Hyderabad-based deeptech aerospace startup BluJ Aerospace has introduced its first commercial-grade electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, named Gen2. The aircraft is currently undergoing active flight testing and has already completed a pilot deployment with a leading power sector public sector undertaking (PSU). The company is also collaborating with defence PSUs and Indian defence primes, as announced by BluJ founder and CEO Amar Sri Vatsavaya on Tuesday.
Gen2 Specifications and Capabilities
The Gen2 aircraft has been developed for heavy logistics missions over a sub-10 km range. It can carry payloads exceeding 200 kg under a maximum takeoff weight configuration of 500 kg. According to Vatsavaya, the company plans to commence commercial deployment of its cargo VTOLs in 2027, starting with a full battery-powered version. BluJ is currently undergoing its Series-A fundraise, expected to be in the range of $10-15 million.
VANTIS Platform and In-House Manufacturing
The Gen2 is built on BluJ’s VANTIS platform, a common architecture that encompasses airframe, propulsion, controls, and autonomy systems. This platform is designed to support multiple VTOL variants for urban and regional cargo operations, with passenger mobility as a long-term objective. Currently, 50% of the platform is built in-house, and the company aims to increase this to 75%.
BluJ co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Uttam Kumar Dharmapuri emphasized the company's growing self-reliance. BluJ manufactures its own battery packs, electronic boards, motor controllers, and propellers, which are currently under testing. The goal is to completely replace the powertrain with proprietary products. Notably, the company does not source any critical components from China.
Hydrogen-Electric Propulsion Development
In addition to battery-powered VTOLs, BluJ is working on hydrogen-electric propulsion technology, including an in-house Type IV composite hydrogen tank. The startup aims to launch flight-ready hydrogen-electric variants in 2027-28 through collaborations with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd and Cochin International Airport Ltd.
Company Background and Backing
Founded in 2022, BluJ Aerospace is backed by Endiya Partners and Ideaspring Capital. The company also counts Skyroot co-founder Pawan Kumar Chandana as an advisor. BluJ operates from a 40,000-square-foot facility in Hyderabad and employs over 50 engineers and aerospace specialists.
Future Plans and Commercial Deployment
The company expects to begin commercial deployment of its cargo VTOLs in 2027 with a battery-powered version. The Gen2 aircraft, built on the VANTIS platform, will serve as the foundation for multiple VTOL variants. BluJ is also developing hydrogen-electric propulsion technology, with flight-ready variants targeted for 2027-28.
