The Technology Development Board (TDB), under the Department of Science and Technology, has signed an agreement to provide ₹151 crore in financial support to ideaForge Technology Limited for developing YETI, a heavy-lift autonomous aerial logistics vehicle.
The project has a total cost of ₹302 crore and aims to advance the indigenous platform from Technology Readiness Level 4 to Level 9, bringing it closer to operational deployment, subject to technical, safety and regulatory requirements.
YETI is being developed to carry payloads of up to 200 kilograms, with a targeted range of 200 kilometres. Its intended applications include logistics operations in challenging locations where conventional transport can be difficult, including high-altitude areas, deserts and maritime environments.
The platform combines vertical take-off and landing capability with a fixed-wing configuration designed to support longer-range operations. This combination could allow the vehicle to operate from relatively small or unprepared landing areas while carrying substantial loads.
The project brings together several areas of advanced technology, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, navigation, communications and intelligent control systems. The development programme will involve further engineering, integration, testing and validation as the platform progresses towards its intended level of readiness.
TDB said the support reflects the importance of investing in technology-intensive projects that need sustained funding to move from development towards deployment. The agreement also forms part of efforts to strengthen domestic capabilities in autonomous systems, robotics and next-generation aerospace technology.
Autonomous logistics platforms could have applications in military supply chains as well as other operations requiring the movement of essential goods across difficult terrain. The project’s eventual use will depend on successful development, testing and the fulfilment of applicable requirements.
Comment here