Anna University team conducts high-altitude BVLOS drone test in Nilgiris

A Centre for Aerospace Research (CASR) team at Anna University has completed a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone flight at 2,500m above Doddabetta in the Nilgiris. The test covered 175km at about 65kmph, using a loiter radius of 300m, demonstrating BVLOS operation beyond the unaided visual range of the remote pilot. CASR director K Senthil Kumar said the thin air, variable winds and rapidly changing weather made the altitude challenging, yet the aircraft stayed stable with reliable control and communications. Researchers noted effects of reduced air density on thrust, motor efficiency, endurance and payload. The team also evaluated batteries, thermal management and sensors, along with command-and-control links and procedures like geofencing and return-to-home. Conducted under DGCA Green Zone guidelines, the work—sanctioned via TANII with TIDCO support—aims to support medical and emergency deliveries and other tasks like inspections, monitoring and disaster response.