Sarla Aviation Unveils India's First eVTOL Air Taxi 'Shunya'
Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based aerospace startup, has unveiled ‘Shunya,’ India’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi prototype. This marks a significant advancement in urban air mobility, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and pollution in Indian cities.
Design and Capacity: ‘Shunya’ is designed for short trips of 20-30 kilometers, accommodating up to six passengers with a maximum payload of 680 kg. This makes it the highest payload eVTOL vehicle currently on the market.
Speed and Efficiency: The aircraft can reach speeds of up to 250 km/h, offering a rapid alternative to traditional ground transportation.
Environmental Impact: As an electric vehicle, ‘Shunya’ aims to provide a cleaner and more sustainable mode of urban transport, aligning with India’s push towards sustainable, smart city living.
Initial Launch: Sarla Aviation plans to launch ‘Shunya’ in Bengaluru by 2028, targeting the city’s traffic congestion issues.
Future Expansion: Following Bengaluru, the company intends to expand services to other major cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, and Pune.
Sona SPEED Collaboration: Sarla Aviation has partnered with precision manufacturing firm Sona SPEED, which will design and manufacture critical components such as motors and landing gear for ‘Shunya.’ This collaboration leverages Sona SPEED’s expertise from previous projects with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Air Ambulance Initiative: In addition to passenger transport, Sarla Aviation plans to introduce a free air ambulance service to address urgent medical needs in urban areas, enhancing emergency response capabilities.
| Why in News | Key Points |
|---|---|
| Sarla Aviation unveils ‘Shunya,’ India’s first eVTOL air taxi | – Prototype unveiled for India’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. |
| Design and Capacity | – Can carry 6 passengers, payload of 680 kg. |
| Speed and Efficiency | – Can reach speeds of 250 km/h. |
| Environmental Impact | – Electric vehicle aimed at reducing pollution and promoting sustainable transport. |
| Launch Plans | – Expected launch in Bengaluru by 2028. |
| Expansion Plans | – Plans to expand to Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, and other major cities. |
| Strategic Partnership | – Collaboration with Sona SPEED for motor and landing gear components. |
| Future Services | – Plans to offer air ambulance services. |
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