Synopsis
This comes two months after the startup tested its first iteration of the aircraft, v0.1, which achieved ultra-short takeoff but crashed moments later.“We just completed a successful flight for our tech demonstrator, Lat One v0.2. Lat Aerospace is building ultra-short takeoff and landing aircraft using blown wing technology. Think fixed-wing performance with near-helicopter access,” Goyal wrote in a post on X.
Unlike the first iteration, Goyal shared that v0.2, after take-off, stayed in the air for over six minutes and saw a smooth landing. Both v0.1 and v0.2 are unmanned aerial vehicle prototypes developed by the startup.
“v0.2 was about completing the full mission, and it did. The blown wing concept worked in reality. Closed-loop control got validated. We'd predicted a cruise speed of 30-32 m/s and cruised comfortably at 33. No thermal issues despite a burning afternoon. The quick-detach wings held through aggressive turns. Was in the air for over 6 minutes. Smooth touchdown, and ready to fly again,” Goyal shared.
The startup aims to build ultra-short takeoff and landing (uSTOL) aircraft capable of taking off and landing within just 20-50 metres, while maintaining strong cruise performance. This would eliminate the need for extensive airport infrastructure, Goyal said in a podcast appearance.
Lat Aerospace is one of the three new ventures backed by Goyal, the other two being deeptech startup Temple and health and wellness startup Continue. Founded in 2025, the startup is currently led by former Zomato COO Surobhi Das, with Goyal serving as a non-executive cofounder. ET was the first to report in March last year that he had invested $20 million in the company. In November 2025, the company moved to a 50,000 square foot research and development (R&D) facility in Gurugram. In February this year, Lat Aerospace acquired defence robotics startup Sharang Shakti.
