A Different Approach to platforms
For those platforms that provide “eyes in the sky” for firefighters, many of the support drones used today are based on quadcopter designs. While that’s an architecture that has proven reliable and effective in many situations, aviation/aerospace systems are constantly evolving, and the quadcopter is noteworthy for “its lack of evolution since its introduction as a hobby-grade system,” said Paul Fermo, VP of business development at Ascent AeroSystems. Massachusetts-based Ascent AeroSystems takes a different approach to unmanned systems, designing and building its Group 1 UAVs around a coaxial design that — supported by the laws of physics and aerodynamics — is proven to deliver superior performance in even the most demanding environments.
Built with a unique cylindrical core featuring two counter-rotating blades centrally stacked on the same axis, Ascent AeroSystems refers to its stable and powerful propulsion system as “the coaxial advantage.”
“In contrast (to standard quadcopter design), the coaxial design is both proven and represents a significant step forward in the evolution of rotary-wing and UAV technology,” Fermo told Rotor Pro magazine, “delivering exceptional lift, unmatched flight stability in even the most challenging conditions, and enhanced power efficiency versus comparably sized multirotors — all in a compact, rugged, all-weather form factor. With all the critical components sealed within a waterproof core, Ascent platforms are also able to operate in extreme conditions that might ground other aircraft — like high winds, heavy smoke, intense heat, or low visibility.”
It’s these capabilities, supported by the same aircraft-grade components and FAA-certified manufacturing processes found in crewed aircraft, that make Ascent AeroSystems’ coaxial drones a standout in their class and well suited for firefighting duties. “The cylindrical form factor is inherently stronger, dispersing both impact and heat stress more effectively than typical multirotors,” Fermo added. “When paired with our modular open architecture, firefighters can swap radios, upgrade sensors, or integrate new software — all without needing a new airframe.”
Photo: Data Blanket
EH216-F model. Photo: Ehang 74 Jan/Feb 2025
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