LINZ, Austria - CycloTech in Linz, Austria, announced the successful maiden flight of its BlackBird demonstrator aircraft on 27 March, marking what the company calls a major step forward in compact electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft development.
Equipped with six 7th-generation CycloRotors - two more than in previous prototypes - the BlackBird features a unique configuration that enables 360-degree thrust vectoring. This allows for advanced flight maneuvers, including vertical takeoff and landing, mid-air braking, hovering at a pitch angle, and precision landing even in challenging weather.
"The BlackBird is more than a demonstrator—it’s a flying testbed for the future of aviation," said CycloTech Chief Technology Officer Tahsin Kart. "To see it take flight in such a short time is a testament to our team’s innovation and spirit."
Related: CycloTech's 750-lb CycloRotor-powered eVTOL aims for takeoff in 2025
First flight
The aircraft progressed from concept to first flight in 11 months. Launched in April 2024, the project included a six-month development of the airframe, five months for battery and thermal management systems, and 4.5 months for the electric drive. Integration of flight control, software, and avionics was completed in parallel, with full assembly achieved within 10 months.
"Each milestone brought us closer to lift-off and the pace at which we moved is unprecedented for such a complex aircraft," Kart said.
The 340-kilogram demonstrator flew at a general aviation airport under European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations.
"We’re redefining what’s possible in vertical flight," said CEO Marcus Bauer. "Our goal is to open the skies for a new generation in aviation."
CycloTech now enters a broader flight testing phase to further evaluate the capabilities of its propulsion system and the aircraft’s performance.
