Ascent AeroSystems "Sprite" - Available Friday on Kickstarter - Blogs

At long last, Ascent AeroSystems is pleased to announce that “Sprite” will be available for pre-order on Kickstarter beginning at 12:00AM midnight EDT (04:00 GMT) on Friday, May 15. The campaign will run for 30 days, and our target is $200,000.

To our friends here on DIYDrones we’d like to say a heartfelt thank you for all of the comments, suggestions and words of encouragement we’ve received over the last six months or so, both posted here and e-mailed directly to us. We’ve considered each and every one, going all the way back to our days as “Backcountry Drones”, and we hope that you find Sprite represents the very best in what a portable and durable UAV can be. We’ve posted the Kickstarter video here, a day or so in advance, to give you a preview. Please be sure to watch it all the way through to the very end, and please pass the word on to your friends.

Thanks, and fly safe.

Jon, Nate and Peter

Updated: Kickstarter Link https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ascentaerosystems/sprite-the-portable-rugged-totally-different-small/video_share

Hi Kent,

Thanks for the kind words.

To answer your questions, we are currently developing with COTS and modified COTS blades, but have planned for the likelihood we would switch to a custom design. Blade geometry, mass and stiffness are so critical to good performance it's hard to just grab an off-the-shelf pair and feel like we are doing right by Sprite and our backers. Blades, our structural components and accessories will all be available through our website (ascentaerosystems.com) in December when we ship.

As for the processor, we are developing with and will deliver an autopilot which uses the 32-bit ARM chip. The 8-bit Arduino system was surprisingly capable, but I think its time has past.

Thanks for the questions.

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Comments

Rob_Lefebvre May 28, 2015 at 12:11pm

I guess to ask more directly... Is this using Pixhawk-compatible flight controller? The 3DR GPS puck is clearly visible on top. And is it going to use Ardupilot:Copter?

Are both rotors actuated with a swashplate or just 1?
Ascent AeroSystems May 28, 2015 at 11:57am

Hi Kent,

Thanks for the kind words.

To answer your questions, we are currently developing with COTS and modified COTS blades, but have planned for the likelihood we would switch to a custom design. Blade geometry, mass and stiffness are so critical to good performance it's hard to just grab an off-the-shelf pair and feel like we are doing right by Sprite and our backers. Blades, our structural components and accessories will all be available through our website (ascentaerosystems.com) in December when we ship.

As for the processor, we are developing with and will deliver an autopilot which uses the 32-bit ARM chip. The 8-bit Arduino system was surprisingly capable, but I think its time has past.

Thanks for the questions.
3D Robotics

Chris Anderson May 19, 2015 at 9:09am

Looks good! Backed...
robert bouwens May 18, 2015 at 10:44pm

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1719668770/cyphy-lvl-1-drone-r...

another one for comparison.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1719668770/cyphy-lvl-1-drone-reinvented-for-performance-and-c/…
Ascent AeroSystems May 17, 2015 at 10:43am

Thanks for all of the comments, friends...we read every one we receive. We've made an adjustment to Sprite's standard equipment, a change that should make it easier to compare it to the models that we believe represent its peer group. Specifically, we're replacing the original Camera Module with a 2-axis, stabilized gimbal. The Camera Module will be compatible with all standard size GoPro cameras (41mm x 59mm x 21/30mm).

Thanks for your comments and suggestions, and please...keep them coming!
Tiziano Fiorenzani May 17, 2015 at 1:27am

I've been looking for updates of your projects since you presented the first concepts. It's a smart solution and hope it's gonna be a success. Good luck
Developer

Grant Morphett May 16, 2015 at 6:09pm

An interesting idea. To the previous question asked - it MUST communicate via MAVLink as its talking to MissionPlanner and DroidPlanner (aka Tower). Further they state they are using an APM compatible device for the flight controller so I would assume its running ArduPilot. I wonder if they needed to modify the code to get it to work correctly. If so I look forward to that code being posted as per the GPLv3 obligations.

Thanks, Grant.
Ascent AeroSystems May 16, 2015 at 10:01am

Swashplate/servos vs. Extra motors/ESCs.

Some see added complexity with the linkages, others see simplicity with the reduction in electric motors (and their EMI).

Maybe it’s a wash… but there is an efficiency increase if you were comparing Sprite to a similar weight quad. Sprite replaces two motors with lightweight, low current servos. Sure, Sprite’s two remaining motors need to work a little harder, but they drive rotors which are larger and therefore more efficient that your average quad prop. Additionally, there is increased efficiency inherent in the co-axial configuration (greater inflows) and due to the fact that no part of Sprite impinges on any of the rotor downwash, giving a nice clean flow.
robert bouwens May 16, 2015 at 3:41am

for ä799 it is prob. better to wait for a 'full' project - being able to verify what will be delivered.

somewhat disapointing.
John Moore May 15, 2015 at 12:53pm

I really like the idea and design and would buy something like the Sprite; $800 is too much for me. Especially considering that every time you pledge to Kickstarter youre gambling on if the product will actually be delivered and if it will it work as promised.

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