In 2021, Haofeng (Hector) Xu, a student well-versed in aviation and aerospace engineering, established Rotor Technologies Inc., an autonomous helicopter company. This decision rooted from his personal experiences in flying helicopters along with the realization of the life risks pilots undertake daily in the US while operating small aircraft, many of which result in fatalities. Xu aims to provide safer solutions by developing autonomous helicopters that systemize the most precarious parts of the flight.
Unlike other companies that attempt to incorporate beneficial changes in all vehicle aspects, Rotor dedicates its entire focus on autonomy. One of Rotor’s distinct characteristics is converting existing helicopters into safer, autonomous machines by installing upgraded software, sensors and a “fly by wire” system. This process involves frequent interaction between the aircraft’s computers, motors and flight control attributes. Safe and reliable communication between the helicopter and the ground is achieved through advanced communication tools.
Rotor’s first official project revolved around working with an already recognized aircraft model by the Robinson Helicopter Company. The decision to procure an existing aircraft instead of producing a new one from scratch was an initial and crucial decision. Rotor takes advantage of the 2,000 hours overhaul requirement of Robinson Helicopter’s model by installing upgrades during these periods. Furthermore, Rotor retains Robinson’s supply chain while presenting a familiar aircraft model to potential clients.
Monitoring of flights is done through a cloud-based human supervision system that operates 24/7, referred to as the Cloudpilot. The company starts with supervision of flights in remote areas for safety purposes, retaining a human expert for making emergency decisions and dealing with unforeseen scenarios.
Rotor’s R550X, an aviation marvel, stands out for its additional capabilities. This machine can handle loads up to 1,212 pounds while flying at speeds exceeding 120 miles per hour. It also has the capacity to stay airborne for a prolonged period with the help of auxiliary fuel tanks.
The company plans to scale its business model and increase production to 50 to 100 aircraft a year in the future. Xu has high hopes of making flying a safer, more affordable, and autonomous experience in daily life, and to make Rotor a crucial element in this endeavor. The aim of developing these helicopters does not only lie in extending safety and flying times, but to partake in newer applications, thereby enriching the company’s future impact on daily life. Rotor represents a new tool in aviation sciences, its potential applications left to the imagination of the users.
