Don't believe this was ever built, the primary hangup being the linear motor. I believe Steve Callas was working with Fi at one point a long time ago for a custom motor to drive it but that's where it stalled. I believe a modified sub motor is probably the cheapest way to go but not the easiet in terms of integration to linkage to the fan. There are some off the self linear voice coil motors available (BEI kimco, moticont) but they're pricey $800-1300 and still require mods and mounts. Moticont now offer hollow models since I was interested in this, but one with an ID large enough to accomodate commonly available linear bearings and similar BL to high powered sub are around $1300. A sub motor could be used but you'd have to bore a hole through the back plate and pole piece and then theres the attachment of linkage from the coil/former to the blades. Not sure how machining friendly the alloys used for magnetics are since they're mostly iron.
your RC copter swashplate has a lot in common and really only needs a linear VC motor axially mounted but stationary to the shaft riding on a linear bearing.
I've looked into the bits and pieces and don't really think one of these could be constructed for less than $2500 or there abouts, as you'd spend $1000 or so on the VC motor, 500-1000 in machining to modify,mounts, framework, a few hundred in linkage, small rod end bearings, shafts, and linear bearings, you'd also have a few hundred in a VFD and fan motor. then there's the machining of the fan hub, bushings,bearings for blade shafts, etc. you'd also need some flat stock for fans blades.
This would make for an awesome project but is not cheap or trivial that's for sure.
