BonV Aero Sets World Record for High-Altitude UAV Flight

BonV Aero, India’s leading aerial mobility manufacturing startup firm has entered the International Book of Records for setting a new world record in high-altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) technology. The Odisha based startup company, a key supplier of heavy-lift UAVs to the Indian Army, completed a hover flight test at 19,024 feet, carrying a 30kg payload, setting a world record for UAV operations at high altitudes.

The test was conducted at Umling La Pass, Ladakh, the highest motorable mountain pass in the world. BonV Aero's UAV platform lifted a 30kg payload and hovered at 19,024 feet with a maximum takeoff weight of 100kg. This record-breaking flight, executed safely, marks a milestone in logistic UAV capabilities, especially in areas where helicopters, like the Cheetah, face payload limitations.

"This world record is a moment of pride for us at BonV Aero," said Satyabrata Satapathy (Co-Founder & CEO). "We have been working closely with the Indian Army to develop an UAV platform that addresses their logistical challenges in high-altitude regions. This test reinforces our commitment to keep pushing the boundaries of aerial mobility solutions for our defence forces."

For comparison, the Cheetah helicopter, used for high-altitude missions in areas like Siachen (12,000 – 18,000 feet above AMSL), is limited to carrying 20kgs at such altitudes. BonV Aero's UAV platform has proven capable of flying with heavier payloads, opening up possibilities for transport and supply chain solutions in difficult and high-altitude terrains in the northern and eastern borders of the country.

"We believe this is the beginning of what UAVs can achieve at high altitudes. We could achieve this milestone thanks to our in-house R&D, design capabilities and the indigenous propulsion system," added Abinash Sahoo (Co-founder & CTO) "This platform has a variety of diverse use-cases including in the Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Response (HADR) segment."

With this achievement, BonV Aero strengthens its position as the leader in the heavy-lift logistics UAV segment and the company plans to continue maturing its platform for even tougher environments. This milestone sets the stage for UAVs to play a role in high-altitude logistics, addressing needs in both military and civilian sectors.