ATVA-1: India’s First DGCA-Certified
Hybrid Cargo Drone
India took a significant step in drone innovation with the certification of ATVA 1, the country’s first DGCA-approved hybrid cargo drone developed by Amber Wings, an IIT Madras incubated startup. Unlike conventional drones, ATVA 1 uses a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) mechanism combined with fixed-wing flight for longer ranges and better stability—ideal for rural delivery services and emergency logistics.
This drone could revolutionize last-mile delivery in India’s under-connected regions, particularly for agriculture, medicine, and disaster relief. It can carry cargo up to 15 kg over 60 kilometers, making it ideal for transporting essential goods to remote or flood-affected areas. Although current regulations restrict Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, the certification marks a crucial step forward in legitimizing cargo drones for commercial use in India.
ATVA-1 represents more than just technological progress—it’s a symbol of India’s push toward self-reliance in critical tech sectors. As India aims to build a ₹5,000 crore drone economy by 2030, hybrid drones like ATVA-1 will likely play a pivotal role in both economic development and disaster resilience.
