CycloTech presents CruiseUp, an air vehicle that visualizes the benefits of CycloRotor technology and its capability of 360° thrust vectoring within a compact, passenger-oriented design. Based on 15 years of CycloRotor technology development, wind tunnel testing and experience from more than 500 flights of its technology demonstrator, the CruiseUp concept is designed to meet individual air mobility needs expected to emerge next decade. It opens up new possibilities for everyday activities in a comfortable, simple and safe way, as sustainable individual air mobility will become reality this century, replacing pollution intense ground-based transportation.

CycloTech underpins its pioneering position by introducing a new breed of aircraft. CruiseUp uses CycloRotors as its electric propulsion system, ensuring safety for both the environment and the two passengers. Compared to rotors and propellers, the moving parts of the CycloRotors are encapsulated and the specific configuration of CruiseUp shields the passenger cabin. The 6 CycloRotor configuration of CruiseUp provides a high level of redundancy, allowing to fly and land safely, even in the event of a rotor failure. The specific orientation of the 6 rotors, with 2 on the length axis of the vehicle, enables high-precision sideways and backward flight, as well as mid-air braking – all without tilting or banking the vehicle.

Developed as part of a feasibility study, CruiseUp provides an outstanding passenger travel experience with maximum comfort, high maneuverability, and a seamless transition from hover to forward flight. By decoupling the flight path from the vehicle attitude and compensating for gusts in harsh weather conditions, CruiseUp capitalizes on CycloRotors and their unique 360° thrust vectoring capabilities. This allows passengers to travel comfortably within urban, suburban and rural areas. CruiseUp offers a top speed of 150km/h and a range of 100 km, while most megacities and their suburbs are within a 20 km radius.

A new breed of aircraft for a future mass market

The first wave of electric flying VTOL vehicles, featuring air taxis and air shuttles will finally enter commercial operation next year, introducing short range electric flying to mankind – mostly in airline style, piloted, and as shared service within a pre-defined network of fixed locations.

CycloTech, however, anticipates the second wave of sustainable electric flying to emerge a decade later, when individual air mobility with privately owned eVTOL vehicles will begin to satisfy the ultimate customer expectation – true point-to-point transportation capability at one´s own disposal. “With the dimensions of 6.7m x 3.3m CruiseUp is just 50% bigger than current cars and way smaller than most of the air taxi concepts and thus fits into our domestic environment” says project manager Andrea Marchsteiner. While the 20th century taught mankind to fly with fossil fuels, the 21st century will see emission-free “Flying Cars/Air Cars” become part of a new normality.

A key element in the transformation of mobility will be the electrically powered CycloRotor – the new 360° thrust vectoring propulsion system – which enables a compact design, resulting in a small vehicle footprint and highest maneuverability. “CycloRotors are the entry ticket to the mass market of sustainable aviation with an addressable market of millions of vehicles per year. We make your car fly” says Markus Steinke, Chief Development Officer.