If the small drone market is where the drone industry is headed, then Ascent AeroSystems wants to be a part of it. The Wilmington, Massachusetts-based drone maker this month released a drone called Helius. The Helius drone is a 249 gram, coaxial nano UAV that’s rugged and NDAA-compliant.
And perhaps most notably of all its key features is that it’s made in the U.S. After all, with concerns over foreign-manufactured drones rising — especially in government and security-sensitive sectors — demand for small, enterprise-grade drones made domestically has surged.
Unveiled at VERTICON in Dallas, Texas, Helius is built for law enforcement, emergency response and industrial applications. Those are all sectors that have especially been clamoring for more American-made drone options.
Here’s what you need to know about the Helius from Ascent AeroSystem, and what it means for the drone industry ahead.
Helius: a small drone that means business
Mostly when we hear about the market for sub-250 gram drones, we’re talking about drones overwhelmingly geared toward consumers. These models prioritize affordability and hobbyist-friendly features (including not having to register in the U.S. if used for recreational purposes) over durability and security. That’s where Ascent’s Helius stands apart: this isn’t a toy or a camera drone for YouTubers. Helius is a high-performance UAV engineered for serious work.
Weighing just under 250 grams, the Helius packs enterprise-grade tech into its compact frame. It features AI-enabled obstacle avoidance and object tracking, a 4K, 12.3MP ultra-low-light camera with digital tilt, pan, and zoom and field-swappable, rechargeable batteries. It boasts a max speed of 45 mph and an endurance of over 30 minutes. Those specs all put it in a league well beyond consumer-friendly sub-250g drones like DJI’s Mini 4 Pro.
Technically Helius doesn’t need to adhere to Remote ID requirements or registration rules in the U.S. if used for hobby purposes only (though it’s more likely this drone would be flown under Part 107 given its industrial capabilities).
Speaking of industrial capabilities, Ascent AeroSystems has built a reputation around its rugged, cylindrical coaxial drones. Its newest drone, Helius, continues that design philosophy in a far more compact package. Unlike traditional quadcopters, its coaxial rotor design prioritizes durability and portability. Those are key concerns for emergency responders and field operators who need a drone that can handle tough environments.
How much does the Helius drone cost?
The Helius is available for pre-order now at $4,499. Sure, that’s a steep price compared to consumer drones in the same weight class (for reference, DJI’s Mini 4 Pro—a popular sub-250g drone with a strong camera and obstacle avoidance—costs just under $1,000). But comparing the HELIUS to a consumer drone misses the point.
Ascent isn’t targeting hobbyists; it’s targeting agencies and businesses that need a high-performance, American-made drone for mission-critical operations.
In fact, this price point also makes Helius one of the most affordable NDAA-compliant drones available, especially for those who need a lightweight option. Many enterprise drones cost upwards of $10,000, making the Helius an appealing alternative for agencies seeking a cost-effective yet highly capable solution. For example, Helius has a big sibling drone, the Spirit (more on that one later), which costs $14,000.
And many American-made enterprise drones cost far more beyond that. For example, the Inspired Flight If1200A comes in at a whopping $34,000.
Helius: filling the sub-250g enterprise gap
Enterprise drones tend to be larger and more expensive, leaving a gap in the market for operators who need something small yet powerful. Helius directly addresses that void, offering the security and durability of an enterprise UAV without the bulk (and in some countries and flying scenarios, without some of the regulatory hurdles of larger models).
For Ascent AeroSystems, this isn’t just about one drone: it’s part of a broader push to provide secure alternatives to foreign-made UAVs. The company’s larger Spirit drone, for example, was recently named to the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Green UAS Cleared list, an important designation for drones that meet cybersecurity and supply chain security requirements. The Spirit drone is also on the even-more prestigious DIU Blue sUAS 2.0 Cleared List. A spot on the Blue list means any U.S. government customer can buy and operate a Spirit without further technical review or approval.
With its acquisition by Robinson Helicopter Company in 2024, Ascent has further cemented itself as a serious player in the U.S. aerospace industry. And with the launch of HELIUS, it’s proving that American-made drones aren’t just for the military. They’re for first responders, industrial teams and enterprises that need reliable, regulatory-friendly UAV solutions.
Whether Helius can make a dent in DJI’s dominance of the small drone space remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: for government agencies and businesses looking for a secure, American-made UAV, there are now more options than ever before.
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