Bon V Aero, an Odisha-based startup, has launched Air Orca, India’s first fully autonomous logistics drone. The unveiling took place on November 10, 2024, at the C.V. Raman Global University campus in Bhubaneswar. The event was attended by notable figures, including venture capitalist Tim Draper, known for his early investments in companies like Tesla and Hotmail.
Draper’s presence highlights the international interest in Bon V Aero and positions Odisha as an emerging hub for advanced technological innovation. Satyabrata Sathapathy, CEO of Bon V Aero, emphasized the significance of the launch for India’s logistics sector and the company’s journey as an Odisha-based enterprise. He noted that designing and manufacturing the drone in India has allowed for customization to meet local needs.
Draper expressed his excitement about the launch, stating that autonomous drones like Air Orca provide practical solutions for modern logistics by expanding reach, flexibility, and reliability. He mentioned various use cases, from disaster response to high-altitude operations for defense forces. The Air Orca drone, weighing about 100 kg, is fully designed, developed, and manufactured in India.
First autonomous logistics drone launched
It is battery-operated and equipped with advanced features such as day and night cameras, multi-redundant GPS, and encrypted communication. With its autonomous capabilities, Air Orca is engineered to tackle diverse logistical challenges, particularly in regions where traditional transportation methods are impractical.
The drone is designed to serve as a first responder in post-disaster scenarios, delivering relief supplies to affected areas and providing critical support during emergencies. Bon V Aero has set a world record by lifting a 30 kg payload at Umling La, Ladakh, the highest motorable road pass at 19,024 feet. This performance surpasses helicopters, which face greater challenges when transporting similar cargo at such high altitudes.
The startup aims to address a variety of logistics needs across sectors like healthcare, e-commerce, military logistics, and disaster management on a global scale. Bon V Aero, founded in 2021 with a team of seven, has grown to 40 members and now operates a dedicated manufacturing unit at CV Raman Global University (CGU), Bhubaneswar. CGU President Sanjeev Kumar Rout emphasized the university’s commitment to building a robust drone ecosystem by providing manufacturing support, funding, and opportunities for innovation.
Bon V Aero also seeks to collaborate with emerging startups in drone manufacturing and software development to broaden drone applications across diverse sectors.
