• Strategic partnership expands Ascent’s global footprint and deepens connections across the Robinson Helicopter dealer network
• Heliflite to offer rugged UAV systems that complement manned rotorcraft and increase mission flexibility
Wilmington, MA & Geelong, Victoria, Australia – March 28, 2025 –
At this week’s AVALON Australian International Air Show, Ascent AeroSystems, the world’s leading manufacturer of compact, high-performance, aircraft-grade coaxial unmanned aerial systems, announced Sydney-based HELIFLITE as the first Authorized Ascent AeroSystems Dealer in Australasia.
“As one of the region’s most respected helicopter and aviation solutions providers, Heliflite is a natural fit to bring our mission-critical UAV systems to customers across the region,” said Paul Fermo, Vice President of Business Development for Ascent AeroSystems. “A long-standing member of the Robinson Helicopter Company dealer network, Heliflite strengthens the bridge between manned and unmanned rotorcraft operations and will play a key role in accelerating awareness and adoption of our high-performance coaxial UAVs to a wide range of government, military, commercial and industrial operators.”
Heliflite’s offering of NDAA-compliant unmanned platforms will include:
- NX30 – A medium-lift small UAV that offers up to 15 pounds of payload capability, speeds over 60 mph, and endurance of up to 65-minutes.
- SPIRIT – The flagship platform in the Ascent family, SPIRIT offers top and bottom payload integration options, one or two battery configurations, and up to 53-minutes of endurance.
- HELIUS – An all-new sub-250g nano UAV, HELIUS is designed to be an affordable AI-enabled option for law enforcement, emergency response, government, and industrial enterprise operators looking to upgrade or replace other systems.
With offices in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Auckland, Heliflite will provide local sales, support, and integration services for all Ascent products throughout Australia and New Zealand.
“We see this as a value-added extension of our manned helicopter portfolio,” said Heliflite Chief Operations Officer Robert Bentley-Johnson. “Our customers are looking for greater operational flexibility—UAVs that can safely fly missions when manned aircraft can’t, whether due to weather, cost, or risk. The Ascent systems deliver that capability in a compact, rugged, all-weather design and with the same level of reliability and performance that our customers expect from our traditional rotorcraft platforms.”
For industrial, government, law enforcement, and other frontline operators, integrating Ascent UAVs means faster response times, reduced risk, and new mission profiles—especially in conditions that are not optimal or safe for traditional crewed aircraft.
Ascent’s coaxial platforms are built to the same standards as type-certificated crewed aircraft, offering unmatched performance, reliability, and versatility in even the harshest conditions—at a fraction of the size and cost.
“This is an important milestone in our global expansion strategy,” Fermo added, “and a perfect example of the natural synergies between the Robinson and Ascent product families.”
Ascent AeroSystems UAVs are available through Heliflite, effective immediately.
To learn more, visit To learn more, visit heliflite.com.au or ascentaerosystems.com.
About Ascent AeroSystems
Founded in 2014, Massachusetts-based Ascent AeroSystems designs and manufactures rugged, coaxial unmanned aerial vehicle drone systems for defense, public safety, and industrial markets. Ascent’s compact, all-weather, high-performance vehicles feature a unique cylindrical configuration that’s far more portable and durable than conventional multirotors, ideally suited for mission-critical operations in the toughest environments.
Torrance, CA-based Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC), a premier aerospace OEM with 50 years of manufacturing experience and more than 13,000 type-certificated aircraft delivered to date, acquired Ascent AeroSystems in April 2024. Ascent is now a wholly owned RHC subsidiary. For more information, visit https://ascentaerosystems.com/.
About Heliflite
Heliflite, one of the leading helicopter companies in Australasia and the longest serving authorized Robinson Helicopter Company distributor in the region, has provided comprehensive vertical takeoff and landing services including sales, service, spare parts, pilot training, brokerage, finance and insurance sales since 1977.
Media Contact
Amy Romano
Amy.Romano@ascentaerosystems.com
M: 617.845.3185
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