Deepinder Goyal Announces LAT Aerospace’s uSTOL Demo Nears Flight

Deepinder Goyal, CEO of Eternal, announced on March 15, 2024, that the first technology demonstrator developed by LAT Aerospace is “almost ready for flight.” This milestone represents significant progress in the company’s aim to create ultra-short take-off and landing (uSTOL) aircraft in India. Goyal’s remarks were shared in a post on X and highlight the rapid development of a fully electric, fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

In his update, Goyal stated, “Our first uSTOL technology demonstrator is ready. We now have a fully electric, fixed-wing UAV built from scratch and almost ready for flight. Ground rolls done. As I type this, we are pushing hard to get the bird in the air.” The UAV is designed to take off in just 40 metres, benefiting from a high lift coefficient of 5, which is more than double that of conventional aircraft.

Technical Specifications and Future Aspirations

The UAV boasts an endurance of 60 minutes and a cruise range similar to the distance from Mumbai to Pune. In addition to the demonstrator, LAT Aerospace is advancing its research into hybrid-electric propulsion systems and is in the process of assembling a team to develop its own gas turbine engines. Goyal referred to this initiative as “one of the hardest engineering challenges possible” but expressed optimism about achieving operational capabilities by the end of the decade.

Goyal clarified that LAT Aerospace operates independently from Eternal. Earlier reports from The Economic Times indicated that he had invested USD 20 million in the startup, which was founded by Surobhi Das, the former COO of Zomato.

Addressing Regional Connectivity Issues

LAT Aerospace aims to develop low-cost STOL aircraft with a capacity of up to 24 seats that can operate from compact “air-stops” no larger than a typical parking lot. In a June 2023 LinkedIn post, Das highlighted the motivation behind this venture, noting India’s significant regional connectivity gap. Despite having over 450 airstrips, only about 150 currently host commercial flights. She remarked, “Millions in Tier 2 and 3 cities spend hours—sometimes days—travelling by road or rail.”

The vision of LAT Aerospace is to create “buses in the sky,” providing affordable and frequent flights that connect urban locations with areas overlooked by traditional airlines. Das emphasized that their aircraft will operate from air-stops conveniently located near residential areas, eliminating chaos and long security lines. “Just walk in and fly,” she stated.

As LAT Aerospace prepares for its flight tests, the company positions itself as a key player in revolutionizing regional air travel in India, potentially transforming the way millions connect across the country.