Russia’s 6-seater Hybrid VTOL Cyclocar Soars In The Sky With Its Prototype!

Cyclocar VTOL aircraft, which employs a super-responsive cycle propeller propulsion system, is a 60-kg prototype developed by Russia's Foundation for Advanced Research and has recently been spotted flying around. 

In 2022, a full-scale, long-range, six-seat Cyclocar is anticipated to take to the skies.

Developed as part of the Cyclone project, the Cyclocar will feature a fully electric motor when it launches next year, with rumours of a hybrid variant in the works. The full-size version will have a length of 6.2 meters, a top speed of 250 km/h, and a range of 500 kilometres.

The exact generator engine has yet to be determined, although it is anticipated to be Russian-made, with either a rotary piston or turboshaft engine. The propulsion barrels will be 1.5 m (5 ft) in diameter and capable of carrying up to six people or 600 kilograms (1,323 lb) of payload in either piloted, autonomous, or remote-controlled model.

Additionally, the VTOL aircraft will dock to vertical surfaces and land on an inclined surface of up to 30 degrees. Occupants may access the cabin from both the stern and the sides, and the back entrance ramp can be used to transport gear or special equipment in and out.

In the video above, the team saw working out the kinks and intricacies with the prototypes - the largest weighing at 60 kilograms. A demonstration is also seen where the aircraft demonstrates its hovering capabilities. 

Test flights are anticipated to begin in 2022, with the aircraft being employed for various military and civilian applications, including Urban Air Mobility, Search and Rescue, police work, firefighting, tourism, surveying, battlefield mobility, and more.

The Advanced Research Foundation, based in Russia, was established in 2012 as a research and development organization to modernise Russia's military and state security organisations with innovative high-tech technologies and products, as well as bringing innovative products to the commercial market. Yan Chibisov is the leader of the Cyclocar Project Team.