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LAT Aerospace Proves uSTOL in Debut Test as Prototype Crashes as Expected

The startup says simulations had flagged the structural failure in advance.

Overview

  • Lat One v0.1 lifted off in an ultra-short takeoff and then went down shortly after due to structural defects the team anticipated.
  • Deepinder Goyal shared the test video on X and called the flight a milestone that delivered key data despite the loss of the airframe.
  • Work has begun on Lat One v0.2, which the company says is intended to complete a full mission.
  • The electric demonstrator was built in-house, has about 60 minutes of endurance, and is described as capable of autonomously covering the MumbaiPune route.
  • LAT outlines a roadmap that includes hybrid-electric propulsion for future manned STOL aircraft, in-house gas-turbine engine development, and reported funding of roughly $50 million including about $20 million from Goyal.