The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on June 03, 2026, issued a notification regarding the Draft Indian Technical Standard Order (ITSO) related to the Electric Propulsion Systems (Motor, Propeller and ESC) for Unmanned Aircraft Systems.
The following has been stated:-
•The Indian Technical Standard Order (ITSO) prescribes the minimum performance standards for electric propulsion systems comprising BLDC motors, propellers, and electronic speed controllers (ESCs) used in unmanned aircraft systems.
•It applies to manufacturers seeking DGCA authorization for propulsion systems intended for UAS operations in India and requires compliance with prescribed electrical, mechanical, environmental, and software qualification standards.
•Manufacturers must conduct extensive bench and accredited laboratory testing, classify potential failure conditions, and demonstrate conformity with relevant IEC, ISO, and ASTM standards.
•The ITSO also mandates specific marking and identification requirements for approved propulsion systems and their components.
•Applicants are required to submit detailed compliance documentation, technical specifications, test reports, and quality assurance records, while manufacturers must maintain fabrication, quality control, airworthiness, and recall-related records for DGCA review and oversight.
•Stakeholders may submit comments by July 02, 2026.
The detailed notification is given in the document below.
