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Small drones biggest development in combat since nuclear weapons By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill Small, first-person view (FPV) drones are rapidly becoming the most significant weapon of modern warfare, the CEO of a technology-oriented defense contractor said in an interview. Ryan Gury, CEO of Performance Drone Works (PDW), said the widespread and effective use […]
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When it comes to the drones that fly during drone shows, there isn’t much in the way of drones that are a household name the way DJI is when it comes to camera drones. But that’s quickly changing, and it’s all due to UVify.
The American drone maker is the team that makes drones for all sorts of light show drone companies, including Illumin (which was recently named the official drone light show provider for the City of Toronto), Sky Elements and Pixis Drones. UVify is currently headquartered in Seattle, with plans to move to San Francisco in 2025, though drones are actually made in South Korea.
And with a market share of approximately 90% in North America, the drone has earned a reputation within the niche drone show industry as a global leader in drone entertainment.
Here’s what you need to know about the company that could very soon become just as well-known in the drone industry as a name like DJI.
UVify wasn’t always a maker of light show drones. The company was founded in South Korea in 2014 by PhDs in aerospace engineering. It’s gone through a few different iterations. For example, it had a brief period where it tried manufactured consumer-oriented products: the award-winning UVify Draco racing drone and OOri smart micro racing drone. And while primarily focused on light shows, even today UVify has its hands in a few different aspects of drones, including via a collaboration with DARPA on swarm drone technologies.
UVify raised a $4 million Series A over a decade ago and has since achieved profitability — something that is hardly true of many Silicon Valley companies today. Though privately held, they remain open to strategic investments.
Today, UVify estimates that it has approximately a 90% market share for light show drones in North America. Though not independently verified by The Drone Girl, UVify claims it has sold more drones in North America than all competitors combined, and that its drones have logged more flight hours and conducted more overall drone shows than any other company in the industry.
UVify is also the team behind multiple record-breaking drone shows, as confirmed by Guinness World Records. Some of those have to do with shows that are large in size, such as a record set in May 2024 for most drones flown simultaneously. It has also put on record-breaking shows in collaboration with its clients, such as a Sky Elements drone show that shaped 2,484 UVify IFO drones into a hummingbird in the sky for IAAPA 2024,
After experimenting with all sorts of products including, yes, once a racing drone, the company’s light show drone — called the UVify’s IFO (Identified Flying Object) — today is the company’s flagship product. Here are some key specs around that drone:
When you buy light show drones through UVify, you get a turnkey system with everything you need to get started launching your own light show business including training, hardware, software, 24/7 support every day of the year, and access to the company’s Fleet Augmentation Bank (more on that later).
UVify sells their drones for about $1,300 each. Though, you can’t buy just one. You need at least a small fleet to put on a drone show, so be prepared to spend much more than $1,300. To buy one, you’ll have to go through a UVify sales representative directly. Turns out, you can’t just shop for a high-end light show drone on Amazon).
Want to buy a UVify IFO drone? Mention UVify promo code DGIFO to your UVify sales representative to receive a 5% discount plus an additional free battery and set of high-performance props per IFO.
UVify also launched a module that can turn UVify drones into something more — a pyro drone too. It’s called the IFO-P, and it costs about $500 extra per module deck. With it, you can load a gerb (a type of spark spewing firework) onto the module, which has its own firing system. From there, the pyro operator can work with the chief drone pilot to decide when to launch the pyro.
Sky Elements, who uses the IFO, was the first drone show company to receive FAA approval to perform a pyro drone show in the U.S. The company holds the Guinness World Record for most pyro launched from drones. Watch a behind-the-scenes video for that show here:
Of course, incorporating pyro into a drone show costs more than just $1,300 per drone plus $500 for the module. Budget for fireworks for every show. Unlike drones, the pyro isn’t reusable.
UVify’s FAB (Fleet Augmentation by UVify) rental model makes professional-grade light shows accessible to businesses of all sizes. This innovative approach eliminates the need for customers to purchase or maintain massive drone fleets. Instead, existing UVify can borrow additional drones needed to put on larger than average shows by way of accessing UVify’s rental bank.
In exchange for getting to borrow drones, UVify’s customers must agree to split the revenue from the contract 50-50 with UVify. So, if a UVify customer had 100 drones but needed 200 for a show, they could borrow 100 from UVify. Say the contract is worth $60,000 (thus $300 per drone), then the operator would keep $45,000 while paying $15,000 to UVify in exchange for renting 100 additional drones.
Events like IAAPA 2024 made it clear that drone light shows are in demand everywhere, from small weddings to big theme park displays. As the drone light show industry grows, UVify is a company to watch.
Companies that use UVify drones now range from major, nationwide drone light show companies to small, local drone show operators. Names include Pinnacle Drone Light Shows, which is based in Oakland, California and Sky Lites, which is based in Oregon.
So where can you find them going forward? Next up, UVify will be exhibiting at Cobra-Con 2025, which is a massive show for pyrotechnic professionals in Muncie, Indiana running from April 10-12, 2025. UVify COO Robert Cheek will be speaking and showing off UVify’s heavy-lift pyro drone called the Vulcan. And there’s another reason why UVify’s appearance at Cobra-Con might make it one of the top drone events of 2025. That’s because UVify will even put on a drone show incorporating its pyro drones.
The post UVify: how the DJI of light show drones grew to dominate drone shows appeared first on The Drone Girl.
The British and United States Armies have launched Project VANAHEIM, an initiative aimed at improving Counter-Uncrewed Air Systems (C-UAS) operations, with a focus on detecting, tracking, identifying, and neutralising Class 1 Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) threats, according to a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice published by the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) on 21 March 2025. […]
Ukraine’s drone manufacturing landscape resembles a “chaotic arsenal” like a “spilled toolbox,” with hundreds of manufacturers producing various drone types domestically. This distributed production model creates both advantages and challenges for Ukrainian forces fighting against Russia’s invasion. As the Russo-Ukrainian all-out war continues, Ukraine’s focus on enhancing drone technology reflects the growing importance of unmanned […]New patent revealed at Avalon Airshow promises safer, space-saving vertiport infrastructure for Advanced Air Mobility, with research showing up to 250% faster energy dissipation than flat tarmac. by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNab Australian vertiport developer Skyportz recently unveiled the patent for their innovative anti-downwash and outwash drone vertipad design at the Avalon International […]
The post Skyportz Unveils Anti-Downwash Vertipad Design to Shrink Urban Vertiport Footprints appeared first on DRONELIFE.
Recent Funding Rounds Highlight Growing Investor Interest in Defense-Oriented Drone Technologies The drone industry is experiencing a significant shift in funding priorities, with military and defense applications attracting substantial investments. Announced today, Israel’s SpearUAV successful funding round, led by Deep Insight venture fund, comes at a time when the global military drone market is projected […]
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Pilot project in Andhra Pradesh surveys over 1,100 hectares to monitor tree health and estimate fruit production 3F Oil Palm Pvt Ltd has completed a major drone survey in Ayyavaram Village, West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. This pilot project marks a key step in using drone technology to support palm oil farmers across India. Over […]
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Autel Robotics has announced updates to its Dragonfish series of drones in 2025, refining the platform to better serve industrial and professional users. The Dragonfish series, known for its tilt-rotor design and adaptability, continues to address the evolving needs of industries such as public safety, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring. Streamlined Product Line and Functional […]
The post Updates to the Autel Dragonfish Platform: Enhanced Features for Industrial Applications appeared first on DRONELIFE.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The post Ascent AeroSystems’ Helius: A $4,499 sub-250g drone, American-made drone appeared first on The Drone Girl.
– General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. has released its latest evolution of the company’s payload command and control (C2), and tactical situational awareness software called TacSit-C2. The new version builds on GA-ASI’s more than 25 years of experience in developing and deploying C2 for various payloads that are integrated onto GA-ASI’s world-leading Unmanned Aircraft Systems […]