Certification Confirms NDAA Compliance for Broader Commercial and Government Use
Ascent AeroSystems’ Spirit UAV has been added to the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Green UAS Cleared List. This designation confirms the Spirit meets cybersecurity and supply chain standards required for NDAA compliance.
The Green UAS program extends the principles of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) Blue UAS initiative to non-DoD agencies. It offers a rigorous framework for verifying the security, operational integrity, and supply chain compliance of UAS platforms. While the Blue sUAS list also identifies secure platforms, evaluation is limited to those platforms specifically required for DoD purposes. The Green UAS list expands upon this, ensuring that operators in critical sectors, such as public safety, infrastructure, and industrial operations, can procure trusted UAVs for mission-critical applications.
Peter Fuchs, cofounder and CEO of Ascent AeroSystems, emphasized the importance of this milestone in a conversation with DRONELIFE: “UAVs are a proven capability multiplier for operators across nearly every government and business sector. AUVSI’s Green UAS certification gives operators – from state, local and federal government agencies to commercial, industrial and public safety organizations – the confidence to purchase US-manufactured UAV platforms that meet NDAA cybersecurity and supply chain requirements. For Ascent, adding Green Cleared status to the Spirit’s certification pedigree demonstrates our ability to manufacture reliable, aircraft-grade systems capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly evolving global landscape.”
Meeting the Green UAS Standards
The certification process includes detailed reviews of hardware, supply chain risk management, remote operations security, and corporate cybersecurity practices. Ascent AeroSystems has built its cybersecurity protocols on NIST-800 171 standards and is prepared for Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) Level 2.
Casie Ocaña, Director of Trusted Programs at AUVSI, noted: “Ascent AeroSystems’s successful completion of the Green UAS process verifies that their coaxial drone platform meets the highest levels of cyber and supply chain security. AUVSI is committed to supporting the growth of technology supply chains that ensure robust availability of safe, secure drone solutions.”
A Versatile UAV for Challenging Missions
The Spirit platform, a coaxial drone, offers unique advantages for operators. It features a compact, cylindrical design that is portable, all-weather capable, and highly durable. Its payload flexibility and high operational reliability make it a viable option for complex missions across defense, public safety, and industrial sectors.
By achieving Green UAS certification, the Spirit stands out as a secure, US-manufactured solution ready to support demanding applications in both government and commercial markets.
For more information, visit Ascent AeroSystems or AUVSI
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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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