Ladakh is one of the toughest places on earth. The air is thin, the winds are strong, and the cold bites through everything. Flying a drone here is not easy. But at HIM-Drone-a-thon 2, InsideFPV proved it can be done, and done well.
Our drone not only flew at 18,225 feet but also finished the course in record time, taking first place at the event. For a three-member team facing snow, cold and altitude sickness, this was more than just a win. It was a moment of pride.
What the Event is About?
HIM-Drone-a-thon 2 was held at Wari La Pass in Ladakh, at an altitude of 15,600 feet. The event was organised by the Indian Army with FICCI.
This is not a regular drone show. The idea is to see which drones can survive and perform in real Himalayan conditions, the same conditions where soldiers serve. At this height, the air gives less lift, batteries drain faster, and even a small gust of wind can push a drone off course.
That’s why winning here means so much. It proves the drone is ready for real-world defence use.
InsideFPV’s Journey to the Event
InsideFPV entered the event with just three members representing the company. The team faced harsh conditions even before the race began. Temperatures dropped to minus five degrees with heavy snowfall at times. Winds of 8 m/s made flying unpredictable.
Still, our drone was prepared. Built for agility and endurance, it was tested to take on Ladakh’s demanding environment.
The challenge ahead was to fly from 15,675 ft launch altitude to an operational altitude of 18,225 ft, covering nearly 5.9 km.
Record-Breaking Performance
The race was a showcase of speed, stability, and control. InsideFPV drone completed the route in 2 minutes 36 seconds, securing the top position.
Here are the validated specs from the event:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Launch Altitude | 15,675 ft |
| Operational Altitude | 18,225 ft |
| Range | 5.855 km round trip |
| Completion Time | 2:36 minutes (first place) |
| Top Speed | Close to 200 km/h |
| Temperature | 4°C during flight |
| Wind Conditions | 8 m/s gusts |
| Special Features | Acrobatics and high-speed maneuvers |
These numbers tell the story of more than just a race. They reflect the ability of an indigenous drone to perform under the same conditions faced by soldiers in Ladakh.
The achievement was celebrated in the presence of senior dignitaries. Lt Governor of Ladakh B.D. Mishra, GOC Hitesh Bhalla, and Lt Gen M.V. Suchindra Kumar attended the event and applauded the participating teams.
Their presence reinforced the importance of the competition. For InsideFPV, winning under their watch added credibility to our technology and vision.
Why This Win Matters
This victory is significant not just for InsideFPV but for India’s drone industry as a whole.
Strengthening Defence Capabilities
High-altitude drones are essential for surveillance, reconnaissance, and logistics in the Himalayas. Our performance shows that Indian drones can meet these demands.
Civilian Applications
Beyond defence, drones that can fly at 18,000 ft can support civilian needs, from delivering medicines to disaster relief in remote areas.
Increasing Make in India
Success in such competitions positions India as a rising hub for drone manufacturing and innovation.
Global Opportunities
Proving technology in Ladakh opens doors for international markets, especially in regions with similar terrains.
The Human Side of the Story
Behind every flight and every statistic is a human story. Our three-member team braved the cold winds, snowfall, and altitude sickness to represent InsideFPV.
This journey was about grit as much as it was about technology. Competing at 16,000 ft with limited resources and coming out on top proves that passion and determination can power innovation.
What Lies Ahead
Winning HIM-Drone-a-thon 2 is only the beginning. InsideFPV is now focused on:
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Expanding high-altitude defence drones for surveillance and combat roles.
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Developing logistics drones for critical supply delivery in remote regions.
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Exploring applications in civilian sectors like healthcare and disaster management.
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Building global partnerships to showcase Indian drone innovation worldwide.
InsideFPV’s victory at HIM-Drone-a-thon 2 is a proud moment for our team and for India’s drone ecosystem. Flying at 18,225 ft, covering nearly 6 km in record time, and performing acrobatics at high speed proves that indigenous drones are ready for the toughest missions.
This win is not just about technology. It is about trust, credibility, and a vision to make India a leader in drone innovation. For us, it’s a milestone, and for the industry, it’s a glimpse of the future.
