Casey Aviation has received strategic backing from the Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, under the India–UK Collaborative R&D Programme for Industrial Sustainability.
Casey Aviation Private Limited, based in Gurugram, has signed an agreement with TDB for its project titled “Boost Electric Jump Take-Off (BE-JTO).”
The initiative involving Casey Aviation has been sanctioned a conditional grant in partnership with UK-based ARC Aerosystems Ltd., marking a significant step in advancing hybrid propulsion technologies for unmanned aviation.
Hybrid Propulsion System to Enhance Unmanned Aviation Capabilities
The TDB-supported project by Casey Aviation focuses on developing an advanced hybrid propulsion-based Jump Take-Off (JTO) system. This system aims to significantly enhance the operational capabilities of unmanned and light aircraft platforms.
As part of this initiative, Casey Aviation plans to establish a dedicated test bench facility for validating rotorcraft propulsion systems. This facility is expected to serve as critical infrastructure for testing and optimizing next-generation aerial mobility technologies.
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Driving Innovation in Short and Near-Vertical Take-Off Systems
The proposed solution by Casey Aviation integrates hybrid propulsion technologies designed to enable short or near-vertical take-off capabilities. These advancements are particularly relevant for platforms such as gyrocopters and unmanned aerial systems.
By reducing take-off distances and improving operational flexibility, Casey Aviation aims to unlock applications across multiple sectors.
These include regional connectivity, disaster response, medical evacuation, unmanned logistics, and surveillance operations—especially in remote and hard-to-access regions.
Boosting Infrastructure for Advanced Aerial Mobility in India
A key highlight of the Casey Aviation project is the planned establishment of one of the first hybrid propulsion testing facilities in North India. This infrastructure will provide validated testing capabilities for startups and developers working in unmanned and advanced aerial mobility systems.
Beyond in-house innovation, Casey Aviation is expected to contribute to the broader ecosystem by offering testing services and facilitating the commercialization of hybrid propulsion solutions.
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Casey Aviation: Strengthening India’s Aviation Innovation Ecosystem
Casey Aviation, a newly established aerospace venture, focuses on designing and developing small aircraft and specialized aviation solutions.
The company brings together expertise from industry, academia, and research institutions to address emerging needs in India’s aviation and unmanned systems landscape.
Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, stated that collaborative R&D initiatives under international programmes are critical for advancing cutting-edge technologies in strategic sectors.
He highlighted that innovations in hybrid propulsion and advanced take-off systems can significantly enhance India’s capabilities in unmanned aviation and regional air mobility while contributing to sustainable aviation solutions.
Industry Response and Future Outlook
Pawan Kakkar (Founder) and Air Marshal GS Bedi (Retd) (Cofounder), promoters of Casey Aviation, expressed appreciation for the support extended under the programme.
They noted that the project will enable the company to validate its technology in real-world conditions and accelerate the development of scalable propulsion solutions for emerging aviation applications.
With this initiative, Casey Aviation is positioned to play a key role in shaping the future of hybrid propulsion and unmanned aviation technologies in India.
