How The Cycloidal Propellers Will Destroy The Aviation Industry

Cycloidal propellers, or cyclo rotors, have become quite the talk of the town due to their high maneuverability and wide array of uses! Despite being considered a technological breakthrough; Cycloidal Propellers have been present since the early 20th century! After a hiatus in development of over 100 years, this radical rotor design is getting popular because of the never-ending rise of VTOL aircraft!

[@raylawrence1]

The efficiency of any wing-lift device relies on the minimum disc/wing loading. These stubby blades with their rapidly changing angles of attack are going to suffer from very high wing loading but also suffer from shock-stalling due to the rapidly changing angles of attack. No doubt the idea can be made to function but in my opinion it will be fearfully inefficient as a means of providing lift.

[@recoilrob324]

Cycloidal props work well in water....not well in air as they're too small and need to spin too fast. Big thrust needs big bite and surface area engaging the air and cycloidal props just don't have it.