New Delhi, Nov. 27 -- Marking a historic milestone for India's aviation sector, Cligent Aerospace has unveiled the design direction of the CL1000, a next generation hybrid electric short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft engineered to operate from some of the world's most constrained environments - including compact spaces comparable to a bus stop area. With this breakthrough, India officially steps into the global league of aircraft OEMs, led by a home grown company developing an advanced aviation platform for worldwide use.
The CL1000 is designed to redefine regional aviation with its ultra short take off capability, hybrid electric powertrain and the ability to operate in locations where traditional aircraft cannot. Intended for deployment across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and beyond, the aircraft positions India as not just a participant but a creator in the future of global aviation.
A New Global Category: Aviation Without Airports where so far only helicopters can reach now this category also can fly with more safe and significantly affordable cost to fly daily
Breaking away from conventional aircraft design, the CL1000 is built to:
* Take off in sub 150 meter spaces * Operate from grass, dirt, unpaved strips, industrial zones and village edges * Function in micro sites equivalent to a bus stop area * Carry a 1000 payload or 9 passengers with hybrid electric efficiency * Serve regions with minimal or no aviation infrastructure
"Regional aviation shouldn't be confined by infrastructure," said Harsh Joshi, Co-Founder & CEO of Cligent Aerospace. "The CL1000 is designed to connect every corner of the world-no matter how remote-through reliable, accessible air mobility. When runways become optional, true global connectivity becomes possible."
Recent industry research supports this shift. According to a McKinsey survey, more than 700 million passengers are expected to adopt Regional Air Mobility solutions in the coming years, driven by the rising demand for point-to-point connectivity and faster access to underserved regions. This massive transition highlights the need for aircraft that can operate from minimal footprints while delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable transport.
Hybrid Electric Architecture for Global Reliability
The CL1000 features:
* A high efficiency hybrid electric powertrain for future * Distributed electric propulsion across 8 motors * Superior STOL capability enabling performance beyond conventional turboprops * A future ready zero emission aircraft upgrade path * Lower operating cost and reduced noise footprint
This makes the platform ideal for:
This need is especially evident in countries like India, where geographical diversity and rising traffic congestion demand faster point-to-point transportation. With 450+ under-utilised airstrips spread across the nation-mirroring the vast distributed network of 5,000+ airports and airfields in the U.S.-the opportunity for regional air mobility is enormous.
Beyond India, regions around the world face similar challenges: vast rural landscapes, remote industrial sites, dispersed communities, and critical zones with limited infrastructure. An aircraft capable of short-runway or near-runway-independent operations unlocks new possibilities for medical evacuation, cargo movement, emergency response, industrial logistics, and tourism access in hard-to-reach areas.Where turboprops struggle, the CL1000 is engineered to excel.
Built in India, Designed for the World
Based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, Cligent Aerospace is among the world's youngest hybrid electric aircraft OEMs. From concept to testing, the company aims to prove that India can design and build world class aircraft technologies.
"Aircraft OEMs have historically been concentrated in the US and Europe," said Vivek Dhut, Co Founder & CTO. "With the CL1000, India enters that list - not as a buyer but as a builder for the world."
A Global Challenge, A Universal Solution
Every continent faces a shared aviation challenge: connecting remote and underserved locations without investing in expensive new airports. The CL1000 solves this by enabling:
* Cargo and logistics operations * Passenger mobility between non airport locations * Medical evacuation from runway less regions * Mining, oil & gas and industrial logistics * Humanitarian missions * Remote tourism access
If a truck can reach the location, the CL1000 can land there.
Ahmedabad's Own Aircraft OEM Steps on to the Global Stage
Cligent Aerospace is supported by IIMA Ventures, IIT Mandi Catalyst, PIERC, deep tech investors and advisors from global aviation leaders including Airbus, ATR, Universal Hydrogen, HAL and Lockheed Martin.
Key Milestones Achieved:
* Engineered India's first STOL hybrid-electric aircraft designed for the world * CL1000's complete aircraft architecture successfully developed * Backed by State Government, Central Government, and leading global deep-tech VCs * Pre-orders secured with multiple MoUs already signed * First full-scale flying demonstrator currently under construction * A globally aligned, certification-ready roadmap established * On track to begin commercial operations by 2029
India has never had an aircraft OEM of this nature - until now.
"Designed in Ahmedabad. Flying Across the World."
Cligent aims to complete its initial demonstrator soon and begin global certification for commercial deployment.
"This is the beginning of India's aircraft manufacturing era," added Harsh. "From a lab in Ahmedabad, we are building a platform meant to fly across nations, across industries, across the world. The CL1000 is not made for India - it is made from India for the world."
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Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from TechCircle.