Bhubaneswar: Odisha-based BonV Aero, India’s leading aerial mobility manufacturing firm, has made it to the International Book of Records for setting a new mark in high-altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology.
BonV Aero, a prominent supplier of heavy-lift UAVs to Indian Army, completed a hover flight test at Ladakh’s Umling La Pass, which is the world’s highest motorable mountain pass at an altitude of 19,024 feet.
During the flight, BonV Aero’s UAV platform carried a 30 kg payload, thereby setting a world record for UAV operations in high-altitude regions.
The UAV, with a total take-off weight of 100 kg, hovered at this extreme altitude, showcasing its lifting capability in harsh conditions where traditional helicopters like the Cheetah face payload limitations.
“This world record is a proud moment for us. Our close collaboration with the Indian Army allowed us to design and execute a UAV platform that directly addresses logistical challenges in high-altitude areas. This successful test underscores our ongoing commitment to advancing aerial mobility solutions for India’s defence forces,” said Satyabrata Satapathy, Co-Founder & CEO of BonV Aero.
The Cheetah, employed for high-altitude operations, can transport a maximum payload of 20 kg at similar altitudes like Siachen (12,000 – 18,000 feet).
BonV Aero Co-Founder & CTO Abinash Sahoo believes this is just the beginning of what UAVs can achieve in extreme altitudes.
“Our achievement is the result of robust R&D, indigenous design, and advanced propulsion systems. The platform offers tremendous potential across various sectors, including Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Response (HADR),” he remarked.