Affordable, ready-to-fly configurations enable out-of-the-box operation for a wide range of public safety, industrial and paramilitary operations
Above Left: Ascent AeroSystems Spirit configured with NextVision Raptor. Redondo Beach, California. Right: Ascent AeroSystems NX30 coaxial UAV configured with NextVision Raptor.
Ascent AeroSystems announces the launch of new, ready-to-fly configurations for its aircraft-grade Spirt and NX30 coaxial unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platforms. The all-in-one kits, designed for out-of-the-box functionality, will help operators meet growing readiness and rapid response requirements for critical public safety, infrastructure inspection and paramilitary operations.
Affordable, Customizable, Ready-to-Fly
The high-performance Spirit and NX30 are reliable, multi-purpose platforms that deliver a combination of capability, adaptability, and affordability that is unmatched in the market. Available for the first time in ready-to-fly bundles, the Ascent Spirit and NX30 are affordable options for Integrators and Operators looking for an affordable, upgradable platform that offers the security and supply chain sustainability to replace foreign acquired systems, and the payload flexibility to mitigate risk of platform obsolescence.
The ready-to-fly Spirit base kit is available for $15,999. The NX30 ready-to-fly kit starts at $25,999. Each kit includes everything necessary to charge and deploy right out of the box, including:
- – UAV airframe: NDAA-compliant, aircraft-grade and designed for durability
- – Modular Command and Control (C2): standard Herelink GCS (upgradeable)
- – Batteries and battery charger: ready for continuous operations
- – 2 sets of rotor blades: to optimize operational ready and flight performance
- – Pelican case: rugged, transport-ready protection
The Best of Both Worlds: Rapid Deployment Meets Modular Flexibility
For organizations seeking an affordable, ready-to-fly small UAV solution in a compact, all-weather platform, Ascent’s modular, NDAA-compliant platforms can be seamlessly integrated into existing airborne operations for about the same investment as larger quad- and multi-rotor aircraft including the IF800, IF1200, FreeFly Astro, and Autel EVO Max.
“Our new ready-to-fly kits are designed with performance, affordability and futureproofing in mind,” said Peter Fuchs, cofounder and president at Ascent AeroSystems. “Unlike many available UAVs, the Spirit and NX30 are purposefully designed for scalability—one platform, nearly limitless operational capabilities. The new Spirit and NX30 Kits offer operators a robust, ready-to-fly system that can begin flying immediately and be easily upgraded as software and sensor technology advances or as mission requirements change.”
Engineered for optimal payload flexibility, the modular open system architecture (MOSA) of Ascent’s coaxial UAVs empowers operators to easily tailor their systems for any mission. In addition to the standard kits, customers can upgrade their systems by integrating one or more of five advanced sensor payloads or by replacing the standard Herelink command and control (C2) suite with NDAA-compliant UXV Navigator Tab5 add-ons.
Command and Control
The UXV Navigator Tab5 – an easily extendable add-on to existing Android-based Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 – is available with:
- – The Microhard pMDDL2450: for secure and reliable point-to-multipoint applications.
- – DoodleLABs SWaP-optimized Mesh Rider® radios: for long-range, high-bandwidth mesh networking.
Sensors
Whether executing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), search and rescue (SAR), investigation, inspection, or surveying, mapping and photogrammetry missions, operators can enhance operational capabilities and adapt to changing mission profiles in real-time by upgrading the standard, ready-to-fly Spirit and NX30 kits with other advanced camera payloads. Available sensor add-ons include:
- – Gremsy VIO F1: advanced lightweight EO/IR camera weighing just 790g and delivering 4K zoom, 640×512 thermal imaging, and integrated 2400m laser range finder and object tracking.
- – Sony ILX LR1 w/Gremsy Pixy LR: well-suited for inspection, surveying, mapping and investigation operations, the Sony ILX-LR1 Industrial camera boasts a 61MP full-frame image sensor, 4K zoom, swappable lenses and a weight of 810g.
- – NextVision DragonEye2: a compact, lightweight dual EO/IR stabilized camera with 40x zoom capability and 640×480 thermal, under 170g.
- – NextVision NightHawk2-UZ: a sub-400g dual EO/IR camera turret that features 1280×720 thermal imaging and 40x high definition zoom.
- – NextVision Raptor: a long-range, dual EO/IR stabilized camera with 1280×720 thermal imaging, 80x Zoom, and a weight of 625g.
“The modular and open-systems design of our Spirit and NX30 platforms—combined with the performance advantages inherent in a coaxial propulsion design—sets Ascent apart in a market where operators have historically been forced to invest in new aircraft to get new capabilities. Our systems give UAS operators access to secure, resilient, American-made platforms that can keep pace with operational needs today, and tomorrow,” Fuchs added.
Availability
The new Spirit and NX30 ready-to-fly kits will allow operators to enjoy extended operational capabilities, reduced total cost of ownership, and the flexibility to seamlessly integrate new capabilities when they are needed most.
Ascent’s ready-to-fly Spirit and NX30 kits are available now.