사이클로테크, 처녀 비행에서 차세대 추력 벡터링 시연하는 AAM eVTOL

CycloTech’s BlackBird eVTOL completes its first flight, showcasing groundbreaking CycloRotor technology and unlocking new possibilities for compact, agile urban air mobility

Story and Images By Joe Macey 
aaminternational.com

CycloTech has successfully completed the maiden flight of its BlackBird demonstrator, marking a significant breakthrough in the development of its proprietary CycloRotor technology.

The flight, which took place on March 27, represents a major milestone in the company’s mission to redefine urban air mobility with a radically new form of thrust-vectoring propulsion.

Conceived and built in under 11 months, the BlackBird transitioned from initial concept to first flight at an exceptional pace. This rapid development timeline underscores the commitment and technical excellence of CycloTech’s engineering team, along with strong collaboration from key partners across the aerospace ecosystem. Work on the project officially began in April 2024, with full vehicle assembly completed in just 10 months, followed by rigorous system integration and ground testing phases.

The BlackBird introduces a completely novel aircraft configuration, integrating six of CycloTech’s 7th-generation CycloRotors—two more than in previous test platforms. The rotors are arranged in a unique configuration designed to take full advantage of the system’s signature 360-degree thrust vectoring. This enables advanced maneuvering capabilities not typically available in conventional eVTOLs, including VTOL operation, mid-air braking, hover with pitch control, precise landings, and even lateral movements such as parallel parking.

Tahsin Kart, CTO of CycloTech, said, “The BlackBird is more than a demonstrator—it’s a flying testbed for the future of aviation. To see it take flight in such a short time is a testament to our team’s innovation and spirit.”

Kart added, “Each milestone brought us closer to lift-off and the pace at which we moved is unprecedented for such a complex aircraft.”

Weighing in at 340kg, the BlackBird demonstrator successfully took to the air in March, validating the operational readiness of CycloTech’s electric propulsion, battery system, flight controls, software, and avionics. The successful lift-off demonstrated the real-world potential of the CycloRotor propulsion system—an innovation that could drastically reduce vehicle footprint while improving maneuverability and passenger comfort in future eVTOL designs.

Marcus Bauer, CEO of CycloTech, added, “We’re redefining what’s possible in vertical flight, pioneering the future with our groundbreaking propulsion technology to open the skies for a new generation in aviation.”

With the initial flight now completed, CycloTech has launched an extensive flight test campaign aimed at fully characterizing the performance envelope and flight dynamics of its CycloRotor-based architecture. The program will provide critical data to support the development of compact, high-agility air vehicles for urban and regional use cases, where space constraints and handling precision are key operational demands.

CycloTech’s BlackBird is seen as a pivotal step in the evolution of air mobility platforms, offering a compelling demonstration of how disruptive propulsion technology can shape the next generation of efficient, flexible, and space-conscious eVTOL aircraft.