CrystalBall builds type-certified mapping drones for government surveys and mining operators
The Hyderabad-based company manufactures its own survey, surveillance and agricultural drones, and holds a type certificate that allows its mapping model to be bought through government procurement.
CrystalBall, a drone manufacturing company based in Hyderabad, has developed type-certified mapping drones for government surveys and mining operations. Founded in September 2018 by E Sandeep Reddy, Sairaj B, and Vidyasagar B, the company is incubated at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad. CrystalBall is the only company in India to manufacture its own mapping and survey aircraft, pairing the hardware with its own processing to provide end-to-end solutions.
The company's primary product, Model V, is certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation under the Drone Rules of 2021. This certification allows the aircraft to be used for government procurement, as the output of the mapping drone becomes the basis for official documents. Model V is designed for mapping and surveying purposes, featuring a 26-megapixel camera, dual recovery parachutes, and a 40-minute flight time.
The drone is priced at Rs 4.4 lakhs and holds approvals from various Indian government agencies, including the Airports Authority of India, DGCA, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and Ministry of Home Affairs.
CrystalBall's other models include Model T for surveillance and Model M for agricultural spraying. The company's website does not provide detailed information about its products, but resellers list the specifications of Model V. CrystalBall has not published this information independently, but has confirmed its approvals from various Indian government agencies.
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