Scandron Gets DGCA Type Certification For Its Agri-Focussed Drone

Drone startup Scandron has received the Directorate General of Civil Aviation’s (DGCA) type certification for its agritech drone model “SNDAG010QX8”.

The startup’s listed parent Magellanic Cloud made the announcement in a regulatory filing with the BSE.

“This certificate, issued to M/s Scandron Private Limited certifies that the Unmanned Aircraft System “SNDAG010QX8″… is of proper design, material, specification, construction and performance for safe operation…,” noted the DGCA’s approval letter. 

Under Drone Rules, 2021, all companies are mandated by law to seek DGCA type certificates to comply with norms related to safety, security, and reliability of UAVs. The approvals are granted after thorough material, environmental, and operational assessments.

The directorate granted the approval on July 5. In the filing, Scandron said that the “drone spraying system” is specifically designed for agricultural and agrochemical spraying and boasts a maximum capacity of 8 litres.

As per DGCA website, the model weighs 24.5 kgs and can attain a maximum height of 196.86 feet. 

In a statement, the company said that the approval will enable it to roll out the drone and expand its market reach. Scandron also said that the nod will enable it to create new revenue streams and set the stage for the company’s entry into the drone manufacturing space. 

“It shall serve to be beneficial for the company by creating new revenue streams, expanding market reach with a target to sell at least 1,000 to 2,000 drones in the upcoming year by entering the drone manufacturing market which has the potential of growing exponentially over the next decade,” noted the filing. 

As per the drone startup, its foray into the drone manufacturing space will also “significantly” add to its topline and bottomline. 

Securing the DGCA type approval is also expected to help the company streamline its agritech offerings and target them effectively towards farmers. The move will also help it partner with lead fertiliser companies (LFCs) to facilitate delivery of drones to self help groups (SHGs) under the Centre’s ‘Drone Didi’ scheme. 

The latest nod comes four months after Scandron secured DGCA’s type certification for its logistics drone CargoMax 500HE.

Founded in 2022 by listed software development company Magellanic Cloud’s CEO Arjun Naik, Bengaluru-based Scandron sells drones including logistics drones, agri spraying drones and custom drones. It also offers drone-based inspection services for companies and organisations in sectors such as oil and gas and defence.

It competes with the likes of Coromandel-backed Dhaksha, General Aeronautics, ideaForge, among others. 

As per the DGCA website, more than 69 drones belonging to various companies have received DGCA type certifications for various models. 

As per Inc42 analysis, the Indian drone market is expected to reach $13 Bn in size by 2030.

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