Introducing HELIUS™ — A 249g Coaxial Nano UAV from Ascent AeroSystems
Ascent AeroSystems, the leading manufacturer of compact, high-performance, aircraft-grade coaxial unmanned aerial systems, has launched HELIUS™, their first foray into the sub-250g UAV market. This innovative drone was unveiled at VERTICON (previously HAI Heli-Expo) in Dallas, Texas, positioned as an affordable AI-enabled option that meets NDAA compliance for law enforcement, emergency responders, government agencies, and industrial operators seeking to upgrade their hardware.
Peter Fuchs, Co-founder and CEO of Ascent AeroSystems, shared, “Bringing our coaxial propulsion technology to a sub-250g platform while ensuring durability, performance, and reliability typical of Ascent’s products has been a fulfilling challenge.” He added, “HELIUS provides unmatched capabilities in its class at a competitive price. It’s the drone we’ve aspired to create; small enough to fit in a pocket yet robust enough to handle the demanding requirements of public safety and critical industrial tasks.”
Key Features of Ascent’s HELIUS
- Ultra-portable and lightweight airframe
- 4G/LTE connectivity
- AI-driven obstacle avoidance and object tracking
- 4K, 12.3MB Electro-Optical, ultra-low-light sensor with digital tilt, pan, and zoom
- Field-swappable, rechargeable batteries
- Maximum speed of up to 45 mph
- 30+ minutes of flight endurance
David Smith, CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, remarked, “The future of aviation lies not in choosing between piloted and uncrewed systems; it’s about collaboration. Our acquisition of Ascent AeroSystems was a strategic decision to drive this evolution, and HELIUS represents a significant move toward realizing that vision.” With a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $4,499, HELIUS is now available for pre-order, with initial shipments anticipated for Q4 2025. Customers can order directly from Ascent AeroSystems or through authorized Robinson Helicopter Company dealers.
Fuchs emphasized, “HELIUS enhances our expanding product portfolio and establishes a new standard for compact UAVs. For operators seeking durability, portability, and advanced technology in a secure, American-made sub-250g platform, this is the answer.”
About Ascent AeroSystems
Founded in 2014 and based in Massachusetts, Ascent AeroSystems specializes in designing and manufacturing rugged, coaxial unmanned aerial vehicle systems for defense, public safety, and industrial markets. Their compact, all-weather, high-performance drones feature a distinctive cylindrical design, offering greater portability and durability compared to conventional multi-rotors, making them ideal for mission-critical operations in challenging environments.
Robinson Helicopter Company, located in Torrance, CA, has over 50 years of aerospace manufacturing experience and has delivered more than 13,000 type-certificated aircraft. They acquired Ascent AeroSystems in April 2024, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. For more details, visit Ascent AeroSystems.
Source: Ascent AeroSystems
