We Are Aero Systems West
ASW combines 10+ years of hands-on UAV expertise with 100+ years of global safety leadership through Nippon Kayaku
About Aero Systems West
Engineered in California. Proven Worldwide.
Aero Systems West (ASW) is a U.S.-based manufacturer of industrial-grade UAVs, proudly designing and building all systems in California. With over a decade of hands-on flight, engineering, and integration experience, ASW delivers scalable drone solutions for commercial, government, and defense applications.
Backed by global safety leader Nippon Kayaku, we are active contributors to ASTM standards development, and work closely with partners like CubePilot and the open-source community to shape the future of UAV operations.
Our mission is to advance unmanned systems through modular, mission-ready platforms that adapt as your needs evolve.
Your Mission, Our Lift™
Our aircraft are manufactured in the United States, and purpose-built to support specialized operations with high reliability, scalability, and customization.
Our team has supported flight operations everywhere from test ranges to open-pit mines (above) deploying scalable UAV systems where they matter most.
Established in 2015. Elevated by the Kayaku Spirit.
Founded in 2015 and strengthened by Nippon Kayaku, ASW engineers and manufactures industrial drone platforms designed for real-world performance—no shortcuts, no marketing smoke. Every system reflects a decade of hands-on experience across civil, defense, and research applications.
From shaping emerging standards with ASTM to building open-architecture solutions alongside CubePilot and ArduPilot, ASW is advancing the future of unmanned systems—rooted in U.S. manufacturing, global safety leadership, and the Kayaku Spirit.
Our Mission
To deliver reliable, mission-ready UAV systems that solve real-world challenges through smart design, modular architecture, and trusted field support.
Our Vision
To be the industry standard for adaptable UAV platforms—trusted by operators worldwide and built to evolve alongside the future of flight.
Built by Experts. Backed by Safety.
From R&D to real-world deployment, our team designs with one goal in mind: to keep your crew, airspace, and mission secure. Every system is engineered with precision, tested with purpose, and supported with safety-first innovation.
The Team Behind the Tech
At ASW, our strength lies in the people who design, build, and fly every system we deliver. We’re a team of engineers, test pilots, and technicians who believe in doing things the right way: with precision, purpose, and a shared commitment to advancing unmanned aviation through hands-on innovation and mission-driven results.
Takeshi Yoshida
Chief Executive Officer
Takeshi Yoshida is the CEO of Aero Systems West (ASW), bringing expertise in program management, high-volume production, and operational efficiency. With a background at Nippon Kayaku, he focuses on advancing heavy-lift drone technology, regulatory compliance, and modular engineering solutions. Takeshi’s leadership drives innovation, efficiency, and customer-focused development, ensuring ASW remains at the forefront of UAV advancements.
Charles Neal
Chief Operating Officer
Charles is an experienced leader in rapid acquisition and advanced navigation algorithms for sUAS, having led teams for emerging sUAS technologies at the US Air Force Research Laboratories and conducted sponsored research at the Air Force Institute of Technology, and holds multiple unmanned flight certifications with a B.S. in Systems Engineering from the US Air Force Academy and an M.S. in Unmanned Systems Design from the Air Force Institute of Technology.
Daniel Neal
Chief Technical Officer
With a diverse background in aeronautical and defense industries, Daniel brings extensive technical experience to ASW, having worked in roles such as Advanced Propulsion Systems Engineer at the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and Flight Commander of the Anthropometry Laboratory at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s 711th Human Performance Wing, conducting physical accommodation assessments, rapid prototyping, and 3D scanning and reverse engineering.
Austin Barkis
Director of Brand & Sales
Austin brings over a decade of creative direction and agency experience to ASW, leading sales and brand development with a focus on partnerships, product positioning, and cross-sector growth. With a background in commercial design and a deep understanding of technical storytelling, he bridges the gap between engineering and market adoption.
Nicole Barkis
Marketing Director
Nicole leads ASW’s marketing strategy with a background in advertising, brand positioning, and go-to-market execution. Drawing from 15+ years of experience growing businesses across industries, she builds campaigns that connect technical innovation with audience intent—fueling awareness, engagement, and long-term growth.
Marcus Andrade
Lead of Flight Operations
Marcus leads ASW’s flight operations with a hands-on role in drone assembly, quality assurance, and technician training. A Part 107-certified pilot with three years in the industry, he’s driven by curiosity and a commitment to continual learning. From check flights to team mentorship, Marcus ensures every system is mission-ready and built to perform.
Shelby Swartz
Lead sUAS Technician
Shelby leads ASW’s shop operations, overseeing every aircraft from concept to final build. A certified private pilot and Part 107 holder, she brings technical precision and hands-on flight experience to her role—driving production with the same passion that earned her a degree from the SJSU Aviation program.
Trevor Katzakian
Flight Operations
Trevor is ASW’s sUAS lead test pilot with expertise in sUAS technology and a passion for aviation. As a private pilot, a commercial drone pilot with years of flight experience, and a graduate of the SJSU Aviation program, his emphasis on safety during all types of flight ensures that all ASW sUAS systems are expertly crafted and thoroughly tested before they reach customers.
Cameron Fedde
Chris Hansen
Ricardo Araujo
Olivia Cervantes
Nakela Snyder
The HLM Platform:
Built for What Comes Next
Built from the ground up for operational flexibility, the HLM platform is ASW’s answer to the demands of modern drone operations. With modular architecture, NDAA compliance, and a payload-agnostic design, the HLM series adapts to your evolving mission needs — whether you’re flying high-value sensors, delivering critical tools, or supporting tactical surveillance.
Designed, tested, and manufactured in California by the same team that supports field operations worldwide, HLM drones aren’t just configurable — they’re dependable. With forward-compatible upgrade paths, integrated safety systems like PARASAFE™, and seamless integration with industry-leading tools like CubePilot and ArduPilot, HLM is the platform you can build your program around — now and in the future.
