ABOUT THE DIN

Static-Shaft Swash Plate Replacement: Collective and Cyclic Control Device for the RotorHawk Coaxial Rotor System

HyperQ Aerospace

About the Company

Hyper Q Aerospace Holdings develops RotorHawk, an autonomous hybrid-electric compound coaxial rotorcraft built around a patented static, non-rotating main rotor shaft (granted patents in Australia, the US and Europe). The programme spans defence ISR and counter-UAS roles alongside bushfire detection, surf rescue and remote cargo delivery. The company works with UTS on control authority and vibration research, and is progressing toward a hover-demonstrated prototype at TRL 6.

Project Objective

RotorHawk’s patented static-shaft architecture removes the rotating shaft that a standard swash plate requires. The intern will research, design and build a working swash plate replacement that mounts to the static central shaft and delivers full collective and cyclic control authority to the rotor blades across the same four blade configurations (3×3, 4×4, 5×3, 7×5) and the 2–6 m blade length range, remaining effective across RotorHawk’s 250-knot forward flight envelope. No particular solution mechanism is prescribed — the design approach is entirely open. The work supports RotorHawk’s candidacy for Project NYX, T-REX and the ADF’s Project Camel Train.

Project Tasks

• Weeks 1–3: Survey candidate approaches to collective/cyclic control from a static shaft; evaluate against control authority, 3D-printability and mechanical robustness; select design direction; coordinate shaft interface notes with Rotor Hub project.
• Weeks 4–7: Develop selected concept in SolidWorks to manufacture-ready design sized across all blade configurations and 2–6 m range; maximise 3D-printed content; confirm static-shaft mounting interface; prepare DMLS/FDM print files.
• Weeks 8–12: Print and assemble prototype; mount to rotor hub system; verify collective and cyclic control travel and mechanical behaviour on the bench using university laboratory equipment.
• Stretch goal: Extend bench verification to simulate high-advance-ratio inputs across the 250-knot flight envelope; scope flight control software interface requirements.

Intern Skills

• Aeronautical engineering — mechanical design and load-path reasoning for rotorcraft control hardware.
• Mechatronic skills: actuation, linkage and control interfacing for blade pitch control.
• 3D printing — DMLS metal and FDM/SLS polymer/composite processes including post-processing (HIP).
• SolidWorks: part/assembly modelling, drawing generation, tolerance stack-up.
• Comfortable with open-ended research/design; willing to coordinate closely with the parallel Rotor Hub intern on shared interfaces.
• Comfortable picking up an existing design specification; safety-conscious around rotating hardware; self-directed between weekly check-ins.

How to apply

Eligible students (Australian citizens and permanent residents) apply via the online application form and submit a CV and motivation letter by 6 September 2026.