Home / Docs / Heavy Lift Multirotors / HLM 3 – Assembly
HLM 3 – Assembly
  • v6.3
  • 11/29/2021 by Daniel Neal
  • Steps (12)
  • Time Required (00:05:00 - 00:10:00)
  • Difficulty (Easy)
  • Tools Required (3/16 Ball Driver, 7/64 Ball Driver, 9/64 Ball Driver)

Step 1

Mounting the Arms and Landing Gear Assembly

(Drones shipped after August 2025)

  • Based on when your HLM was manufactured, you may have one of two types of landing gear. For Drones shipped prior to August 2025 please begin assembly at Step 1A.

  • Using the included 3/16″ ball drive, secure the landing gear leg to the landing gear assembly using one of the included 1/4″-20 bolts

  • Using the included 3/16″ ball driver, secure the arm to the frame using two included 1/4″-20 bolts

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Step 1a

Mounting the Arms and Landing Gear Assembly (Legacy)

  • Use the provided 3/16 Hex Key to secure arm mount screws (3 per arm)

  • Use the provided 7/64 Hex Key to secure the landing gear tube to the landing gear mount

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Step 2

Securing Landing Gear

(Drones shipped after August 2025)

  • Fully seat the safety pin into the landing gear leg

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Step 2a

Securing Landing Gear (Legacy)

  • Using the mounted safety pin, fully insert into safety pin hole (above the lower bracket)

  • Note: the safety clip will connect between the red and black terminals

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Step 3

Connect Arm Terminals

(Drones shipped after August 2025)

  • Based on when your HLM was manufactured, you may have one of two types of arm terminals. For Drones shipped prior to August, 2025 please start at Step 3A or Step 3B depending on your configuration.

  • Using the included 9/64 ball driver, secure the motor arm 3-phase terminal block to the drone frame 3-phase terminal block.  

  • This is a one-way attachment, please check alignment carefully!

Click or Tap to expand images

Step 3A

Arm Terminals (Legacy)

(Only for drones shipped prior to Dec 2020 that have been retrofitted)

  • Connect corresponding arm terminals on post

  • Be sure to fasten corresponding colors to each other!
  • Use included 9/64 ball driver to securely fasten the upper terminal block
  • The lower terminal block is permanently fastened to the lower frame, do not remove!

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Step 3B

Terminal Block Fastening (Legacy)

(Drones shipped prior to August 2025)

  • Ensure that the arm terminals are properly aligned (each terminal needs to stick straight out from the terminal block)

  • If the terminals are not properly straightened, the terminal block cannot be fully tightened. This can lead to power loss to the arm in flight
  • Make sure that the terminal lines do not impede the terminal block from fully seating (if they are crossed they will be pinched by the terminal block when tightening). This can lead to sparking and power loss to the arm in flight. (Picture 3)

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Step 4

Main Batteries

(Drones shipped after August 2025)

  • Secure the main batteries into the battery trays using the attached Velcro straps
  • Ensure that you have installed the correct battery chemistry (Li-Ion or Li-Po) based on what was ordered with your specific configuration
  • Do not power on the plane at this step!

Click or Tap to expand images

Step 4a

Main Batteries (Legacy)

(Drones shipped prior to August 2025)

  • Secure the main batteries into the battery trays using the attached Velcro straps

  • Ensure that you have installed the correct battery chemistry (Li-Ion or Li-Po) based on what was ordered with your specific configuration
  • Do not power on the plane at this step!

Click or Tap to expand images

Step 5

Aircraft C2 Antenna

  • Check C2 antennas

  • Check that each antenna is securely fastened

Step 6

Motors (regardless of type)

  • Ensure that the motors spin freely by hand

  • Check each lower motor mount screw for blue torque indicator (torque indicator should be intact with no cracking)
  • (Only for models configured with vibration mounts) Check each rubber dampener for excessive wear or chafing

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Step 7

Attach Propellers

(Only for models configured with T-Motor quick adapt propellers)

  • Line up corresponding marked propeller and quick adapters (clockwise propeller will be solid black, counter-clockwise propellers will have white markings)

  • Line up the propeller parallel with the quick adapter tabs and press down

  • Rotate the motor counter to the propeller direction, the quick adapter tabs will “click” upwards

  • Ensure that the propeller has seated fully in the quick adapter, the quick adapter tabs will be in an up position

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Step 8

Propeller Direction

  • Do not power on the plane at this step!
  • Clockwise propellers will have two tabs racing up at the arm root
  • Counter-clockwise arms will have one tabs facing up at the arm root

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Step 9

Frame

  • Check the integrity of torque indicator for any fastener on the drone on which indicator came installed

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Step 10

Payload

  • Customer specific
  • Ensure that your payload (if applicable) is safe for flight
Continue to Step 4 - Pre-Launch

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions?

From precision sensors to stealth startup prototypes, ASW’s heavy-lift platforms are engineered to integrate almost any payload—whether it’s off-the-shelf, in development, or one-of-a-kind. Common payloads can be mounted using our modular tray system. For specialized integrations, our engineering team can design a custom bolt-on interface tailored to your mission needs.

We don’t limit innovation—if it fits the platform and meets FAA guidelines, we’ll help you lift it.

Common Payload Types We Support:


Imaging & Visual Systems

  • RGB and DSLR cameras (Sony, Canon, Phase One)

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  • Multispectral & hyperspectral sensors

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  • Your custom optical payloads, stealth systems, and more


Remote Sensing & Surveying

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  • Photogrammetry payloads

  • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)

  • Magnetometers and geophysical sensors

  • Atmospheric gas or air quality sensors

  • Prototype sensors and undisclosed research payloads welcome


Agricultural & Environmental

  • NDVI/multispectral crop health sensors

  • Spray systems for precision agriculture

  • Seed dispersal mechanisms

  • Environmental sampling probes

  • Wildlife observation & habitat mapping gear

  • Emerging environmental payloads and more


Delivery & Deployment

  • Package delivery containers

  • Medical supply drop kits

  • Controlled release mechanisms (servo-triggered)

  • Payload baskets and sling systems

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  • Beta systems, test hardware, and field prototypes supported


Specialized & Tactical (Non-Weaponized)

  • Counter-UAS detection systems

  • RF jammers and signal intelligence sensors

  • Search & rescue (SAR) beacons and loudspeakers

  • High-powered spotlights or strobe arrays

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  • ISR Packages for public service agencies (drone as a first responder)


Custom Payload Support

Have something different in mind?
We offer:

  • CAD-based payload fitment analysis

  • Custom trays, brackets, and dampening systems

  • Regulated/unregulated power interface design

  • Custom wiring, testing, and validation

  • Integration support for stealth programs and field tests

ASW offers training courses for all of the systems we sell.  In-depth sessions are available for novice operators and those without existing certifications, while short courses are available for more experienced pilots simply requiring familiarity training on their new vehicle. Additionally, currency days with factory certified trainers are available for those who need to log flight time for operational requirements.

 

Learn More Here

 

​The team at ASW has extensive experience providing complex unmanned systems to civil and government customers. We can provide expert solutions to meet your requirements. Our services include:

  • Full Systems Engineering Support
  • OEM Design, Integration, & Custom Builds
  • Payload Design
  • Software Design
  • Consultation

 

Learn More Here

Yes, through our sister company, PARASAFE

In July of 2021, Aero Systems West, Inc. was acquired by Nippon Kayaku Company. This acquisition further advanced our commitment to enabling UAS flight safety. Nippon Kayaku Company has contributed to UAS safety through the development of high reliability fast deploying parachute safety devices. Through this acquisition, Nippon Kayaku Company and ASW have unified their visions and goals to deliver “Safety as a Standard.”

Parasafe is now available directly through ASW – Safety As A Standard: Introducing the PARASAFE® CA12-01 25kg Parachute Safety System for Drones!

We provide hassle-free regular maintenance by aviation experts to keep your drone working well for years

Simply ship your drone back to ASW and we will check every nut and bolt and return the drone is like new condition.

With our ONE YEAR Limited Warranty, our experienced customer service team will repair any unforeseen issues.

Questions? Call us at (408) 599-2791—we’re here to assist.

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Aero Systems West is a California-based, US-made manufacturer and provider of heavy lift multirotor UAVs/UAS, backed by over a century of reliability and experience of our parent company, Nippon Kayaku.
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