rotorhub

RotorHub is an open-source platform and community focused on rotorcraft technology, including unmanned aerial vehicles, multirotors, and small helicopters. It serves as a central resource for sharing designs, documentation, and data related to rotor systems, flight control, and propulsion, with an emphasis on collaborative development and safe operation.

The platform hosts design repositories containing CAD models, bill of materials, test data, and build instructions. Contributions are governed by open licenses and version control to enable reuse and collaboration. It promotes interoperability through standardized file formats, naming conventions, and a common data schema for parts such as rotor hubs, blades, and motor mounts, facilitating cross-project integration and peer review.

History and scope: RotorHub was conceived in the early 2010s by a coalition of hobbyists, researchers, and educators and evolved from a discussion forum into a structured repository with project pages, governance mechanisms, and partnerships with universities and makerspaces. It has since expanded to include simulation templates, safety guidelines, and documented best practices for design and testing.

Governance and content: Content is user-submitted and peer-reviewed by moderators and community validators to maintain quality and reliability. The platform features tutorials, troubleshooting guides, and case studies, along with events and competitions that encourage responsible innovation and knowledge sharing.

Impact and reception: RotorHub has been adopted by academic laboratories, design-build clubs, and small manufacturers as a low-barrier entry point for sharing rotorcraft components and data. It aims to accelerate iteration, standardize interfaces, and improve safety through transparent documentation and community review.