behind CycloRotor propulsion are undeniably fascinating. The visually impressive renders exude a futuristic and cool aesthetic. It is always exciting to see novel approaches like CycloTech’s CruiseUp emerge and find their place in the world. We eagerly anticipate further developments as the project progresses.
Source: CycloTech
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