CYCLOTECH’S FLYING CAR PROTOTYPE TAKES TO THE SKIES: A NEW ERA FOR EVTOL TECH

There is no CycloTech BlackBird price yet, because the BlackBird is a flying technology demonstrator, not a vehicle you can buy. This eVTOL prototype proves CycloTech's unique CycloRotor propulsion, and the consumer flying car it points to, a two-seater called CruiseUp, is only targeted for around 2035. For now, the BlackBird is about validating the technology rather than setting a sticker price.

What is the CycloTech BlackBird?

CycloTech's BlackBird prototype is paving the way for a revolutionary shift in electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology with its unique CycloRotor propulsion system. Recently launched into its flight testing phase, the BlackBird is the world's first aircraft to use six barrel-shaped CycloRotors for propulsion. These advanced Voith-Schneider style propellers use tilting blades rotating within cylindrical casings, allowing rapid and precise thrust adjustments in any direction. Compared to traditional rotary systems, CycloRotors provide faster response times, increased maneuverability and potentially safer configurations for urban environments. The BlackBird marks a significant milestone, evolving from concept to airborne prototype in a remarkably brief 11 months. As CycloTech confirmed, the demonstrator completed its successful maiden flight in 2025.

How does the CycloRotor flying car work?

This non-full-scale prototype weighs 750 pounds and features an innovative design incorporating four CycloRotors positioned east to west, plus two additional barrels mounted north to south. These auxiliary rotors enhance vertical thrust, redundancy and maneuverability, making the BlackBird uniquely capable of handling real-time challenges like wind gusts during flight. As New Atlas explains, this 360-degree thrust vectoring even enables mid-air braking and parallel parking in the sky. CycloTech sees this approach as a way to address the limitations of traditional eVTOL propulsion systems, such as slower power adjustments and larger propulsive footprints.

What are the CruiseUp specs and timeline?

With a forthcoming production model called CruiseUp, CycloTech aims to deliver a two-seater personal aircraft with a range of 62 miles and a top speed of 93 mph, bringing a potentially transformative flying car experience to individuals rather than focusing solely on commercial air taxi services. The Austrian-based CycloTech team has consistently demonstrated its commitment to innovation, refining the CycloRotor system since 2011. The BlackBird's maiden flight sets the stage for comprehensive testing campaigns to fully realize the technology's potential in passenger transport and in applications like cargo drones. While the production timeline targets 2035, CycloTech is prioritizing perfecting its propulsion method over rushing mass production.

Photo: CYCLOTECH

Where to find flying cars and eVTOLs at TheArsenale

Since the CycloTech BlackBird is a prototype with no price yet, the way to explore personal flight today is through the eVTOLs and aircraft TheArsenale curates. Discover the XPENG X2 eVTOL flying car, the autonomous Ehang AAV passenger drone and the Atea hybrid-electric aircraft.

Browse the full TheArsenale aero collection to find a flying machine that brings the BlackBird vision within reach.