HELIUS

HELIUS is a 249-gram coaxial unmanned aircraft developed by Ascent AeroSystems and now offered through Robinson Unmanned. The cylindrical airframe is designed for hand launch in less than 30 seconds and for operation where space, weather or terrain complicates the use of a conventional multirotor. An integrated 12.3-megapixel low-light electro-optical camera streams 1080p video for public-safety, fire, emergency-response and inspection teams.

The aircraft has a stated maximum speed of 45 miles per hour and endurance of more than 30 minutes with the endurance battery. Batteries are field-swappable, and the closed airframe measures 275 by 75 by 53 millimetres. Published software functions include object recognition, autonomous navigation, subject following and geotagging, while LTE supports remote viewing and operation when the communications and regulatory environment permit it. HELIUS remains an operator-controlled aircraft; deployment conditions and aviation authorisations determine where its remote-operation features can be used.