A key step in India’s electric air mobility journey has begun as Sarla Aviation starts ground testing of its half scale eVTOL demonstrator, SYL X1, at its Bengaluru facility. This phase marks the shift from design work and laboratory validation to aircraft level trials.
The ongoing tests are focused on validating structural strength, propulsion system integration, and overall system safety. These evaluations are critical as Sarla Aviation works toward developing a certified and domestically built electric air taxi aimed at meeting India’s growing urban mobility needs.
The SYL X1 demonstrator features a wingspan of 7.5 metres and has been designed as a certification aligned sub scale platform. Insights from this testing program will directly support the development of Sarla Aviation’s planned full scale aircraft.
“This milestone reflects what’s possible when globally experienced Indian engineering teams build with rigour, patience, and world class standards,” said Rakesh Gaonkar, Co Founder and Chief Technology Officer. “We are building something India can be proud of, a platform that can be certified, produced, and safely operated, designed and owned entirely in India.”
Sarla Aviation was founded by former Lilium executives Rakesh Gaonkar and Adrian Schmidt. The company has raised $13 million so far and is positioning itself as a key player in India’s emerging advanced air mobility ecosystem.
Unlike projects focused on short term demonstrations, Sarla Aviation is placing emphasis on certification readiness, manufacturing preparation, and long term operational viability. The company states that ground testing is a vital step as it moves closer to full scale testing and future commercial eVTOL operations in Indian cities and international markets.
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