BonV Aero, a drone startup from Odisha, has achieved a significant milestone by completing a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight. The drone flew over 60 kilometres carrying a 20-kg payload, marking the first time an Indian company has accomplished such a feat. The mission lasted 75 minutes, with the drone maintaining an average speed of 48 km/h.

The successful flight highlights the advanced capabilities of BonV Aero’s proprietary propulsion and energy systems. These systems are specifically designed for high-endurance and high-payload applications. This achievement places the company at the forefront of India’s unmanned logistics sector, with potential benefits for defence, disaster relief, and connectivity in remote areas.

Drone-Based Logistics in India

Satyabrata Satapathy, Co-founder and CEO of BonV Aero, stated, “It’s the first time a domestic UAV has demonstrated this level of range and payload together in a BVLOS flight. We’re ready to take drone-based logistics beyond test beds and into real-world missions.” This statement underscores the company’s readiness to transition from testing to practical applications.

BonV Aero’s heavy-lift platform is designed for critical last-mile delivery and operations in challenging terrains. It provides a reliable alternative where traditional infrastructure or air transport is impractical. The platform is particularly useful in India’s toughest geographies, where roads end and helicopters are either too costly or risky.

Innovative Solutions for Challenging Terrains

Gaurav Achha, Co-founder and co-CEO, remarked, “We’re building for India’s toughest geographies, where roads end and helicopters are expensive or risky. This milestone proves we can deliver meaningful payloads over long distances, safely and repeatedly.” This statement emphasizes the platform’s capability to operate effectively in difficult environments.

This recent achievement builds on BonV Aero’s previous success in setting a high-altitude world record in 2023. At Umling La Pass in Ladakh, their machine lifted 30 kg of cargo at an altitude of 19,024 feet (5,799 metres), outperforming traditional rotary aircraft under similar conditions.

The company’s advancements demonstrate its commitment to enhancing unmanned logistics solutions in India. By achieving these milestones, BonV Aero is poised to play a significant role in transforming how goods are transported across challenging terrains.

With inputs from PTI