The Technology Development Board (TDB), Department of Science and Technology (DST), has signed an agreement with Casey Aviation Private Limited (Casey Aviation) of Gurugram for a project titled Boost Electric Jump Take-Off under the India-UK Collaborative R&D Programme for Industrial Sustainability in partnership with UK-based ARC Aerosystems Limited (ARC Aerosystems). The TDB has sanctioned a conditional grant to support development of an advanced hybrid propulsion Jump Take-Off system for unmanned and light aircraft platforms. The initiative seeks to strengthen bilateral research ties and accelerate industrial development in advanced aerial mobility technologies.

The project focuses on establishing a dedicated test bench facility for validation of rotorcraft propulsion systems, which will serve as critical infrastructure for testing and optimisation of next generation aerial mobility technologies. The proposed technical solution integrates hybrid propulsion to enable short or near vertical take-off capabilities for platforms such as gyrocopters and unmanned aerial systems. The facility is intended to provide validated testing infrastructure that supports in house development and broader ecosystem needs.

The technology aims to reduce take-off distances and enhance operational flexibility, which is expected to support applications including regional connectivity, disaster response, medical evacuation, unmanned logistics and surveillance in remote and inaccessible regions. By making test services available to startups and developers, the facility is expected to facilitate commercialisation of hybrid propulsion solutions and foster a stronger domestic supply chain for advanced aviation systems. The project partners plan to use the testing facility to accelerate development cycles and enable real world validation of scalable propulsion solutions.

Casey Aviation, a newly established aerospace venture, brings together expertise from industry, academia and research institutions to address emerging needs in India's aviation and unmanned systems landscape. The TDB noted that collaborative international research and development initiatives are vital for advancing strategic technologies and enhancing national capabilities in unmanned aviation and regional air mobility. Promoters of Casey Aviation indicated that the support will enable technology validation under operational conditions and help scale propulsion solutions for emerging aviation applications.