Indian aerospace startup Sarla Aviation has begun ground testing of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at its Bengaluru facility. The company developed a half-scale prototype named ‘Sylla SYL-X1,’ which features a 7.5-metre wingspan and is claimed to be the largest private eVTOL in India. This marks a key development as the company transitions from virtual design to physical validation, focusing on structural integrity, propulsion, and safety systems.
Sarla Aviation envisions the full-scale aircraft, called ‘Shunya,’ as a six-seat hybrid electric air taxi capable of speeds up to 250 km/h with a range of approximately 150 kilometres on battery power, extendable to 800 kilometres with sustainable aviation fuel. The company plans to establish a manufacturing plant in Andhra Pradesh to produce the aircraft and has signed agreements to explore deployment in regions like Karnataka and Goa, aiming to develop urban and coastal mobility solutions.
Supported by around $13 million in funding, Sarla Aviation's team includes experienced engineers from the automotive and aerospace sectors. The company’s leadership emphasizes creating a sustainable and scalable aviation infrastructure, with aspirations to position India as a significant player in the emerging eVTOL industry. The ground testing signifies an important step towards commercial operation, targeted for 2029.
