For years, DJI has dominated the sub-250-gram drone market. But now, Ascent AeroSystems is shaking things up with HELIUS, a rugged, AI-powered American-made coaxial nano drone designed for public safety, emergency response, and industrial use.
But HELIUS isn’t just another mini drone. It’s built tough, NDAA-compliant, and ready for real-world missions — making it a strong contender for those looking to move away from DJI.
A DJI alternative with pro-grade features — at a premium price
At just 249 grams, HELIUS is lightweight but packs serious tech:
- AI-powered obstacle avoidance and object tracking for smooth flights
- 4K ultra-low-light camera with digital tilt, pan, and zoom
- 4G/LTE connectivity for long-range control
- 30+ minutes of flight time for extended operations
- 45mph max speed for rapid deployment
- Field-swappable batteries for uninterrupted missions
“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,” says Peter Fuchs, CEO of Ascent AeroSystems.
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How does HELIUS compare to DJI Mini drones?
In theory, the HELIUS directly competes with DJI’s Mini 4 Pro, but there’s a major difference — the price. Typically, the DJI Mini 4 Pro starts at $759, while its Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2 remote controller is currently available at just $799 after a 30% discount. The HELIUS, on the other hand, comes in at a hefty $4,499 — nearly six times the cost.
So, why the high price?
🔹 NDAA compliance: A secure, American-made option for government use
🔹 Enterprise-grade durability: Built for extreme conditions, unlike consumer drones
🔹 Pro-level features: AI tracking, LTE connectivity, and all-weather performance
For law enforcement, emergency responders, and industrial operators who can’t use DJI due to security concerns, HELIUS offers a compliant but expensive alternative.
HELIUS is available for pre-order now, with initial shipments expected in Q4 2025. Sales will be handled through Ascent AeroSystems and Robinson Helicopter Company dealers.
“HELIUS expands our growing product line and sets a new benchmark for compact drones,” Fuchs sums up. “For operators demanding durability, portability, and next-gen technology in a secure, American Made sub-250g platform, this is the solution.”
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