Cligent Aerospace Achieves India’s First Private Hybrid-Electric Powertrain Test in Advanced Air Mobility
Ahmedabad, India: Cligent Aerospace has completed the scaled bench flight testing and validation of its Hybrid-Electric Powertrain, becoming the first private company in India within the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) segment to achieve this impressive milestone. This landmark achievement illustrates Cligent Aerospace’s commitment to innovation and its role in pioneering new technologies within the aviation sector. The validated propulsion system is based on a hybrid architecture that combines a high-voltage battery system with an onboard generator. This design aims to optimise energy efficiency, enhance operational flexibility, and improve mission endurance, which are crucial factors for modern aviation needs.
The validation program thoroughly assessed not only the nominal system performance but also a range of critical failure and contingency scenarios. By evaluating propulsion response, control stability, system resilience, and safety logic under various simulated degraded operating conditions, the campaign has laid a solid foundation for future aviation applications. This rigorous testing is essential for demonstrating that the powertrain can withstand real-world challenges while maintaining high safety standards.
This successful test marks a significant advancement in Cligent Aerospace’s roadmap toward developing next-generation aircraft specifically designed for Ultra Short Take-Off and Landing (USTOL) operations. These innovative aircraft are engineered with the capability to transport up to 1 ton of cargo or nine passengers, targeting high-frequency regional and coastal missions. With its unique design, Cligent Aerospace aims to revolutionise air transport by lowering operational barriers and increasing accessibility in less-developed areas.
A core design objective of the aircraft platform is to enable safe and efficient operations from low-infrastructure environments. This includes the exciting potential for the aircraft to be deployed from spaces as compact as cricket grounds, with take-off and landing distances of approximately 50 to 100 meters. Such capabilities not only enhance the versatility of the aircraft but also open new avenues for air travel in regions where traditional infrastructure may be lacking.
In summary, Cligent Aerospace’s achievement is not just a milestone for the company but a pivotal moment for the future of aviation in India. As the industry moves toward more sustainable and efficient travel solutions, innovations like the Hybrid-Electric Powertrain position Cligent Aerospace at the forefront of the emerging AAM landscape, promising a new era of air transportation that is both advanced and accessible.
