The company is developing a persistent‑flight aerial platform that merges glider aerodynamic efficiency with helicopter rotor‑stiffening, using a tethered uni‑rotor design to achieve high aspect‑ratio wings and vertical takeoff/landing.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Current satellite architectures either require costly launch and large constellations (LEO) or suffer from high latency and limited flexibility (geosynchronous). High‑altitude platform stations (HAPS) promise lower latency and reusable operation, but existing designs cannot sustain continuous, persistent flight without prohibitive structural weight or complex rotor systems.
Solution
Devorto is developing the Tethered Uni‑Rotor Network (TURN), a persistent‑flight aerial platform that combines the aerodynamic efficiency of high‑aspect‑ratio glider wings with centrifugal stiffening derived from helicopter rotors. The vehicle uses a tethered uni‑rotor configuration in which propulsion units at the wing tips drive rotation, eliminating torque transmission to the central hub and allowing the tethers to remain taut, which prevents wing bending. Continuous rotation generates lift on each wing section, supporting vertical takeoff and landing while maintaining a stable altitude of 60‑70 k ft. By modulating tether tension and cyclic control inputs during rotation, the system can translate horizontally, enabling precise positioning of the atmospheric satellite. This approach aims to deliver broadband, low‑latency communications and sensing capabilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional satellite deployments.
Target Audience
Primary customers are telecommunications operators, remote‑sensing providers, and government agencies seeking low‑latency, on‑demand broadband or surveillance services without the expense of large satellite constellations.
Features
- Uni‑rotor tip‑driven propulsion eliminates counter‑torque mechanisms, simplifying the central hub design
- Centrifugal stiffening of ultra‑slender wing tethers allows very high aspect‑ratio wings for minimal drag
- Vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability reduces ground infrastructure and launch costs
- Cyclic tether‑tension control provides horizontal translation and station‑keeping without separate control surfaces
- Operating altitude of 60‑70 k ft delivers latency up to 50× lower than LEO satellites and broadband data rates
- Reusable platform architecture enables rapid redeployment and low per‑mission capital expenditure