The Cypher is a type of unmanned aerial vehicle developed by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation. It is a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft which uses two opposing rotors enclosed in a circular shroud for propulsion.

The single prototype first flew in April 1992 and flew untethered the following year. Since then, over 550 flights have been made in a series of demonstrations for the US government.

The doughnut-shaped Cypher can carry a sensor package on struts above its hull, or can be used to transport loads of up to 50 lb (23 kg).

Specifications (Cypher)

General Characteristics

• Crew: none
• Capacity: 50 lb (23 kg)
• Diameter: 6 ft 2 in (6.99 m)
• Height: ft in ( m)
• Main rotor area: 25.2 ft² (2.4 m²)
• Empty: lb ( kg)
• Loaded: 250 lb (114 kg)
• Maximum takeoff: lb ( kg)
• Powerplant: 1x UEL AR-801 , 50 hp (37 kW)

Performance

• Maximum speed: 90 mph (144 km/h)
• Range: 36 miles (58 km)
• Service ceiling: 5,000 ft (1,524 m)
• Rate of climb: ft/min ( m/min)
• Main rotor loading: 9.9 lb/ft² (47.5 kg/m²)
• Power/Mass: 0.2 hp/lb (0.32 kW/kg)

External links

• Cypher

Related content

Related development:

Comparable aircraft:

Designation sequence: Cypher - Cypher II