A Modular Open Architecture Drone Kit Built for Education, Integration, and Innovation

At Aero Systems West, we believe the future of unmanned systems belongs to adaptable platforms that empower users to build, learn, modify, and innovate without unnecessary limitations.

That vision is what inspired ROAM™.

ROAM, short for Reconfigurable Open Architecture Multirotor, is a modular drone kit platform designed for institutional programs, technical education, research environments, and advanced systems integration. Built around open architecture principles, ROAM gives educators, students, developers, and integrators the flexibility to configure and evolve the platform around their specific objectives.

Rather than delivering a closed ecosystem with fixed functionality, ROAM is intended to serve as a foundation for experimentation, learning, and long-term development.

Designed for Drone Education Programs

As drone technology becomes increasingly important across engineering, robotics, aviation, mapping, public safety, logistics, and autonomy, educational institutions need more than ready-to-fly aircraft.

They need platforms that help students understand how systems actually work.

ROAM was developed with this in mind.

The platform is intended to support hands-on learning across topics such as:

• Flight control systems
• Autopilot integration
• Power distribution and avionics
• Payload configuration
• Open architecture development
• Sensor integration
• Telemetry and communications
• Mission planning workflows
• Assembly, maintenance, and repair procedures

For instructors and program directors, ROAM creates opportunities for curriculum development that go beyond basic flight training. Students can actively participate in the assembly, configuration, troubleshooting, and evolution of the aircraft itself.

A Small Heavy Lift Platform with Big Possibilities

ROAM occupies a unique space within the UAS ecosystem.

Compact enough to remain approachable in educational and development environments, yet powerful enough to support meaningful payload integration and advanced workflows, the platform bridges the gap between hobby-grade systems and larger industrial aircraft.

Its modular architecture allows users to configure the system around a wide variety of goals and mission profiles.

Potential applications may include:

• Research and development
• University engineering programs
• UAS training labs
• Robotics education
• Payload testing
• Sensor development
• Advanced autonomy experimentation
• Public safety training environments
• Industrial systems integration

The flexibility of the platform allows institutions to scale and adapt their programs over time without needing to completely reinvent their hardware ecosystem.

Open Architecture at the Core

ROAM is designed around interoperability and flexibility.

The platform supports open architecture flight systems and modern avionics ecosystems, giving users the ability to integrate components, sensors, payloads, and workflows that align with their operational or educational objectives.

This approach encourages experimentation and innovation while helping users avoid the limitations often associated with closed proprietary systems.

As the drone industry continues to evolve, adaptability matters more than ever.

Built to Evolve

One of the most exciting aspects of ROAM is that there is no single “correct” endpoint for the platform.

Every institution, instructor, integrator, and developer will approach the system differently depending on their goals.

Some may focus on teaching the fundamentals of flight systems and assembly. Others may use ROAM as a testbed for autonomy research, payload integration, or advanced communications workflows.

That open-ended potential is exactly the point.

ROAM is not simply a drone kit. It is a platform for exploration, development, and long-term growth within the rapidly evolving world of unmanned systems.

We are excited to continue expanding the ROAM ecosystem and supporting the educators, builders, and innovators shaping the next generation of UAS technology.

Learn more about ROAM and Contact Us to place your order.