An American-Made Various within the Sub-250g UAV Market
Ascent AeroSystems, a number one U.S. producer of coaxial unmanned aerial techniques (UAS), has unveiled its newest innovation: HELIUS™. This sub-250g UAV, launched at VERTICON (previously HAI Heli-Expo) in Dallas, Texas, goals to set a brand new normal for sturdiness, affordability, and functionality within the light-weight drone market. Designed as a rugged, all-weather, NDAA-compliant different, HELIUS is tailor-made for legislation enforcement, emergency response, industrial purposes, and authorities operators searching for safe and dependable aerial options.
“Bringing our coaxial propulsion expertise to a sub-250g platform whereas sustaining the sturdiness, efficiency, and reliability Ascent merchandise are recognized for has been one of the rewarding challenges we’ve undertaken,” stated Peter Fuchs, Co-founder and CEO of Ascent AeroSystems. “HELIUS delivers unmatched functionality in its class at a aggressive value. It’s the drone we’ve wished to make from the start—sufficiently small to slot in your pocket however highly effective sufficient to satisfy the rigorous calls for of public security, emergency response, and important industrial missions.”
Benefits of Coaxial Drone Design
Ascent AeroSystems has established itself as a key innovator within the drone trade by specializing in coaxial drone expertise—a design that gives a number of benefits over conventional multirotor configurations. In contrast to quadcopters, coaxial drones function stacked counter-rotating rotors inside a cylindrical kind issue, enhancing sturdiness, portability, and aerodynamic effectivity. This construction permits for a extra compact and rugged construct, making it ultimate for demanding purposes, together with public security and protection.
Key advantages of coaxial drones embody:
- Compact Design: Smaller than typical multirotors, HELIUS eliminates cumbersome arms and folds right into a extremely transportable kind.
- Elevated Sturdiness: Cylindrical airframes distribute stress evenly, enhancing crash resilience and increasing operational lifespan.
- Aerodynamic Effectivity: Decreased drag and improved energy effectivity allow longer flight instances and better speeds.
- All-Climate Efficiency: Coaxial UAVs are recognized for his or her reliability in excessive environments, from rain and snow to excessive winds and excessive temperatures.
HELIUS: Constructed for Efficiency and Portability – and Beneath $5K
Ascent’s HELIUS nano UAV integrates superior expertise into a light-weight but highly effective platform. Key specs embody:
- Extremely-portable, light-weight airframe
- 4G/LTE connectivity
- AI-enabled impediment avoidance & object monitoring
- 4K, 12.3MB Electro Optical ultra-low-light sensor with digital tilt, pan, and zoom
- Area-swappable, rechargeable batteries
- Max pace of as much as 45mph
- 30+ minutes of endurance
With a retail value of $4,499, HELIUS is now accessible for pre-order. Preliminary shipments are anticipated to start in This fall 2025, and clients should purchase the UAV instantly from Ascent AeroSystems or by way of Robinson Helicopter Firm sellers approved as Ascent resellers.
A New Chapter Beneath Robinson Helicopter Firm
In April 2024, Ascent AeroSystems grew to become a subsidiary of Robinson Helicopter Firm (RHC), a premier aerospace producer with over 5 a long time of expertise. Robinson’s experience in producing FAA-certified rotorcraft has supplied Ascent with the manufacturing scalability required to compete successfully within the U.S. drone market.
“We all know that the way forward for aviation isn’t about selecting between crewed and uncrewed techniques—it’s about teaming. Our acquisition of Ascent AeroSystems was a strategic transfer to guide that evolution, and HELIUS is a key step in realizing that imaginative and prescient,” stated David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopter Firm.
With greater than 14,000 helicopters delivered, Robinson brings intensive aerospace engineering and manufacturing capabilities to Ascent, guaranteeing that its coaxial UAVs are constructed with aircraft-grade precision and supplies. This partnership strengthens Ascent’s means to satisfy growing market demand whereas sustaining its dedication to high-performance, American-made UAV options.
Pushing the Boundaries of American Drone Innovation
The launch of HELIUS reinforces Ascent AeroSystems’ place as a pioneer within the U.S. drone trade. By leveraging Robinson’s manufacturing capabilities and Ascent’s experience in coaxial UAVs, the corporate is providing a substitute for foreign-manufactured small drones that emphasizes safety, reliability, and efficiency.
Ascent AeroSystems continues to concentrate on creating rugged, mission-critical UAVs tailor-made for protection, public security, and industrial purposes. With HELIUS, the corporate is increasing its product line to serve operators who require a sub-250g drone that doesn’t compromise on functionality or sturdiness.
For extra details about HELIUS and Ascent AeroSystems, go to Ascent AeroSystems
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, an expert drone providers market, and a fascinated observer of the rising drone trade and the regulatory surroundings for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles targeted on the industrial drone house and is a global speaker and acknowledged determine within the trade. Miriam has a level from the College of Chicago and over 20 years of expertise in excessive tech gross sales and advertising for brand spanking new applied sciences.
For drone trade consulting or writing, Electronic mail Miriam.
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