Ascent AeroSystems’ Spirit UAV Becomes First Drone to Earn Dual Approval in Pentagon’s Blue UAS Program

The Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has given a historic recognition to Ascent AeroSystems’ Spirit UAV, making it the only drone platform to be listed both as a fully approved system and as a cleared component under the U.S. military’s Blue UAS program.

The Blue UAS Cleared List includes complete, government-evaluated drones ready for deployment, while the Blue UAS Framework certifies vetted components for integration into other systems. Spirit is now the only platform that holds both approvals, meaning the Department of Defense and other agencies can rapidly adopt it as either a stand-alone aircraft or as part of a larger modular system without going through duplicate approval processes.

Why This Matters

This dual status is a major breakthrough for U.S. drone adoption. It reflects the Pentagon’s push for scalable, modular, and secure UAV platforms that can be fielded quickly. Spirit’s inclusion in both categories streamlines procurement, saves time, and ensures flexibility for different mission requirements.

“Ascent is delivering capabilities today that are innovative, proven, compliant, and ready for scale,” said Peter Fuchs, Co-founder and CEO of Ascent AeroSystems. “The Spirit is now the only UAV approved as both a complete system and as a component, and that shows how reliable and adaptable it is for America’s defense needs.”

Technical Capabilities

The Spirit UAV is a rugged, compact coaxial platform designed for demanding operations:

• Size: 12 inches tall (30 cm) and 4.2 inches wide (10.6 cm)

• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 13.5 pounds (6.1 kg)

• Payload Capacity: Up to 6.5 pounds (3 kg)

• Flight Endurance:

  • Single battery – 38 minutes (no payload) or 16 minutes (with full payload)

  • Dual batteries – 53 minutes (no payload) or 32 minutes (with full payload)

• Altitude: Can fly up to 14,600 feet (4,450 meters)

• Speed: Over 60 mph (96 km/h) manually, 40 mph (64 km/h) autonomously

• Durability: IP56-rated, operational in –40°F to 130°F, resistant to winds above 40 mph

• Navigation: Supports GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, with RTK precision capability

Wider Recognition

The Spirit UAV has also earned Green UAS certification from the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), confirming it meets high security and compliance standards for use beyond defense, including commercial and civil missions.

It was previously one of only 11 drones selected for the Blue UAS 2.0 testing program, where it underwent evaluations for endurance, cyber resilience, environmental performance, and battery safety.

Strategic Impact

This milestone strengthens the U.S. vision of Drone Dominance, as lawmakers and the defense industry push for reliable, homegrown platforms that can replace foreign-made systems. Spirit’s modular design means it can serve as both a mission-ready drone and a building block for larger architectures, ensuring future adaptability.

The Pentagon’s recognition positions Spirit as a keystone UAV for next-generation defense operations, combining durability, scalability, and compliance in one platform.