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      Drone GSD Comparison: Ascent AeroSystems Spirit

      GSD represents the distance between pixel centers measured on the ground and is a critical metric for aerial mapping, photogrammetry, and inspection applications.

      Ascent AeroSystems Drone Specifications

      Ascent AeroSystems Drone Specifications

      Ascent Spirit Platform

      Core Specifications

      Design: Coaxial rotor design
      Payload Capacity: Up to 10 lbs
      Maximum Speed: 60 mph (100 kph, 27 m/s)
      Recommended Speed: 40 mph (65 kph, 18 m/s)
      Wind Resistance: Class 8 (up to 40 mph)
      Weather Resistance: IP56 rating
      Flight Time: Varies based on configuration: up to 25 minutes with single battery and payload, up to 32 minutes with dual battery stack and standard payload. Flight time will vary depending on payload options and environmental conditions.
      Dimensions: Compact, cylindrical form factor
      Manufacturing: Designed and built in USA
      Blue UAS Status: Included on DIU Blue sUAS 2.0 Cleared list

      Connectivity & Control

      Flight Controller: Cube Orange
      Guidance Sensors: Redundant sensors (barometer, compass, accelerometers, gyroscope)
      Satellite Navigation: GPS, GLONASS
      Manual Control Range: Up to 12 miles (20 km) FCC; 7 miles (12 km) CE & SRRC
      Communications Frequency: 2.4GHz

      Mounting & Configuration

      Attach Points: Top and bottom quick-attach fittings
      Module Compatibility: Payloads and batteries can be mounted or stacked on either point
      Connection Method: Modules lock and unlock with a simple twist
      CG Envelope: Generous center of gravity envelope accommodates wide range of configurations

      Available Payloads

      Sony ILX-LR1 Camera

      Sensor: 61.0MP full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor
      Sensor Size: Full-frame (35mm), approximately 36 × 24 mm
      Image Resolution: 9504 × 6336 pixels
      Lens Compatibility: E-mount interchangeable lenses
      Standard Lens: ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm f/2.8 ZA
      Weight: 243g (camera body only)
      Dimensions: 100 × 74 × 42.5 mm
      Continuous Shooting: 3fps capability
      Control: Remote operation via Sony Camera Remote SDK
      Power: DC power for long operation periods
      Special Features: Power and recording indicator lamps, LOCK switch

      DragonEye2 Camera

      Type: Dual EO-IR stabilized camera
      Weight: 145g with gimbal
      Zoom Capability: 20x optical + 2x digital zoom (40x total)
      Thermal Resolution: 640×480 thermal imaging
      Thermal Zoom: 4x continuous zoom

      GSD Performance (with Sony ILX-LR1 and 35mm lens)

      Height (feet) GSD (inches/pixel) GSD (cm/pixel)
      100 ft 0.14 in/pixel 0.35 cm/pixel
      200 ft 0.28 in/pixel 0.70 cm/pixel
      300 ft 0.42 in/pixel 1.05 cm/pixel
      400 ft 0.56 in/pixel 1.40 cm/pixel
      500 ft 0.70 in/pixel 1.75 cm/pixel
      600 ft 0.84 in/pixel 2.10 cm/pixel

      Optimal Flying Heights by Application (Ascent Spirit with Sony ILX-LR1)

      Application Recommended GSD Recommended Height
      Detailed inspection <0.5 cm/pixel <150 ft
      High-quality mapping 0.5-1 cm/pixel 150-300 ft
      Standard mapping 1-2 cm/pixel 300-600 ft
      Large area survey 2-5 cm/pixel 600-1500 ft

      Primary Applications

      • High-precision mapping and surveying
      • Detailed infrastructure inspection
      • Applications requiring submillimeter precision at lower altitudes
      • Operations in challenging weather conditions
      • Critical infrastructure assessment
      • Security and surveillance
      • Search and rescue in adverse weather
      • Land surveying and volumetric measurement
      • Construction progress monitoring

      Document prepared: May 2025