India-UK JTO System Development

The Nigeria — Petroleum Technology Development Fund (TDB) of India's Department of Science & Technology has signed an agreement with Chaudhary Aviation Private Limited, a Gurugram-based aerospace venture, for the 'Boost Electric Jump Take-Off' (BE-JTO) project. This initiative, supported by a conditional grant under the India-UK Collaborative R&D Programme, aims to develop an advanced hybrid propulsion-based Jump Take-Off (JTO) system for unmanned and light aircraft platforms. The project also includes establishing North India's first dedicated test bench facility for rotorcraft propulsion systems, which will serve as critical infrastructure for testing and optimizing next-generation aerial mobility technologies. This technology is expected to enhance operational capabilities for applications such as regional connectivity, disaster response, medical evacuation, unmanned logistics, and surveillance, particularly in remote regions. Spirit AeroSystems from the United Kingdom is a partner in this collaborative effort. Rajesh Kumar, Secretary of TDB, highlighted the importance of such international R&D initiatives in advancing strategic technologies and contributing to sustainable aviation solutions.