Ascent Aerosystems is a leading developer of high-performance UAS (unmanned aerial systems) based on unique coaxial rotor drone technology. Designed and built in the U.S., our rugged and highly portable platforms are ideal for a variety of mission-critical applications.
Compact Coaxial Drone Design
Modular backpack drone with multiple payloads
The Spirit UAS features a proven coaxial design with a compact cylindrical airframe that can be easily carried in a backpack and quickly assembled and disassembled in the field.
With the ability to carry multiple payloads on the same mission, Spirit can be used as a replacement for multiple unmanned aircraft that need to be operated separately. With unmatched portability and an extremely low operational footprint, the lightweight modular drone can take off from and land on any type of terrain.
All-Weather Drone
High-performance operation in challenging environments
The Spirit’s performance exceeds expectations for lightweight drones in its weight class, with a 10-pound payload and battery carrying capacity and a top speed of over 60 miles per hour.
The rugged, highly dependable coaxial drone delivers reliable operation even in the most challenging of situations, with the ability to withstand heavy wind and rain, snow, sleet and sand.
Versatile modular payloads for multi-mission capabilities
The Spirit’s modular drone design has been engineered to support a growing ecosystem of current and future payloads, with two identical attach points on the top and bottom of the drone that allow easy plug-and-play connection. This versatile system allows you to bring what you need, when and where you need it, with no tradeoffs.
Payloads, power sources and launch methods all connect and disconnect with a simple twist, allowing you to create a multitude of different configurations and equip Spirit for missions that would not be possible with conventional drone airframes. Power and data are distributed to the top and bottom of the drone’s core, with connectivity including Pixhawk, high-speed Ethernet, and HDMI.
Payload options include:
- A wide range of advanced RGB, thermal and EO/IR sensors
- Airframe enhancements for tethered operations, high speed, extended range flight and more
- Ultra-high density lithium-ion batteries
- Landing gear modules with pass-through capabilities
NX30 UAS
Compact coaxial rotor drone for all-weather delivery
Based on the same proven coaxial rotor technology as the Spirit, the NX30 packs unprecedented carrying capacity into a compact cylindrical footprint. With enhanced flight time, range, speed and payload capabilities, the IP56-rated platform is ideal for critical cargo transport under all weather conditions.
Weighing just 8 lbs when empty, the NX30 is easy to transport, and can carry up to 15.3 lbs of payload. It can be provided with a range of C2 equipment, including tactical datalinks from Microhard, Silvus, Persistent Systems and Doodle Labs.
Helius UAV
Ultra-lightweight, rapidly-deployable nano drone for tactical and field operations
The Helius UAV is an ultra-lightweight, high-performance nano drone designed for rapid deployment and superior aerial intelligence. NDAA-compliant, and weighing just 249 grams, the Helius drone delivers a powerful combination of speed, endurance, and cutting-edge imaging, making it an ideal solution for tactical operations, reconnaissance, and field-based missions requiring real-time situational awareness.
Designed and built in the USA
NDAA Compliant
- EO 13981 compliant
- Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA) for both hardware and software
- Multiple radio, sensor and GCS options
- Customizable for specialty payloads
Ascent AeroSystems is the world’s only manufacturer of NDAA-compliant, dual-use coaxial unmanned aerial vehicles. Designing and building its family of dual-use small UAVs in the northeastern United States since 2014, Ascent was acquired by commercial helicopter OEM Robinson Helicopter Company in April 2024. Today, backed by Robinson’s more that 50-years of FAA-certified manufacturing expertise, Ascent’s UAVs – including both the Spirit and NX30 – are produced at the Robinson manufacturing facility using the same materials, processes, and standards found in the production of type-certificated aircraft. The Ascent AeroSystems family of sUAVs are the only aircraft-grade platforms available in their class.
Ascent AeroSystems’ SPIRIT™ Joined AUVSI Green UAS Cleared List
Ascent AeroSystems’ SPIRIT™ Joined AUVSI Green UAS Cleared ListGreen UAS certification verifies NDAA-compliance, assuring industry and operators that the American-made Spirit is a safe, secure, sustainable platform for mission-critical operations.
Applications
Industrial Inspection & Delivery
Spirit is ideal for professional inspection, mapping and monitoring applications in tough weather conditions and environments otherwise too difficult, dangerous of expensive to tackle. The versatile all-weather drone can also be used to quickly transport critical supplies to almost any location.
Public Safety
Ascent’s American-made UAVs are designed to keep American communities safe. Ideal for rapid deployment, all-weather information gathering, and situational awareness in critical situations, the rugged, reliable sUAS can be game changers for law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire service first responders. Certified secure, Ascent AeroSystems modular, unmanned platforms are a proven force and capability multipliers.
Government & Military
Ascent’s rugged, reliable, aircraft-grade coaxial UAVs feature a modular, open systems approach to both hardware and software, enabling the payload and performance flexibility required to meet a range of government and military mission. Certified secure, Ascent’s NDAA and EO 13981 compliant platforms are field upgradeable to meet ever-evolving mission requirements: from ISR (intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance) to SAR (search and rescue), border security, disaster response, and more.
