An American-Made Alternative in the Sub-250g UAV Market
Ascent AeroSystems, a leading U.S. manufacturer of coaxial unmanned aerial systems (UAS), has unveiled its latest innovation: HELIUS™. This sub-250g UAV, introduced at VERTICON (formerly HAI Heli-Expo) in Dallas, Texas, aims to set a new standard for durability, affordability, and capability in the lightweight drone market. Designed as a rugged, all-weather, NDAA-compliant alternative, HELIUS is tailored for law enforcement, emergency response, industrial applications, and government operators seeking secure and reliable aerial solutions.
“Bringing our coaxial propulsion technology to a sub-250g platform while maintaining the durability, performance, and reliability Ascent products are known for has been one of the most rewarding challenges we’ve undertaken,” said Peter Fuchs, Co-founder and CEO of Ascent AeroSystems. “HELIUS delivers unmatched capability in its class at a competitive price. It is the drone we’ve wanted to make from the beginning—small enough to fit in your pocket but powerful enough to meet the rigorous demands of public safety, emergency response, and critical industrial missions.”
Advantages of Coaxial Drone Design
Ascent AeroSystems has established itself as a key innovator in the drone industry by specializing in coaxial drone technology—a design that offers several advantages over traditional multirotor configurations. Unlike quadcopters, coaxial drones feature stacked counter-rotating rotors within a cylindrical form factor, improving durability, portability, and aerodynamic efficiency. This structure allows for a more compact and rugged build, making it ideal for demanding applications, including public safety and defense.
Key benefits of coaxial drones include:
- Compact Design: Smaller than conventional multirotors, HELIUS eliminates bulky arms and folds into a highly portable form.
- Increased Durability: Cylindrical airframes distribute stress evenly, enhancing crash resilience and extending operational lifespan.
- Aerodynamic Efficiency: Reduced drag and improved power efficiency enable longer flight times and higher speeds.
- All-Weather Performance: Coaxial UAVs are known for their reliability in extreme environments, from rain and snow to high winds and extreme temperatures.
HELIUS: Built for Performance and Portability – and Under $5K
Ascent’s HELIUS nano UAV integrates advanced technology into a lightweight yet powerful platform. Key specifications include:
- Ultra-portable, lightweight airframe
- 4G/LTE connectivity
- AI-enabled obstacle avoidance & object tracking
- 4K, 12.3MB Electro Optical ultra-low-light sensor with digital tilt, pan, and zoom
- Field-swappable, rechargeable batteries
- Max speed of up to 45mph
- 30+ minutes of endurance
With a retail price of $4,499, HELIUS is now available for pre-order. Initial shipments are expected to begin in Q4 2025, and customers can purchase the UAV directly from Ascent AeroSystems or through Robinson Helicopter Company dealers authorized as Ascent resellers.
A New Chapter Under Robinson Helicopter Company
In April 2024, Ascent AeroSystems became a subsidiary of Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), a premier aerospace manufacturer with over five decades of experience. Robinson’s expertise in producing FAA-certified rotorcraft has provided Ascent with the manufacturing scalability required to compete effectively in the U.S. drone market.
“We know that the future of aviation isn’t about choosing between crewed and uncrewed systems—it’s about teaming. Our acquisition of Ascent AeroSystems was a strategic move to lead that evolution, and HELIUS is a key step in realizing that vision,” said David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company.
With more than 14,000 helicopters delivered, Robinson brings extensive aerospace engineering and production capabilities to Ascent, ensuring that its coaxial UAVs are built with aircraft-grade precision and materials. This partnership strengthens Ascent’s ability to meet increasing market demand while maintaining its commitment to high-performance, American-made UAV solutions.
Pushing the Boundaries of American Drone Innovation
The launch of HELIUS reinforces Ascent AeroSystems’ position as a pioneer in the U.S. drone industry. By leveraging Robinson’s production capabilities and Ascent’s expertise in coaxial UAVs, the company is offering an alternative to foreign-manufactured small drones that emphasizes security, reliability, and performance.
Ascent AeroSystems continues to focus on developing rugged, mission-critical UAVs tailored for defense, public safety, and industrial applications. With HELIUS, the company is expanding its product line to serve operators who require a sub-250g drone that does not compromise on capability or durability.
For more information about HELIUS and Ascent AeroSystems, visit Ascent AeroSystems
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Â Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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