DBT Bureau
Pune, 28 Sep 2024
BonV Aero, a company that makes flying machines, has set a new world record for high-altitude drones. They achieved this by successfully hovering at 19,024 feet while carrying a 30kg load. This makes them the top supplier of heavy-lift drones to the Indian Army, and their achievement is now recognized in the International Book of Records for UAVs in high-altitude areas.
The test was successfully conducted at Umling La Pass, Ladakh, noted as the highest motorable mountain pass in the world. BonV Aero’s UAV platform demonstrated its capability by lifting a 30kg payload and hovering at 19,024 feet with a total takeoff weight of 100kg. This record-breaking flight, executed safely, signifies a major milestone in logistic UAV capabilities, particularly in regions where traditional helicopters, such as the Cheetah, encounter payload limitations.
“This world record is a moment of pride for us at BonV Aero,” stated Satyabrata Satapathy, Co-Founder & CEO. “We have collaborated closely with the Indian Army to establish an UAV platform that addresses their logistical challenges in high-altitude regions. This test further underscores our commitment to advancing aerial mobility solutions for our defense forces.”
In comparison, the Cheetah helicopter, utilized for high-altitude operations in regions like Siachen (12,000 – 18,000 feet above AMSL), can only transport a maximum of 20kg at similar altitudes. BonV Aero’s UAV platform has exhibited the ability to handle substantially heavier payloads, thereby opening up possibilities for effective transport and supply chain solutions in challenging, high-altitude environments along the northern and eastern borders of India.
“We believe this is merely the beginning of what UAVs can achieve at high altitudes. This milestone was made possible due to our in-house R&D, design capabilities, and indigenous propulsion systems,” added Abinash Sahoo, Co-Founder & CTO. “The platform offers a range of diverse use cases, including applications in the Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Response (HADR) sector.”
With this achievement, BonV Aero solidifies its position as a leader in the heavy-lift logistics UAV segment and plans to further develop its platform for even more demanding environments. This milestone is pivotal for UAVs to contribute to high-altitude logistics, addressing complex needs across both military and civilian domains.
Furthermore, AIC-CGU and C. V. Raman Global University proudly celebrate the triumph of their incubated startup, BonV Aero. The team expresses gratitude to Startup Odisha for its unwavering support throughout their journey.
