Aero Systems West designs and manufactures NDAA‑compliant heavy‑lift drone platforms in the United States, offering modular, field‑serviceable systems that can carry up to 20 kg payloads such as cameras, LiDAR, and thermal sensors.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Government agencies, research institutions, and industrial operators often require unmanned aerial systems that can lift heavy, diverse payloads while complying with U.S. defense procurement regulations. Existing drone solutions are typically limited in payload capacity, lack modular integration options, or are not manufactured domestically, creating barriers to rapid deployment and mission flexibility.
Solution
Aero Systems West provides U.S.-manufactured, NDAA‑compliant heavy‑lift UAV platforms that can carry up to 20 kg of equipment. The modular HLM series (quadcopter, hexacopter, octocopter) features adjustable ground clearance, interchangeable battery packs, and a standardized payload tray system, enabling quick swapping of sensors, delivery kits, or custom hardware. An open‑source flight stack allows customers to tailor flight control software to specific mission profiles while maintaining safety certifications. Aero Systems West also offers engineering support for custom bolt‑on interfaces, CAD‑based fit analysis, and field‑serviceable maintenance, ensuring the drones can evolve with emerging payload technologies.
Target Audience
Primary customers are U.S. government agencies, research laboratories, and industrial firms that need reliable, heavy‑lift UAVs for surveillance, remote sensing, precision agriculture, delivery, or specialized tactical applications.
Features
- Up to 20 kg (44 lb) payload capacity with a 42 kg maximum takeoff weight
- Modular tray system and optional rails for rapid integration of cameras, LiDAR, thermal sensors, delivery modules, and custom payloads
- Open‑source flight stack that can be customized for specific mission requirements
- Field‑serviceable design with interchangeable motors, batteries, and a hard‑shell transport case
- Built to U.S. NDAA compliance and FAA guidelines, supporting both government and commercial use
- Integrated safety options, including the Parasafe emergency parachute system via parent company Nippon Kayaku
- Engineering services for custom bolt‑on interfaces, power integration, and payload validation