Launch · Mobility & Logistics
LAT Aerospace tests uSTOL capability, aircraft crashes as planned
By Startup Enthusiast ·
- Date
- Company
- LAT Aerospace
- What it does
- aviation startup building short take-off and landing aircraft
- Kind
- Launch
- Founded
- 2025
- Sector
- Mobility & Logistics
What they do
LAT Aerospace, an aviation startup, tests its first aircraft, Lat One v0.1, and successfully demonstrates ultra short take-off and landing (uSTOL) capability
What happened
The aircraft crashed shortly after the test flight due to known structural defects, which the team had predicted through simulations
Why it matters
The company is now working on Lat One v0.2, aiming to complete a full mission, and has raised $20 Mn with a total commitment of $50 Mn
The details
- LAT Aerospace, co-founded by Deepinder Goyal and Surabhi Das, conducted the maiden test flight of its aircraft, Lat One v0.1, and successfully demonstrated ultra short take-off and landing (uSTOL) capability.
- uSTOL was the primary objective of the test, which was achieved despite the aircraft crashing shortly after due to structural defects.
- Goyal stated that the crash was anticipated based on pre-flight simulations, which had already flagged potential structural issues in the prototype.
- The team emphasized that the crash did not undermine the technical milestone of achieving uSTOL, which is crucial for short-distance travel without the need for large airports.
- LAT Aerospace is now working on Lat One v0.2, aiming to complete a full mission and improve upon the lessons learned from the crash.
The bigger picture
- The test flight was part of an iterative development process, with the crash seen as a planned part of the learning curve.
- Goyal highlighted that achieving uSTOL is only 20% of the challenge, with the remaining 80% focused on ensuring safe landings.
- The startup aims to transform India’s regional aviation landscape by enabling short-distance travel with aircraft that can take off and land in 15-20 metres.
About the business
- LAT Aerospace is building a network of high-frequency, low-cost, 24-seater, short take-off and landing, medium-haul aircraft.
- The company’s goal is to facilitate short-distance travel without the need for traditional airports, reducing travel time for people in smaller towns and underserved regions.
- India has over 450 airstrips, but only 150 currently support commercial flights, highlighting the gap the startup aims to fill.
- The startup’s aircraft are designed to take off and land in 15-20 metres, enabling more flexible and accessible air travel.
- The company has already begun hiring aerospace engineers, systems designers, and aviation specialists to accelerate development.
What happens next
- LAT Aerospace is working on Lat One v0.2, aiming to complete a full mission.
- The company has begun hiring aerospace engineers, systems designers, and aviation specialists to accelerate development.
The deal
- Type
- fundraising
Investors
- Deepinder Goyal (investor) — CEO of Eternal Group and Zomato, Goyal has invested $10 Mn of the startup’s $50 Mn funding commitment.
Founders
- Deepinder Goyal, non-executive cofounder and investor
- Surabhi Das, co-founder
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