Founded by Prof. Satyanarayanan Chakravarthy, The EPlane Company is a Chennai-based deep-tech startup pioneering Urban Air Mobility (UAM). With a mission to revolutionize transportation and ease urban congestion, the company is developing cutting-edge electric aircraft that are safe, sustainable, and affordable.
The Vision
Prof. Chakravarthy, an aerospace engineering professor at IIT-Madras, founded The EPlane Company in 2019 with a bold vision: to make flying ubiquitous and accessible. His journey began in 2017 when he identified the need for greener technologies in the aerospace sector. By 2019, he turned this vision into reality with a focus on electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Milestones and Achievements
The EPlane Company has achieved several significant milestones:
- Design Organisation Approval (DoA): The first private Indian company to receive DGCA approval for an electric aircraft, paving the way for commercialization.
- Recognition: Featured in YourStory’s Tech30 as one of India’s most promising startups in 2023.
- Funding: Raised $5.85 million across seed, Pre-Series A, and Series A rounds and is in discussions for an additional $10 million in funding.
Innovative Products
The company is developing a range of prototypes, each targeting specific market needs:
- e6 (Atva): A compact drone with a 6kg payload capacity for sustainable logistics.
- e50: India’s largest drone, capable of carrying up to 50kg payload, ideal for industrial applications.
- e100: A cargo variant of the e200, designed to carry up to 100kg per trip.
- e200: The flagship two-seater flying electric taxi, designed to make urban commutes 10x faster with minimal infrastructure requirements.
Technology and Applications
- Compact and Efficient: The e200 is the size of two parked cars and can operate from rooftops, eliminating the need for additional infrastructure.
- Versatile Use Cases: Applications include surveying, mapping, pharma deliveries, and passenger transport.
- Hybrid Configuration: Combining fixed-wing and VTOL technology for extended range and efficiency.
Business Model
The EPlane Company is targeting both cargo and passenger markets through its brands:
- Amber Wings: Focused on cargo solutions, including Atva and e50.
- Passenger Services: The ePlane e200 will operate as a flying taxi for daily commuters.
Future Plans
The company is currently in the pre-revenue stage, focusing on prototyping and certification of its eVTOL aircraft. It aims to commercialize its passenger and cargo variants by 2025-26, setting the stage for a transportation revolution.
Why It Matters
The EPlane Company is not just building aircraft; it’s reshaping how we think about urban mobility. By leveraging innovative technology and a commitment to sustainability, the company is poised to transform India’s transportation landscape.
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