 In an exclusive conversation with APAC News Network and CXO News, Divya Manchanda, Chief of Airworthiness at IIT-Madras incubated ePlane, shed light on the company’s roadmap for revolutionizing air mobility. Manchanda emphasized the strategic decision to initially target the air ambulance market before fully launching urban air taxis, which are projected to be more affordable than Uber rides. The discussion covered key aspects of certification, infrastructure challenges, scalability, and technological advancements, highlighting ePlane’s commitment to developing cost-effective, sustainable, and innovative solutions in the burgeoning eVTOL sector.
Tell us about the recent announcement of ePlane becoming the first firm to receive Type Certification Application Acceptance from DGCA.Â
What has been accepted is the application for the type certificate. For any product entering the market—be it food, cars, or bikes—it requires certification to ensure consumer safety. For instance, an electric car’s battery should not catch fire or stop suddenly. Similarly, for aircraft, certification standards are mandatory. DGCA has recently released standards for certifying eVTOL aircraft and vertiports, which are the places these aircraft will land. These standards also include pilot certification, battery charging, and maintenance guidelines.
We submitted our application to certify the e200X based on these DGCA standards, and it has been accepted. The process involves adhering to strict protocols to ensure safety and efficiency, which is a critical step in getting the aircraft market-ready.
What are the next key milestones in the certification process after this initial acceptance? What is in the pipeline?
As part of aircraft certification, individual components like propellers and motors also need to be certified. We began the propeller certification process a few months ago, and it is already in the third stage out of four. Similarly, we will certify the motor and then the aircraft itself.
Aircraft certification involves several stages. Currently, we are in the first stage, having received the initial acceptance. Additionally, obtaining Design Organization Approval (DOA) is crucial for certifying an aircraft. ePlane is the only private company in India holding DOA for an all-electric aircraft. With the DGCA standards now in place and our application accepted, the certification process is well underway.
What are the key infrastructure and technological challenges, and how is ePlane addressing them?
In terms of testing, the government has been proactive in setting up “sandboxes” or testing zones for new technologies. These zones in Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh are away from populated areas and provide essential infrastructure like runway strips, firefighting facilities, security, and battery charging stations. We recently visited the Gujarat sandbox, which is being developed to accommodate testing requirements.
To address these challenges, we had already identified certain testing sites before the sandboxes were announced. Additionally, having experienced professionals like Captain Unni Pillai, a former HAL Chief Test Pilot, on board has been a significant advantage. Alongside testing, we are also working on ecosystem development, including infrastructure and certification protocols, to support our aircraft’s successful launch.
How will ePlane ensure the scalability of its operations to meet the ambitious target of transporting 500,000 people daily within three years?
One of my responsibilities, apart from certification, is to set up the ecosystem for advanced air mobility. This includes partnerships for vertiports, battery charging facilities, and pilot testing. We’ve been preparing for this since last year, ensuring that all components are ready for seamless integration.
Our first go-to-market approach will be air ambulances, which will allow us to run pilot projects with operators and airports. These initiatives will help us fine-tune the infrastructure, customer experience, and airspace management needed for full-scale operations. Parallel activities, including the use of subscale prototypes, are also underway to ensure we meet our scalability targets efficiently.
What are the unique technological advantages of the e200X compared to other eVTOL aircraft under development globally?
We have been working closely with the Ministry and DGCA, which has given us a head start in understanding and influencing certification standards. Our aircraft features a lift-plus-cruise mechanism instead of the more complex tilt mechanism, making it simpler to test and certify.
Additionally, we have designed the e200X for dense urban environments with a compact wingspan, ensuring easier operations in such areas. This focus on simplicity and efficiency sets us apart from other eVTOL aircraft globally.
Can you discuss the role of artificial intelligence and autonomous flight technologies in the future of ePlane’s operations?
Yes, AI and autonomous flight technologies are the future of aviation. The industry is moving from two-pilot operations to single-pilot and eventually to autonomous systems. We envision this transition happening in three stages:
- Plug-and-Play Operations: Initially, eVTOLs will replace helicopters while maintaining the same infrastructure and pilot coupling mechanisms. This phase will focus on public adoption.
- Semi-Automated Operations: Pilots will take on managerial roles, with dedicated corridors for eVTOLs to operate alongside traditional aircraft and drones.
- Fully Autonomous Operations: Pilots will eventually operate aircraft remotely, marking the mature stage of urban air mobility.
This phased approach will ensure a smooth transition to advanced autonomous technologies while addressing safety, regulatory, and operational challenges.
What is ePlane’s strategy for international expansion and how will you navigate the complexities of different regulatory environments?
Two years ago, we started engaging with the regulators abroad much earlier. So, we had met with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) people and discussed the project with them. They suggested that we should first certify our machine in India, both from a cost perspective and in terms of time. This is because they themselves have many operators who are waiting for their machines to be certified, which would place us in a very long queue, significantly increasing both time and cost. Therefore, they advised us to pursue certification in India.
Now, all regulators have something called a bilateral agreement. A bilateral agreement is specific to a particular type of aircraft. If you are certified in one country and a bilateral agreement exists between the two regulators, the other regulator can acknowledge your certification within your own country.
Looking ahead, given the government’s proactive approach in all aspects, I wouldn’t be surprised if they swiftly established bilateral agreements for certifying the aircraft in other countries as well. These agreements will then make it possible for us to fly in those countries.
What significant progress has been made in terms of full-scale prototype development and testing since last year? When it will take its maiden flight?
We have already begun manufacturing and are scheduled to start testing sometime around June or July of this year. If you visit our facility, you’ll see that prototype manufacturing is currently underway.
Initially, the question was whether this would happen at all. Now, the question is not “if” or “will,” but rather “when” this will happen. This shift reflects the significant progress made within the industry. I joined the company three and a half years ago and have witnessed its growth from its infancy. We’ve progressed from meeting with regulators to present concepts to holding meetings with the ministry. Today, regulatory standards have been published, our application has been accepted, and we’re establishing sandboxes within the country.
It’s remarkable considering that many countries around the world are still uncertain about where to even begin. In June or July, ePlane’s aircraft is set to make its first flight.
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