BluJ Aero Unveils REACH: India's Largest Hydrogen-Electric VTOL Aircraft
Key Ideas
  • BluJ Aero, based in Hyderabad, showcased the REACH hydrogen-electric VTOL prototype at Nadergul airfield in Rangareddy. The aircraft is designed for long-range logistics with zero emissions.
  • The unmanned REACH aircraft, modeled after a Blue jay bird, can carry up to 100 kg of payload over 300 km on a single hydrogen-electric charge. It offers rapid transit between cities and operates autonomously.
  • The technology behind REACH allows for various applications, including disaster relief, medical deliveries, and logistics enhancement. BluJ Aero plans to develop cargo and passenger variants in the coming years.
  • With a focus on green and commercially viable air transport, BluJ Aero emphasizes the advantages of hydrogen-electric propulsion and autonomy. The company aims to cater to both civil and defense sectors with its innovative aircraft.
BluJ Aero, a Hyderabad-based company, introduced its groundbreaking hydrogen-electric VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft prototype named REACH at Nadergul airfield in Rangareddy, India. The REACH aircraft, designed for logistics purposes, boasts zero emissions and high payload capacity. Modeled after a Blue jay bird, it can cover a range of 300 km on a single hydrogen-electric charge, carrying up to 100 kg of payload. The aircraft operates autonomously and can be monitored in real-time via radio control systems. During a demonstration, Uttam Kumar Dharmapuri, the co-founder and CTO of BluJ Aero, highlighted the versatility of REACH in various scenarios, from disaster relief to medical deliveries. The aircraft's technology enables rapid transit between cities like Hyderabad-Warangal and Mumbai-Pune in under 30 minutes for cargo purposes. BluJ Aero plans to develop cargo and passenger variants of the REACH aircraft in the near future, with a focus on green and efficient air transport solutions. Co-founder M Amardeep Sri Vatsavaya emphasized the advantages of the hydrogen-electric propulsion system in terms of speed and environmental impact. The company's innovative approach to utilizing hydrogen fuel cells in aviation sets it apart in the industry, aiming to cater to both civil and defense sectors. The REACH aircraft's design eliminates the need for traditional airports and provides superior speed compared to most helicopters, offering a promising solution for various applications. Despite varying perceptions among investors and customers, BluJ Aero remains committed to advancing the hydrogen-electric aircraft technology. By combining electric and hydrogen power sources, the company achieves an extended range and enhanced payload capacity, surpassing the limitations of traditional battery-powered systems. Looking ahead, BluJ Aero acknowledges the evolving regulatory landscape, with significant progress observed in drone and eVTOL technology regulations by authorities like the DGCA. The company is optimistic about the future of advanced air mobility and the role hydrogen-electric aircraft like REACH can play in shaping the aviation industry positively.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2024 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.