Archive · 22 Dec 2025
Sarla Aviation Begins Ground Tests for eVTOL Aircraft
Sarla Aviation, a company based in Bengaluru, India, has started testing a smaller version of its electric airplane called SYLLA SYL-X1.
This airplane can take off and land vertically, like a helicopter, but it's electric.
The company's leader, Rakesh Gaonkar, said they are focused on building something strong and safe, not just being the first.
They have also shown a full-size model of the airplane at an event called Bharat Mobility.
The company has raised $13 million and plans to grow its team to about 70 engineers.
They want to make sure the airplane is designed, built, and operated safely in India.
Sarla Aviation has started ground testing for its half-scale eVTOL demonstrator, SYLLA SYL-X1, in Bengaluru.
The company aims to build a certified, produced, and safely operated eVTOL platform entirely in India.
Sarla Aviation has raised $13 million in total funding to strengthen its long-term execution capability.
The company delivered a full-scale static aircraft for national showcase at Bharat Mobility.
Sarla Aviation plans to expand its team from two founders to nearly 70 engineers within a single development cycle.
- Who
- Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based company
- What
- Commenced ground testing for its half-scale eVTOL demonstrator, SYLLA SYL-X1
- When
- December 22, 2025
- Where
- Bengaluru test facility
- Why
- To build a certified, produced, and safely operated eVTOL platform entirely in India
- Company
- Sarla Aviation
- Location
- Bengaluru, India
- Aircraft Model
- SYLLA SYL-X1
- Aircraft Type
- Half-scale eVTOL demonstrator
- Test Location
- Bengaluru test facility
- Funding Raised
- $13 million
- Team Size
- 70 engineers