Robinson acquired Ascent Aerosystems in 2024 to broaden its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) offerings and meet the increasing global demand for enhanced mission capabilities in law enforcement, public safety, firefighting, utility and defense. Ascent’s advanced technologies and versatile designs complement Robinson’s ability to be the preeminent choice in global rotorcraft.
Research and development, prototyping, flight test operations, marketing, sales and finance are based in Wilmington, MA. Full-scale production occurs in Torrance, CA.
Robinson Unmanned is the uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) division of Robinson Helicopter Company. An independent and wholly-owned subsidiary, Robinson Unmanned is focused on delivering scalable, aviation-grade VTOL platforms across civil and defense missions.
Robinson Unmanned inquiries can be sent to sales@robinsonunmanned.com.
All production UAS from Robinson Unmanned are built at Robinson’s modern, vertically integrated manufacturing facility in Torrance, CA.
Our small UAS platforms are designed with a modular payload interface, allowing seamless integration of a wide range of sensors, cameras (EO/IR), LiDAR units, communications relays, and other mission-specific equipment. We also provide documentation and support to help integrators customize payload solutions to meet unique operational requirements.
Yes. Our small UAS platforms are developed in accordance with the relevant U.S. and international standards and guidelines. We adhere to FAA regulations for commercial use, and for international government and military clients we offer platforms compliant with United States Department of War (DoW) and NATO standards. All Robinson Unmanned small UAS meet the supply chain and security requirements as outlined in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Spirit UAS is the only small UAS named to both the Blue UAS Cleared list as a complete, ready-to-fly system and to the Blue UAS Framework as a foundational component.
Range and endurance are influenced by a number of factors including battery capacity, payload, weather conditions, etc. The Robinson Unmanned family of Group 1 UAS typically achieve flight times of up to 60 minutes or longer, depending on platform, payload and environmental conditions. For more specific performance metrics, we’ll work with you to evaluate mission profiles, payload weights, and environmental factors to provide an accurate estimate tailored to your operational needs.
Yes. Unlike traditional quadcopter or other multirotor aircraft, Robinson Unmanned coaxial propulsion UAS are engineered for rugged, all-weather performance. Offering some of the highest IP ratings available in their class, Robinson Unmanned platforms can operate in high winds (up to 50 mph), heavy rain, snow, dust, and extreme temperatures. The cylindrical, coaxial design enhances durability and simplifies environmental sealing, ensuring reliable missions even in austere or contaminated environments.
Absolutely. We prioritize the security of your data with encrypted data links, secure communications protocols, and hardened onboard systems. The Spirit platform has been certified UAS Blue 2.0 Cleared as both a complete system and framework component. We can also integrate specialized cybersecurity measures tailored to government and military specifications, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected from unauthorized access.
Yes. Our UAS are designed using a Modular Open Systems Approach for both hardware and software, making it easy to integrate new technologies, software, and payloads over time. This design philosophy ensures that your investment remains futureproof, adaptable to evolving mission requirements and emerging capabilities.
We maintain flexible manufacturing processes that can scale production to meet your evolving demands. Whether you need a small batch for evaluation or large-scale production runs to protect critical infrastructure and support national security imperatives, we’ll work with you to establish realistic lead times and delivery schedules that align with your deployment plans.
Yes. We provide integration support to ensure that our UAS data seamlessly interfaces with your command-and-control (C2) centers, data analysis software, and cloud platforms. Our engineers can collaborate with your team to establish reliable data pipelines and interoperability with existing workflows.
TCO includes more than just the initial purchase price. We help you understand all factors—including training, maintenance, spare parts, upgrades, and support—so you have a clear picture of the long-term investment. By designing our small UAS for durability, modularity, and streamlined maintenance, we aim to keep operational costs predictable and manageable. To learn more, connect with our Business Development team at sales@robinsonunmanned.com.
Our platform is built with an open, modular framework, supporting standard communication protocols and interfaces. This ensures that third-party payloads, sensors, and software modules can be integrated with minimal effort.
Yes. We provide comprehensive APIs, SDKs, PDKs, and technical documentation to empower developers and integrators. Our engineering support team can also assist in optimizing custom payload or software implementations.
Robinson Unmanned SPIRIT and SPARTAN platforms are designed for compatibility with common protocols like MAVLink, STANAG, and other industry standards. This ensures seamless interoperability with existing data pipelines, control systems, and ground stations.
When requested or required we can offer engineering support, test facilities, and technical guidance to ensure that custom third-party payloads and systems are fully validated and optimized for reliable performance on our UAS platforms.
We support over-the-air firmware updates and modular software frameworks, allowing quick integration of new functionalities developed by partners. This accelerates time-to-market for new capabilities and mitigates risk of platform obsolescence.
Absolutely. We welcome long-term collaborations and co-development projects. By working closely with partners, we can streamline integration efforts, share R&D insights, and jointly advance platform capabilities and customer/operator successes.
Yes. We offer three Product Development Kits (PDKs) to support the integration of unique payloads. Our modular design accommodates tailored configurations, helping partners adapt the UAS to specialized use cases—from custom sensor packages to proprietary data processing suites—without compromising reliability or certification.
Yes, complete retrofit and conversion is available for all models of Robinson R44. Factory conversions are available now at the Rotor.ai facilities in Nashua, NH. We are working with the Rotor.ai and select Robinson Helicopter Company service centers to perform retrofit conversions around the world.
No. The R44 AIRTRUCK and R44 SPRAYHAWK UAS are heavy lift drones designed for autonomous utility missions like agriculture, aerial surveillance, cargo transportation, and firefighting. They are not certified to carry people.
No, Robinson Unmanned large UAS are not optionally piloted vehicles (OPVs). They do not have flight controls or seats onboard and are not certified to carry people.
Currently, a commercial helicopter license and completion of Rotor.ai factory training course is required to operate the R44. We are working with regulatory authorities worldwide to enable Remote Pilots in Command (RPIC) to operate the aircraft by holding only a Part 107 remote pilot license.
The R44 AIRTRUCK is designed to be a versatile and customizable multi-mission platform and supports third party payloads including gimbals, cameras, cargo buckets, winches, hoists, and firefighting tanks. Most products with an STC for the Robinson R44 are compatible with the AIRTRUCK out of the box. Rotor also provides payload integration and testing services for custom payloads.