The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), has extended support to Gurugram-based Casey Aviation Pvt. Ltd. for the development of an advanced hybrid propulsion system aimed at unmanned and light aircraft platforms.
The project, titled ‘Boost Electric Jump Take-Off (BE-JTO)’ has been approved under the India-UK Collaborative R&D Programme for Industrial Sustainability, in partnership with ARC Aerosystems Ltd., UK.
Hybrid Propulsion-Based Jump Take-Off System
The initiative focuses on designing a hybrid propulsion-based Jump Take-Off (JTO) system that enables short or near-vertical take-off capabilities. The system is expected to enhance operational flexibility for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and lightweight aviation platforms such as gyrocopters, particularly in scenarios where conventional runway infrastructure is limited.
An important component of the project is the development of a dedicated propulsion test bench facility in North India. This facility will be used for validation and optimisation of rotorcraft propulsion systems and is expected to support R&D efforts in emerging aerial mobility technologies. It may also serve as a shared infrastructure for startups and developers working in the unmanned aviation ecosystem.
From a technology standpoint, the hybrid propulsion architecture aims to combine efficiency with performance, potentially reducing take-off distances while enabling better energy utilisation. Such systems are gaining relevance in applications requiring rapid deployment and operations in remote or constrained environments.
The solution is expected to cater to multiple use cases, including regional air mobility, disaster response, medical evacuation, unmanned logistics, and surveillance.
Casey Aviation, an emerging aerospace startup, is focused on the development of small aircraft and specialised aviation technologies. The company is leveraging expertise across industry and academia to address evolving requirements in India’s unmanned aviation segment.
According to TDB Secretary Rajesh Kumar Pathak, collaborative R&D programmes play a key role in accelerating innovation in strategic sectors. He noted that advancements in hybrid propulsion and take-off systems can strengthen India’s capabilities in unmanned aviation while contributing to sustainable air mobility solutions.
The company stated that the support will help validate its technology under real-world conditions and accelerate commercialisation.
