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 commonplace 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 regulation enforcement, emergency response, industrial purposes, and authorities operators in search of safe and dependable aerial options.
“Bringing our coaxial propulsion know-how to a sub-250g platform whereas sustaining the sturdiness, efficiency, and reliability Ascent merchandise are identified for has been probably the most rewarding challenges we’ve undertaken,” mentioned Peter Fuchs, Co-founder and CEO of Ascent AeroSystems. “HELIUS delivers unmatched functionality in its class at a aggressive worth. 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 business by specializing in coaxial drone know-how—a design that gives a number of benefits over conventional multirotor configurations. Not like 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 excellent 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: Lowered drag and improved energy effectivity allow longer flight instances and better speeds.
- All-Climate Efficiency: Coaxial UAVs are identified 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 Underneath $5K
Ascent’s HELIUS nano UAV integrates superior know-how 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
- Discipline-swappable, rechargeable batteries
- Max velocity of as much as 45mph
- 30+ minutes of endurance
With a retail worth of $4,499, HELIUS is now accessible for pre-order. Preliminary shipments are anticipated to start in This autumn 2025, and prospects should purchase the UAV straight from Ascent AeroSystems or by Robinson Helicopter Firm sellers approved as Ascent resellers.
A New Chapter Underneath Robinson Helicopter Firm
In April 2024, Ascent AeroSystems turned a subsidiary of Robinson Helicopter Firm (RHC), a premier aerospace producer with over 5 many years of expertise. Robinson’s experience in producing FAA-certified rotorcraft has offered 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,” mentioned 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 capability 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 business. 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 give attention to 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 companies market, and a fascinated observer of the rising drone business and the regulatory atmosphere for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles centered on the industrial drone house and is a world speaker and acknowledged determine within the business. Â Miriam has a level from the College of Chicago and over 20 years of expertise in excessive tech gross sales and advertising and marketing for brand spanking new applied sciences.
For drone business consulting or writing, E mail Miriam.
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