Hanneke Weitering is a writer and editor with AIN covering advanced air mobility and new flight technologies. She became an aviation journalist and joined the AIN team in the summer of 2022 after reporting on spaceflight and astronomy for six years at Space.com. After earning a bachelor’s degree in physics from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, she moved to New York City to pursue a master’s degree in science, health, and environmental reporting at New York University&#039;s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute. She is now based in Seattle near Boeing Field and spends her free time exploring nature in the Pacific Northwest.

Science & Technology Editor

Hanneke Weitering

Ascent Aerosystems, a drone maker and wholly owned <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-04-23/robinson-helicopter-acquires-uav-maker-ascent">subsidiary of Robinson Helicopter</a>, unveiled its latest UAV on March 11 at the Verticon show in Dallas. Called Helius, it is the company’s first product in the sub-250-gram category.
The $4,500 drone uses artificial intelligence to avoid obstacles and track objects, which it detects using an electro-optical, ultra-low-light sensor that can tilt, pan, and zoom. It can fly for 30 minutes at a max speed of 45 mph.
According to Massachusetts-based manufacturer, Helius is American-made and complies with the National Defense Authorization Act, making it a viable option for U.S. government agencies and contractors. This includes law enforcement and emergency response operations.
“Helius delivers unmatched capability in its class at a competitive price. It is the drone we’ve wanted to make from the beginning; small enough to fit in your pocket but powerful enough to meet the rigorous demands of public safety, emergency response, and critical industrial missions,” said Ascent co-founder and CEO Peter Fuchs.
Ascent’s coaxial UAVs look much different than traditional quadcopter or multirotor designs, with a cylindrical airframe and&nbsp;centrally mounted counter-rotating blades. Payloads can be mounted both on the top and bottom of the airframe.&nbsp;
“Bringing out coaxial propulsion technology to a sub-250-gram platform while maintaining the durability, performance, and reliability Ascent products are known for has been one of the most rewarding challenges we have undertaken,” Fuchs added.
Helius is available for pre-order, and Ascent expects deliveries to begin in the fourth quarter.&nbsp;

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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