Aero Systems West

Aero Systems West (ASW) is a leading developer and manufacturer of heavy-lift multirotor drone systems and emergency parachute solutions for industrial, enterprise, and government operations.

For over a decade, ASW platforms have supported critical missions around the world. From remote inspections and autonomous deliveries to high-stakes field operations. Backed by global safety leader Nippon Kayaku, we combine precision American manufacturing with modular engineering and hands-on mission support.

Our HLM platform (Heavy Lift Multirotor) is built to scale with your needs, offering customizable payload capacity, open-source control, and long-term serviceability. Whether you’re flying a single aircraft or building out a nationwide fleet, ASW is the partner to help you grow.

Each platform runs on CubePilot open-source autopilot firmware (ArduCopter), with standardized payload trays, dual power buses, and real-time telemetry integrations. All aircraft are NDAA-compliant and assembled in California.

Typical mission types: tool delivery, ISR, fire reconnaissance, powerline inspection, sensor drop, medical supply transport, agricultural spraying, and more.

Learn more: Industrial-grade heavy-lift drones

Drone Mod™ Payload Integration

Power. Data. Control. All in One.

Drone Mod is ASW’s mission integration program that makes complex payloads easy to operate. Every HLM comes equipped with breakout access to:

• Regulated and switched power (5V / 12V / 24V+)
• PWM, UART, and SBUS signal lines
• Expansion ports for custom logic and control
• Field-swappable payload trays with standard rail spacing

With Drone Mod, customers can fly cameras, sprayers, LiDAR units, drop mechanisms, and smart sensors without additional engineering delays.

Learn more: Drone Payload Integration

PARASAFE® Drone Parachutes

PARASAFE® is a pyro-actuated, highly repeatable (99.9%) parachute system designed for small- to medium-sized UAVs. Developed by our parent company, Nippon Kayaku, bringing over 100 years of expertise in safety systems and energetic technologies, PARASAFE delivers proven reliability in critical moments.

Supported System Weights (10 kg, 25 kg, 40 kg)

Available in three sizes to support maximum take-off weights (MTOW) of 10 kg, 25 kg, and 40 kg, each unit integrates directly onto the aircraft and can be actuated through our proprietary Manual Triggering System (MTS).

PARASAFE is ready for immediate use upon delivery, shipping in a rugged Pelican™ case. As a Class 9 approved system, it can be transported domestically without complication.

Raising the Bar in Drone Safety

PARASAFE parachutes are lightweight, compact, and ASTM-rated for drones up to 25 kg. They offer both automated and manual deployment options, MTS capability, and IP-rated protection for all operating environments.

Three models are available to meet a range of aircraft sizes and integration needs. Pair with ASW’s HLM platform or retrofit onto third-party drones for added assurance in mission-critical operations.

Learn more: PARASAFE® Drone Parachutes

Mission Support & Flight Services

Your Mission, Our Lift

ASW isn’t just a drone builder, we’re a mission partner. We support your team through every stage of deployment:

• Flight Operations Planning
• Onboarding & Pilot Training
• Custom Mission Development
• Payload Testing & Validation
• Long-Term Fleet Support

Our internal teams include FAA-certified operators, UAS engineers, and industry consultants with real-world experience in power, agriculture, logistics, mining, and public safety.

Custom Engineering Services

Our in-house engineering capabilities are built to deliver rapid prototyping and production-ready solutions for enterprise and OEM partners:

• CAD/CAM, 3D printing, CNC, thermoforming
• Environmental testing and propulsion analysis
• Embedded firmware and PCB design
• Custom payload cradles and airframes
• Ground station and networked control system integration

We offer both white-label manufacturing and private-label development options.

Learn more: Custom Engineering Services

Flexible Drone Financing

In partnership with Stearns Bank, we offer financing on all ASW aircraft, parachute systems, and engineering services. This program allows businesses to scale quickly with predictable costs and no large upfront investment.

Learn more: Drone Financing