Sona BLW Precision Forgings Ltd (Sona Comstar) has announced that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ubifly Technologies Private Limited (The ePlane Co.) to collaborate on the development of powertrains for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and drones. The ePlane Co., a pioneer in the eVTOL sector, has a range of applications including air ambulances, charter flights, and aerial cargo.
Their recent type approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) places them among the leading indigenous private companies in the field. As part of this collaboration, both companies will focus on the design and development of essential components such as gearboxes, motors, inverters, and other systems needed for eVTOLs and drones.
With urban air mobility in India set to launch several eVTOL aircraft in the near future, this partnership comes at a pivotal time. Sona Comstar, a global leader in the mobility sector, has a proven track record in electric powertrains, including motors, inverters, and gearboxes, and a strong focus on EPIC technologies. This MoU deepens the collaboration between Sona Comstar and The ePlane Co., positioning both companies to make significant contributions to the eVTOL and drone programs and to develop products that are truly “Made in India.”
The ePlane Company, an IIT Madras incubated startup, is set to transform urban transportation with its fully electric, zero-emission air taxi—one of the most compact eVTOL aircraft. Designed for mid-mile urban air mobility, this innovation aims to tackle city congestion and pollution, tapping into the rapidly growing $1+ trillion global urban air mobility (UAM) market.
Holding multiple patents, ePlane is the first private Indian firm to secure Design Organisation Approval (DoA) from India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for an electric aircraft. Its unique compact design enables long-range flights at lower speeds, leveraging powered-down vertical rotors for enhanced lift.
Founded in 2019 by Prof. Satya Chakravarthy, the company comprises over 100 specialists, including five PhDs and 20+ postgraduates from leading institutions. Currently, ePlane is testing a cargo aircraft for metro operations, while its air taxi undergoes detailed engineering and regulatory reviews, set to commence in FY 2024. Initially piloted by humans, the aircraft is expected to transition to autonomous operations as regulations evolve.
Sona Comstar, based in Gurugram, India, is a global leader in mobility technology, providing solutions for electric, hybrid, and internal combustion engine vehicles. Its product portfolio includes differential assemblies, e-drive systems, and gears. With operations spanning Asia, Europe, and North America, the company focuses on innovation and quality to meet the evolving demands of the mobility sector.
Committed to staying at the forefront of electrification and autonomous technologies, Sona Comstar works closely with industry leaders, academic institutions, and research centers to develop advanced solutions. This collaboration with TiHAN-IITH further underscores its dedication to driving the future of mobility.
Sona BLW is renowned for its expertise in producing differential assemblies, gears, axles, and e-mobility solutions, making it a crucial supplier in the global shift toward electrification. With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and advanced manufacturing technologies, Sona BLW continues to play a pivotal role in the global automotive supply chain, serving major OEMs and tier-1 suppliers worldwide.
