Robinson Unmanned
About
About Robinson Unmanned
Robinson Unmanned develops aircraft for inspection, mapping, logistics and government missions. The business combines Ascent AeroSystems' compact coaxial drones with larger uncrewed rotorcraft work derived from Robinson Helicopter platforms.
Ascent's cylindrical Spirit and larger NX30 use coaxial rotors for a small transport footprint and payload flexibility, carrying cameras, sensors or cargo. Robinson's manufacturing and rotorcraft engineering support expansion toward heavier, longer-range systems and custom integrations. The portfolio addresses operations that need greater endurance or payload than consumer multirotors can provide.
Articles
Team
- Paul Fermo - President - Leads Robinson Unmanned as it combines Ascent small UAS with larger R44 and R66 unmanned platform programs.
Timeline
Events
- 2026-10-20 - Partnership - Robinson Unmanned plans Dragonflight autonomy integration with Lyntris
The work supports Lyntris’ $6.48 million Maritime Tactical Command and Control programme expansion with the Navy. Dragonflight enables aircraft to coordinate as a team, with precision formation work intended to support sensing, communications and other configured missions. SPARTAN combines coaxial vertical takeoff and landing with a modular open-systems architecture.
Source - 2026-10-13 - Contract Award - Ascent AeroSystems wins SPIRIT supply contract for Nepali Army
The award includes base and payload kits, additional aircraft hardware, spares, extended warranty coverage and operator training. SPIRIT is a Blue UAS-cleared, NDAA-compliant coaxial platform with a modular open architecture. Robinson Unmanned will support the supply programme; the release does not disclose aircraft quantities or contract value.
Source - 2026-10-06 - Partnership - MicroVision and Robinson Unmanned agree aerial lidar demonstrations
The integration combines MOVIA Air Plus lidar with Robinson Unmanned's SPIRIT Group 1 aircraft. A Washington, D.C. showcase is planned for October 12–14, followed by customer evaluations through 2026. Camera and lidar data support mapping, localization and navigation without GPS.
Source - 2026-09-03 - Demonstration - Robinson Unmanned demonstrates R44 AIRTRUCK offshore logistics
The Sept. 2–3 flights demonstrated cargo handling, elevated-deck landing, precision positioning and airspace integration. Robinson rates the unmanned helicopter for up to 1,000 pounds of useful load. The operating demonstration occurred Sept. 2–3 and was first disclosed Sept. 8.
Source - 2026-06-24 - Partnership - Skyryse and Robinson Unmanned partner on SkyOS-powered R66 UAS
The programme targets ISR, manned-unmanned teaming, air-launched effects and collaborative combat aircraft missions. Robinson contributes its R66 production base while Skyryse supplies the SkyOS aviation-automation system.
Source - 2026-04-29 - Contract Award - Sikorsky and Robinson win $15 million Marine Corps autonomous-logistics contract
Delivery: Robinson Unmanned will deliver the first R66 TURBINETRUCK to Sikorsky for integration, test and evaluation, and demonstration. The R66 TURBINETRUCK will support mission success when ground or manned aviation assets are unavailable and keep personnel out of danger in high‑risk scenarios.
Source - 2026-03-10 - Org Change - Robinson launches Robinson Unmanned business unit
The new unit incorporates Ascent AeroSystems and unmanned versions of Robinson's R44 and R66 helicopters. Robinson unveiled the R66 Turbinetruck using Sikorsky MATRIX autonomy. The R66 concept is designed for remote piloting or autonomous flight with a 1,500-pound useful load.
Source - 2024-04-23 - Acquisition - Robinson acquires Ascent AeroSystems
Ascent became a wholly owned Robinson Helicopter subsidiary. The acquisition added compact coaxial UAS for industrial, public-safety and defense applications. Robinson said Ascent aircraft could scale through its vertically integrated Torrance manufacturing facility.
Source - 2024-03-20 - Partnership - Rotor and Robinson collaborate on R550X uncrewed helicopter
The R550X is an uncrewed helicopter based on the Robinson R44 Raven II. The aircraft was displayed at HAI Heli-Expo in Anaheim. Rotor specified a 1,212 lb payload capacity for aerial work, cargo, firefighting, and crop-dusting workflows.
Source
Relations
Relationships
- MicroVision
Technology Partner - MicroVision and Robinson Unmanned are collaborating on MOVIA Air Plus integration with SPIRIT for aerial mapping demonstrations.
- Skyryse
Unmanned Helicopter Integration Partner - Skyryse and Robinson Unmanned are integrating SkyOS into the R66 to develop a Group 4 unmanned aircraft.
Context
Context tags
- Industrial UAS builder - Peer Group
Commercial
- Ascent AeroSystems wins SPIRIT supply contract for Nepali Army
2026-10-13 · Order / contract · Ascent AeroSystems received a firm-fixed-price Foreign Military Sales award through NAVAIR to supply SPIRIT unmanned aircraft systems to the Nepali Army.
Source - Sikorsky and Robinson win $15 million Marine Corps autonomous-logistics contract
2026-04-29 · Order / contract · Sikorsky and Robinson Unmanned received a $15 million U.S. Marine Corps award to develop autonomous aerial logistics.
Source