82. Ascent AeroSystems – United States
Ascent AeroSystems, an American company, specializes in the design and manufacturing of compact, high-performance coaxial rotor unmanned aerial systems.
Acquired by Robinson Helicopter Company in 2024, Ascent leverages its unique cylindrical airframe and coaxial propulsion technology to create drones that are exceptionally rugged, all-weather capable, and highly portable.
This distinctive design allows their platforms to deliver superior performance in terms of payload capacity, endurance, and flight in challenging conditions compared to conventional multirotors, making them ideal for mission-critical industrial, public safety, and government operations.
For defense and security applications, Ascent AeroSystems offers NDAA-compliant and Blue UAS-approved platforms like the Spirit and the recently unveiled Helius.
The Spirit is a modular, high-performance coaxial VTOL UAV designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, search and rescue, border security, and disaster response. It features an open systems architecture allowing for flexible payload integration, including advanced EO/IR sensors, and robust encrypted communications.
The Helius is a micro-UAV (under 250 grams/8.8 ounces) with AI-enabled obstacle avoidance and 4K low-light cameras, built for tactical, rapidly deployable operations in any weather.
Ascent’s drones are designed and built in the US, ensuring supply chain security and meeting stringent government requirements for use by the US Department of Defense and other federal agencies.
