EndureAir, a company incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, has been at the forefront of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technology in India. Founded in 2018 by Dr Abhishek, Rama Krishna, and Chirag Jain, the company has focused on developing drones designed for challenging environments, particularly in high-altitude areas.
In an exclusive interaction with FinancialExpress.com, Rama Krishna, Co-founder and CEO, EndureAir says: “Our UAVs, such as the Vibhram, Alakh, and Sabal, are tailored to meet the specific needs of logistics and surveillance in these regions.”
Collaboration with IIT Kanpur and Development of UAVs
According to him, the roots of EndureAir lie in a collaboration with IIT Kanpur, where the team leveraged cutting-edge research to develop UAV technology. “The company’s initial focus was on addressing the logistics challenges in remote and diverse terrains, which led to the development of various drones over the years. Vibhram, designed for last-mile delivery and surveillance, was one of the first UAVs created by EndureAir. The Alakh, a nano UAV, followed, aimed at counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism (CI/CT) operations. The most recent addition is the Sabal, a UAV designed for the middle-mile market, integrating heli-drone technology,” he explains.
Deployment and Utility of UAVs
Sharing details, Rama Krishna says: “Our UAVs have seen significant deployment, particularly by the Indian Army. The Vibhram UAV, first developed in 2020, was specifically tailored for military needs. As the demand for UAVs increased, EndureAir simultaneously developed the Alakh nano UAV and an enhanced version of the Vibhram. Alakh has been deployed in critical relief operations, such as during the Chamoli district cloudburst and the Uttarakhand tunnel rescue, where it was used for damage assessment.”
The Sabal UAV, a recent development, stands out for its tandem rotor design, allowing it to carry significant payloads and operate effectively in high-altitude environments. It is designed to handle up to 20 kg, with plans for future enhancements. The drone’s ability to operate in diverse geographical terrains and adverse weather conditions makes it particularly suitable for military logistics in remote areas.
Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Safety
According to him, UAVs like Sabal, Alakh, and Vibhram have the potential to transform how supplies and surveillance are conducted in challenging environments. Traditional supply methods for the Indian Army, especially in remote and high-altitude regions, often face obstacles such as harsh weather, difficult terrain, and risks like avalanches or landslides. UAVs offer a more reliable and efficient alternative. For instance, the Sabal UAV can deliver essential supplies directly to troops stationed in places like the Siachen Glacier, where conventional methods may be slow or dangerous.
In conflict zones and sensitive border areas, real-time intelligence is crucial for security. “EndureAir’s Vibhram and Alakh UAVs contribute to this by providing surveillance in difficult terrains. For example, Vibhram drones can patrol mountainous regions in Arunachal Pradesh, which borders China, enhancing border security by detecting unusual activities. The Alakh UAV, with its compact design, is also useful for indoor surveillance and CI/CT operations,” he adds.
Technical Features and Innovations
EndureAir’s UAVs incorporate several advanced features that enhance their performance. The Alakh nano UAV is designed for ease of operation, with features like FPV (First-Person View) compatibility, agility, and minimal aural and visual signatures. It is highly portable, with quick deployment capabilities, making it suitable for rapid response in various operational contexts.
The Sabal UAV, inspired by the Chinook helicopter design, combines large rotor efficiency with the load-carrying capability of a tandem rotor configuration. This design allows it to operate consistently across varying altitudes, from 500 to 5000 meters above mean sea level (AMSL), without hardware modifications. Its reduced frontal area and low RPM operation contribute to extended flight times and reduced noise, making it suitable for stealthy operations.
“The Vibhram UAV is particularly notable for its conventional helicopter-based design, which makes it versatile for applications ranging from surveillance to disaster management. It has been tested in various geographical conditions, from the Khardung La pass to marine environments in Mumbai, demonstrating its reliability and durability. The UAV’s variable pitch control system enhances its performance in high-altitude operations,” he adds.
Milestones and Achievements
Since its inception, the company has secured eight patents and published over 50 research papers, reflecting its commitment to innovation. EndureAir’s work gained international recognition when it won the ‘UAV Flight and Payload Challenge’ organized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Public Safety Communications Innovation Accelerator in the USA. The company was also recognized as one of Forbes DGEMS Top 200 Companies and received the Best Startup Award in 2021.
Also, EndureAir’s UAVs have been involved in various strategic exercises, such as the Indo-Japanese Dharma exercise in 2022 and the Indo-US Vajra Prahar exercise in the same year. These participations have demonstrated the operational capabilities of their drones in real-world scenarios. The company’s success was further highlighted when it was featured in Forbes India’s 30 Under 30 list in 2023 for its development of a VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) UAV with a 40 km range and 3-hour endurance.