Fixed-Wing UAV Research & Development
Engineering the Next
Generation of Flight
Aero Forge is an early-stage aerospace startup in India, researching and developing propulsion-driven, high-speed, long-range fixed-wing UAV technology.
What We're Building
Propulsion-Driven. Fixed-Wing. Long-Range.
We are not building quadcopters. We are researching and developing a new class of fixed-wing UAV — engineered for speed, endurance, and range that rotary systems simply cannot match.
Fixed-Wing Architecture
Our research is centred on fixed-wing aerodynamics — platforms that generate lift through forward motion, enabling far greater efficiency and range than multi-rotor designs.
Propulsion-First Design
We are exploring advanced propulsion systems — including electric and hybrid configurations — optimised for sustained high-speed cruise at altitude.
Long-Range Endurance
Our target use cases demand hours of flight time over hundreds of kilometres. Every design decision we make is oriented around that operational envelope.
Applications We're Exploring
Where Fixed-Wing UAVs Create the Greatest Impact
We are in early research — but these are the domains we are designing for.
Mapping & Surveying
High-speed, wide-area topographic surveys, photogrammetry, and GIS data collection across large and remote terrain.
Infrastructure Inspection
Long-range inspection of power lines, pipelines, railways, and highways — covering distances that ground teams cannot.
Emergency & Disaster Response
Rapid deployment over disaster zones for situational awareness, search coordination, and communication relay.
Research & Education
Atmospheric data collection, environmental monitoring, and a platform for aerospace research institutions.
Long-Range Logistics
Exploring last-mile and remote-area delivery for medical supplies, critical cargo, and underserved regions.
Our Approach
A Disciplined Path from Idea to Aircraft
We follow a structured development methodology — no shortcuts, no premature claims.
Research
Deep technical research into aerodynamics, propulsion systems, materials, and regulatory frameworks before a single component is designed.
ActiveDesign
Iterative CAD and simulation-driven design, validated against our performance targets for speed, range, and endurance.
Prototype
Physical prototyping of airframe and propulsion subsystems in a controlled environment, starting with sub-scale models.
Test
Rigorous ground and flight testing with full data logging — every test is a learning opportunity, not just a milestone.
Comply
Full compliance with DGCA Drone Rules 2021 and all applicable Indian aviation regulations before any operational deployment.
Roadmap
Where We Are — and Where We're Going
We are transparent about our stage. Every milestone below is honestly marked.
Research
In ProgressAerodynamics, propulsion, and regulatory landscape research
Prototype
UpcomingSub-scale airframe and propulsion prototype development
Testing
UpcomingControlled ground and flight testing with data analysis
Compliance
UpcomingDGCA type certification and regulatory approval process
Launch
UpcomingFirst operational deployment with pilot industry partners
Safety & Compliance
Responsible Development. Regulated Operations.
We are committed to operating within the full framework of Indian drone regulations. All our research, testing, and eventual operations will comply with DGCA Drone Rules 2021, the Digital Sky Platform, and all applicable airspace requirements. Safety is not a checkbox — it is a design principle.
Full compliance with DGCA Drone Rules 2021
Digital Sky Platform registration for all test flights
No operations outside approved airspace or conditions
Responsible testing protocols at every development stage
Our Team
The People Behind Aero Forge
A small, focused team of engineers and researchers building India's next generation of fixed-wing UAVs.
Nirmalya Lenka
Ashutosh Chaudhury
Shubham Behera
Yatharth Krishna Pandey
Shreyas Routray
Updates
Progress Log
We build in the open. Here is what we have been working on.
October 2026
Company Founded
Aero Forge is officially incorporated. We have begun our initial research phase, focusing on fixed-wing aerodynamics and propulsion system literature review.
Coming Soon
First Technical Report
We are preparing our first internal technical report on fixed-wing UAV propulsion architectures. We will share a summary publicly.
Coming Soon
Sub-Scale Prototype
Our first sub-scale prototype is in early planning. We will document the process and share updates as we progress.
Be Part of
What's Next
We are looking for collaborators, mentors, research partners, and people who believe in what we are building. If that is you, let's talk.
Aero Forge is built by Nirmalya Lenka · Ashutosh Chaudhury · Shubham Behera · Yatharth Krishna Pandey · Shreyas Routray