Field Reports: Engineering Progress & Industry Perspectives from ASW

From the lab to the launchpad, our news feed brings you inside Aero Systems West—where advanced engineering meets real-world mission success.

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Aero Systems West ROAM Drone Vertical Lift Off

Introducing ROAM™

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...

Xponential Houston CubePilot Drone Conference

See You at XPONENTIAL 2026

Reflecting on Innovation, Collaboration, and the Future of Open Architecture UAS The unmanned systems industry continues to evolve rapidly. Events like AUVSI XPONENTIAL remind us...

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Xponential 2025 Houston - Innovation with CubePilot - Aero Systems West

Heavy Lift Drone Solutions Made in the USA

At ASW, we lead the industry with custom-engineered, ready-to-fly drones designed to meet the most stringent safety regulations. Backed by Nippon Kayaku’s legacy in safety systems, our UAVs are American-made and tailored to your specific needs. Explore our comprehensive approach to UAV regulations and safety systems through the links below.
Drone Regulations
safety systems

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)

  • EO/IR (Electro-Optical/Infrared) systems (CACI, Gremsy, Trillium etc.)

  • Thermal imaging cameras (FLIR, Workswell etc.)

  • Multispectral & hyperspectral sensors

  • 360° panoramic and cinematic camera rigs

  • Your custom optical payloads, stealth systems, and more


Remote Sensing & Surveying

  • LiDAR systems (e.g., RIEGL, Velodyne, Livox)

  • 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

  • Winch-and-drop delivery modules

  • 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

  • Emergency communication repeaters

  • 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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