Transforming High-Altitude Warfare: iDEX Seeks Two-Man eVTOL Aerial Vehicle

India's Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative is driving the future of defence logistics with its ADITI #1 challenge. This challenge seeks visionary proposals for a Two-Man Tactical Aerial Vehicle (TM-TAV) designed specifically for high-altitude operations.

This groundbreaking aircraft, classified as a Personal Aerial Vehicle (PAV), will leverage electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) technology, transforming military and civilian operations.

The Rise of eVTOL and the Promise of the TM-TAV​

The TM-TAV is a product of rapid advancements in eVTOL technology. These aircraft offer the flexibility like a helicopter with the efficiency and potentially lower environmental impact of electric propulsion.

The TM-TAV goes further by providing a cabin/cockpit spacious enough for a pilot and a significant additional passenger or payload. This opens the door to unprecedented versatility in high-altitude applications.

Key Features and Implications​

• eVTOL Capability: The TM-TAV's ability to take off and land vertically eliminates the need for runways. This gives it incredible operational flexibility, allowing it to function in rugged terrain and confined urban environments where traditional aircraft are restricted.
• Low-Altitude, Short & Medium-Haul Transport: The TM-TAV is envisioned for swift point-to-point movement of personnel and cargo. This could revolutionize military logistics, enabling rapid troop deployments and resupply missions even in challenging environments.
• Enhanced Strategic Flexibility: The on-demand air mobility offered by the TM-TAV would give both military and civilian operators a new level of agility. Forces could respond to threats more quickly, humanitarian aid could be delivered with greater speed, and critical infrastructure could be accessed and maintained in remote mountainous areas.

A Logistical Revolution​

The potential impact of the TM-TAV extends far beyond battlefield operations.

By introducing a new dimension to transportation, it promises to reshape logistical networks both within India and in similar geographies around the world.

Supply chains will gain resilience, and the rapid delivery of goods and services to isolated or inaccessible areas becomes feasible.

The Future Takes Flight​

The iDEX initiative is at the forefront of defence innovation, and the ADITI #1 challenge exemplifies its commitment to driving cutting-edge technology.

The realization of the Two-Man Tactical Aerial Vehicle promises to transform how we think about transportation, security, and humanitarian operations in high-altitude regions.

India seeks not only to develop a revolutionary tool but to position itself as a leader in the emerging field of eVTOL aircraft.

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

I think the advantage for this over helicopters is easier maintenace and no need for helipad, this needs much less space to land. Major disadvantage would be low endurance and range, and large time for charging and need of charging facility. I dont really think this is a good idea.

 

[Out_for_vendetta]

I think the advantage for this over helicopters is easier maintenace and no need for helipad, this needs much less space to land. Major disadvantage would be low endurance and range, and large time for charging and need of charging facility. I dont really think this is a good idea.

Any rotary vehicle still requires a decent enough helipad for it to land. Some might not need cemented helipads but every VTOL aircraft like this needs a well laid out flat surface to land. So there's really no advantage over a heli

 

[Pink Panther]

Helicopters by default do VTOL, so that is not a big deal, even electric propulsion is not a big deal either deal either, lot of automobiles that use combustion engines have been replaced with electric in the same body without altering it’s proportion or aerodynamics, there are a multiple products available world wide, any way it’s good attempt. It will take a while for this product to mature

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Any rotary vehicle still requires a decent enough helipad for it to land. Some might not need cemented helipads but every VTOL aircraft like this needs a well laid out flat surface to land. So there's really no advantage over a heli

I have seen vtol land on grass and mud, and they have smaller wingspan than helis IMO.

 

[RG]

Important for Indian Industry and armed forces to work together to master and take lead in becoming a leader in development and use of this type of product. Not only it will lead to technical development, employment but will also make the task of armed forces easier. The energy of our troops should be focused on fighting than struggling to reach the target.

 

[Amit Ray]

Might be immense helpful in difficult terrains

 

[abhinav srivastava]

This can later evolve into air ambulance as well.

 

[Sandeep]

This can be very useful for high altitude areas or areas with thick jungle terrain where the terrain and weather conditions make it difficult to operate. Another bonus is that it cuts down on fuel expenses completely and it cuts down on fuel transportation costs to forward bases or areas because it's all electric.

Now they just need to install the charging stations in those bases or camps which is a one time expense with a long term benefit so it's worth laying down the cables or extend existing cables. We can use this helicopter for moving personnel or supplies if we need to so there is a need for this type of helicopter but now it just depends on the price and amount of indigenous technology and content it has.

 

[desigandu]

Good development...Key questions will include speed, range, ease of flying, charging time and infrastructure, and ability to fly autonomously and of course cost...Say it can take 2 special operations people (with gear) about 100KMs (round trip) at 50KM/hr, so what kind of battery will be needed and its weight overall (2 People/Gear 200Kg + VTOL say another 200Kg = 400Kg to fly)...

1. I don't know about flying vehicles but Tesla Y Long Range, costing $45000 net (after subsidies; can be higher based on FSD,options etc.) has a range of 330 miles (528 KMs) and typically (temperature range 0-40 Degrees Centigrade) will give you 200-250miles (320-400KMs) of range (real world) with a 85-90 KWhr battery, that can charge from 20- to 80% in less than 30 minutes in a Level-3 fast charger (150-250 KW rating)...
2. So if you assume a similar battery for the VTOL but a much higher consumption (due to rigors of flying but at a slower speed and with weight of people and battery) then even if you reduce the range by 66% to meet the operational needs and it costs about of $50K, will it be worth it...Maybe depending on scale, weight, and many other factors...But it is worth pursuing...We should realize that for now (even 5 years) this may be a niche product unless higher density batteries (as density of the power source is key to reduced weight and therefore propulsion, thrust, range etc.) come into play and the cost fall below $100per KWhr, therefore the inherent weight is dramatically reduced.