New Delhi: The aviation startup LAT Aerospace by Zomato and Eternal CEO Deepinder Goyal has made its first giant stride in the development of next-generation regional planes in India. Recently, the company performed a test flight of its electric unmanned prototype, Lat One v0.1, and was able to show ultra-short takeoff and landing (uSTOL) capability, which is one of the fundamental technological goals of the venture.

Although the jet crashed on the flight, Goyal viewed the test as a learning exercise that was beneficial. He remarked that the team had predicted the failure, as it had known structural constraints during simulations, and emphasised that the aim of testing the uSTOL performance was completely met.

Video of Lat One v0.1 test flight.

uSTOL achieved. Achievement unlocked 🛫

The plane crashed a bit later, which we knew was going to happen, and our simulations had already suggested so, due to structural defects. However, the main objective of the test flight was to test… pic.twitter.com/vji5oQPC7A

— Deepinder Goyal (@deepigoyal) January 4, 2026

uSTOL capability successfully demonstrated

Goyal posted a video of the test flight on LinkedIn and X, which demonstrates that the prototype took off on a very short runway. To him, the main aim of the experiment was to reach takeoff. It is not just 20 per cent to make a plane take off. It is the work of making it land safely, which, after the crash, he called the technical milestone.

The Lat One v0.1 is an electric unmanned aerial vehicle that has a short range of travelling in a region. It is supposed to fly for up to approximately 60 minutes, with the future models possibly flying between Mumbai and Pune.

Crash was anticipated, team moves to next version

Goyal explained that the accident was not unexpected. Structural weaknesses in the prototype were already pointed out during pre-flight simulations. The crew gave the flight a green light to collect actual data. He attributed the failure to be inherent in the learning curve and gave valuable lessons to be applied in future designs.

LAT Aerospace has already begun constructing Lat One v0.2 that is aimed at reaching the completion of a full mission, including safe landing. The company reckons that every such iteration will take it a step closer to a viable aircraft platform.

A long-term bet on regional aviation

Goyal co-founded LAT Aerospace in early 2025 with Surobhi Das, the former Zomato COO. The startup is a deep-tech attempt at transforming the regional Indian aviation industry. Das has already mentioned that despite the fact that there are over 450 airstrips in India, only an estimated 150 of the airstrips are used in commercial flights, limiting regional air travel and rendering it very expensive.

Goyal has put in place $20 million into the business, which has projected approximately $50 million simultaneously. Lat Aerospace has to undertake the hiring of aerospace engineers and aviation experts to continue its development. Goyal said the firm is still targeting a long-term effect, as the company will emerge stronger and better than before due to this initial experiment.