Zomato founder Deepinder Goyal is making headlines again—this time for launching LAT Aerospace, a startup focused on building India’s first homegrown gas turbine engines for regional aircraft. Co-founded with former Zomato COO Surobhi Das, this ambitious venture aims to revolutionise India’s aerospace capabilities.
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LAT Aerospace with Zomato: Breaking New Ground in Indian Aviation
LAT Aerospace plans to develop cost-effective short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft capable of carrying up to 24 passengers. The startup is actively recruiting engineers in Bengaluru for their dedicated propulsion research team.
“India has tried building gas turbine engines before. And we’ve come close. At LAT, we want to get past the finish line,” Goyal shared on LinkedIn, emphasizing their commitment to creating flight-ready engines entirely within India.
Understanding Gas Turbine Engines
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Compressor | Compresses incoming air |
| Combustion Chamber | Burns fuel-air mixture |
| Turbine | Converts hot gases to mechanical energy |
| Exhaust | Expels high-velocity gases for thrust |
Gas turbine engines work by compressing air, mixing it with fuel (typically kerosene), burning the mixture, and expelling exhaust gases at high speed to generate thrust. This continuous-flow system has become the standard for commercial and military aviation.
Why Gas Turbine Engines Matter
These engines offer significant advantages over traditional propulsion systems:
- Lightweight design compared to piston engines
- Higher power-to-weight ratio for better performance
- Enhanced reliability with fewer moving parts
- Reduced maintenance requirements
- Smoother operation at high altitudes
The Strategic Impact
This venture represents a major step toward India’s self-reliance in aerospace technology. Currently, India imports most aviation engines, making Goyal’s initiative crucial for the country’s aerospace manufacturing ambitions.
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FAQs
What type of aircraft will LAT Aerospace’s engines power?
Regional STOL aircraft carrying up to 24 passengers for short-haul flights.
Is LAT Aerospace connected to Goyal’s other ventures?
No, Goyal clarified that LAT Aerospace operates independently from Eternal and Zomato.