The Ascent Aerosystems Spirit UAV Core is a rugged, high-performance unmanned aerial vehicle designed and built in the United States for mission-critical operations in government, defense, industrial, and public safety applications. Featuring a unique coaxial design, modular payload flexibility, all-weather endurance, and strong performance capabilities, Spirit delivers professional-grade reliability and adaptability for a wide range of demanding environments.
U.S.-Built Enterprise Solution: Designed and manufactured in the USA, supporting secure procurement and domestic supply chain requirements.
Blue UAS & NDAA-Aligned: Spirit is included on the Blue UAS Cleared List and has component clearance under the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS Framework, enabling streamlined government acquisition.
Modular Payload System: Quick-attach payload and battery modules allow rapid field reconfiguration for changing mission requirements.
All-Weather Capability: Rugged airframe and contamination resistance enable reliable operation in rain, sleet, snow, sand, and other harsh conditions.
(Based on official platform data and available spec documents)
Airframe & Design
Configuration: Coaxial UAV (dual rotors) with quick-change modular architecture
Core Weight: ~4.1 lb (1.8 kg) without battery or payload
Max Takeoff Weight: ~13.5 lbs (6.1 kg)
Payload Capacity: Up to ~6.5 lbs (3.0 kg) with one battery
Modularity: Dual attach points (top & bottom) for swappable payloads and batteries
Performance
Flight Endurance:
~38 min (no payload, single battery)
~16 min (max payload, single battery)
~53 min (no payload, dual batteries)
~32 min (max payload, dual batteries)
Top Speed: > 60 mph (100 km/h) manual, ~40 mph recommended auto mode
Max Altitude: ~14,600 ft (5,000 m) above MSL
Environmental & Durability
All-Weather Rating: IP56 – engineered for rain, dust, snow, and harsh conditions
Operating Temp Range: Approx. -40 °F to 130 °F (-40 °C to +54 °C)
Wind Resistance: Designed to handle high winds (Class 8 or ~40 mph+)
Control & Navigation
Autopilot: NDAA/Blue UAS-ready autopilot (Pixhawk/MAVLink compatible)
GPS Systems: GPS with optional multi-constellation support (GLONASS, BeiDou, etc.)
C2 & Ground Control: Compatible with Herelink, Microhard, DoodleLabs, L3Harris, UXV Navigator, ruggedized tablets/PCs
Payload & Integration
Airborne Video Inputs: Dual HDMI for simultaneous dual sensors
Payload Development Kit Available: CAD and technical docs for custom payload integration
Spirit UAV Core (K257) platform
(Note: Batteries, payloads, ground control, and accessories may be ordered separately or configured per mission needs—see accessory options.)
The Spirit UAV Core combines modularity, rugged durability, and high performance into a compact, all-weather platform that scales with mission requirements. Its modular quick-connect architecture supports rapid payload changes, dual payload capability, and extended battery configurations—making it ideal for:
Public safety & emergency response
Defense & federal agency missions
Industrial inspection & infrastructure monitoring
Mapping, surveying & geospatial data collection
Environmental and research operations
