American-made HELIUS drone challenges DJI with rugged sub-250-gram design

The American drone market is witnessing a significant shift as Ascent AeroSystems introduces HELIUS, a sub-250-gram drone challenging DJI’s longstanding dominance in the lightweight category. This AI-powered coaxial nano drone targets public safety, emergency response, and industrial applications with robust features and NDAA compliance—offering a premium alternative for organizations with security concerns or those requiring enhanced durability in mission-critical environments.

The big picture: Ascent AeroSystems is entering the competitive sub-250-gram drone market with HELIUS, an American-made alternative to DJI’s popular Mini series that emphasizes ruggedness and security compliance.

• HELIUS maintains the lightweight classification at 249 grams while incorporating enterprise-grade durability and features designed specifically for professional applications.
• The drone represents a strategic move to capture government and industrial customers who face restrictions on using Chinese-manufactured drones due to security concerns.

Key specifications: HELIUS combines portability with advanced capabilities designed for demanding professional environments.

• The drone features AI-powered obstacle avoidance, object tracking, a 4K ultra-low-light camera with digital manipulation capabilities, and 4G/LTE connectivity for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operations.
• Technical performance includes 30+ minutes of flight time, a maximum speed of 45mph for rapid deployment, and field-swappable batteries to minimize operational downtime.

Market positioning: At $4,499, HELIUS commands a substantial premium compared to consumer alternatives but targets organizations prioritizing security and durability over price.

• The drone costs nearly six times more than DJI’s Mini 4 Pro, which starts at $759, reflecting its positioning as an enterprise solution rather than a consumer product.
• HELIUS offers NDAA compliance, making it eligible for government procurement where Chinese-manufactured alternatives are prohibited.

What they’re saying: Peter Fuchs, CEO of Ascent AeroSystems, emphasizes the engineering achievement behind creating a ruggedized lightweight drone with professional capabilities.

• “Bringing our 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’ve undertaken,” Fuchs states.
• The company positions HELIUS as setting “a new benchmark for compact drones” for operators requiring security and reliability in a portable platform.

Availability: Pre-orders for HELIUS are now open, with the first units expected to reach customers in late 2025.

• Initial shipments are scheduled for Q4 2025, with distribution handled through Ascent AeroSystems and Robinson Helicopter Company dealer networks.