What if drones could deliver essential supplies to our army easily at the highest peaks, in extreme cold, and operate reliably where no vehicle has gone before? An urgent issue that needed to be solved, says Gaurav Achha from BonV Aero. EFY’s Vidushi Saxena listens to the story behind their drone tech.
Q. Can you please explain what BonV Aero does in simple words?
A. BonV Aero is an Indian research and development (R&D) company based in Bhubaneswar and Delhi that designs, engineers and manufactures heavy-lift aerial mobility platforms; drones built to transport large cargo loads in extremely challenging conditions. These platforms are primarily developed for the Indian Army, which operates across harsh terrain such as Leh, Ladakh, Tawang and Siachen at altitudes of 3048 to 5486 metres (10,000–18,000 feet), where soldiers still rely on mules to carry essentials like kerosene, rations and ammunition. You see, our drones are designed to carry heavy payloads at high altitudes. They also offer disaster-relief potential, enabling emergency delivery of medical aid, equipment and support during floods or similar crises. Commercial applications include logistics support in hilly pilgrimage regions like Kedarnath, Amarnath and Gannavaram Jain Tirth, along with maritime and other niche sectors. We handle the end-to-end development process, from engineering and system integration to manufacturing, ensuring our platforms meet stringent aviation standards and operate safely in the demanding Himalayan environment.
Q. What inspired the founding of BonV Aero?
A. BonV Aero was founded with the ambition to introduce smart aerial mobility to India, addressing mobility gaps in hilly and remote areas where road and air networks fall short. The original idea was to develop electric aerial vehicles for short-distance passenger transport. However, during early development, we identified a more urgent need: the severe logistical challenges faced by soldiers in the Himalayas. This led us to begin our journey with heavy-lift electric logistics platforms tailored for defence operations. Building these solutions created a strong technological base for our long-term goal of developing transport-class electric aerial vehicles for human passengers, capable of enabling clean, efficient 20–50 km commutes for both urban and regional mobility. The company was inspired by the idea of using cutting-edge engineering to solve real-world mobility challenges.
Q. Can you tell me about your product portfolio?
A. Yes. Our hero product, the Air Uttam, has set a world record for lifting a 30-kilogram payload at the highest motorable place in the world, Umlingla, Ladakh, at 5800.6 metres (19,024 feet). Our flight software, again, is highly adaptive, the airframe is lightweight yet robust, and our propulsion system is optimised for high-altitude performance. The powerplant consists of high-energy-density battery packs with thermal management to operate reliably at temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius. We are innovating in smart charging and battery management. Our smart charging system ensures battery longevity, safety and extended operational lifespan.
Q. Is the product just in the development stage, or is it in the market?
A. The product is already in the market. Our logistics platform, Air Orcaa, has been supplied to the Indian Army’s Northern Command and is in active commission. We have trained over 100 soldiers, and these drones operate at high-altitude locations in Ladakh. We have deployed a double-digit number of drones across these divisions and are working with the Army to supply hundreds more platforms.
Q. What is the heaviest weight that your drones can carry at this point in time?
A. We have demonstrated a 50-kilogram payload at 5486 metres (18,000 feet) for the Indian Army. Our drones can carry up to 100 kilograms and, depending on operational requirements, up to 200 kilograms. Payload capacity and range are interdependent; the exact operational envelope depends on mission requirements.
Q. How do your drones fly in high mountains where the air is thin?
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