Wilmington, MA – September 3, 2025 — Ascent AeroSystems, a leader in rugged coaxial unmanned aerial systems, proudly announces that its flagship SPIRIT™ drone platform has gained a groundbreaking dual clearance from the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU). SPIRIT™ is now uniquely recognized both as a full system on the Blue UAS Cleared List and as a modular component on the Blue UAS Framework — the only airframe to hold this prestigious dual status.
This exceptional distinction reflects the SPIRIT™ platform’s commitment to modularity, scalability, and future-proof design, perfectly aligning with the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) emphasis on open architecture systems capable of adapting swiftly to evolving mission requirements.
Peter Fuchs, Co-founder and CEO of Ascent AeroSystems, said, “The SPIRIT is more than a drone; it’s a mission-critical, adaptable aerial platform designed from the ground up to meet the demanding needs of government and defense operators. Our dual clearance signifies both the reliability of the system and its role as a building block for assembling future-ready unmanned solutions under streamlined federal acquisition protocols.”
Key Features of SPIRIT™ Include:
- Compact coaxial design with rugged aircraft-grade construction optimized for all-weather operation.
- Modular “click-ring” payload interfaces enabling quick, versatile configurations to accommodate diverse mission payloads.
- NDAA-compliant architecture designed for cybersecurity and interoperability standards required by federal agencies.
- Enhanced integration flexibility permitting deployment as a full system or part of a broader unmanned aerial architecture.
The Blue UAS program streamlines federal drone acquisitions by providing vetted, cybersecure UAS products that support rapid deployment of scalable systems essential for defense and public safety missions. SPIRIT™’s dual recognition marks a major milestone in advancing U.S. drone technology leadership.
About Ascent AeroSystems
Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Massachusetts, Ascent AeroSystems designs rugged, compact coaxial UAVs tailored for defense, public safety, and industrial applications. Acquired by Robinson Helicopter Company in 2024, Ascent benefits from decades of aerospace manufacturing experience while pushing the frontier of unmanned aerial innovation.
This announcement underscores Ascent’s commitment to empowering operators with reliable, adaptable, and secure drone solutions that shape the future of American aerospace innovation.
