SOURCE: AFI
Indian startup BonV Aero has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by setting a new world record for the highest-altitude drone flight. Their UAV platform successfully hovered at a staggering 19,024 feet (5,800 meters) above sea level at the Umlinga Pass in Ladakh, India.
Umlinga Pass, known as the highest motorable mountain pass in the world, presents a challenging environment due to its extreme altitude and harsh weather conditions. Despite these obstacles, BonV Aero’s drone managed to lift a substantial payload of 30 kilograms while maintaining a maximum takeoff weight of 100 kilograms.
This record-breaking flight signifies a significant advancement in logistic UAV capabilities, particularly in regions where traditional aircraft, such as helicopters, face limitations in payload capacity at high altitudes. For instance, the Cheetah helicopter, commonly used for high-altitude missions in areas like Siachen Glacier, is restricted to carrying only 20 kilograms at such elevations.
Abinash Sahoo, Co-founder & CTO of BonV Aero, expressed his enthusiasm for this achievement, stating, “We believe this is just the beginning of what UAVs can accomplish at high altitudes. Our ability to achieve this milestone is a testament to our in-house research and development, design expertise, and the indigenous propulsion system we’ve developed.”
BonV Aero’s success in breaking this world record highlights the potential of drone technology to revolutionize logistics and operations in challenging environments. It also underscores India’s growing capabilities in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles.