Abstract <p>A history of development of various cycloidal rotors used as aircraft propellers is presented. The operating principle of a pitching-blade cycloidal rotor is described. Different papers on this issue are reviewed, quantitative data are summarized and analyzed, and the most important parameters affecting the characteristics of a pitching-blade cycloidal rotor are identified. Optimal values of the main parameters for improving the characteristics of a pitching-blade cycloidal rotor are obtained. A method for the engineering evaluation of the thrust of a pitching-blade cycloidal rotor is proposed.</p>