A quick follow up on the recent ExpoUAV in Las Vegas, NV.
Good turn out of attendees and vendors.
3500 + attendees
225 + vendors
150 speakers
75 + countries represented
Both Commercial UAV and Public Safety tracks
My take aways
- 108/BVLOS expansion is HIGHLY anticipated, and everyone encouraged formal commenting on the current proposal on whatever your views may be.
- almost everyone expects that DJI will NOT be a serious contender in the U.S. within 12-36 months. The exceptions to that thought are of course DJI, and anyone who is currently building non-NDAA/Blue compliant drones.
- NDAA/Blue compliant drones are not cheap. The lowest priced platform I found was the Ascent Aerosystems Helius, which is a 249g drone designed for Public Safety and Military. The next lowest price point was from ACSL. The SOTEN comes in at $10K (USD) without payload. The payloads start at about $3K. These were extremely easy to swap out. Of all the small forms, this one was pretty nice and I appreciated that the CTO was there in direct contact with consumers. Good vision from them, and likely better system on the horizon for 2026.
- Ascent Aero Systems has other platforms (starting at $16K) which were cylinder rotary wings. Their systems are designed for commercial mapping/related, and military/public safety.
- Fixed wing UAS had a decent representation, again NDAA/Blue wings were expensive. But they are gaining market. Several were of tilt rotor/wing similar to the V22 Osprey.
- If you fly commercially and do any form of mapping, inspections, etc. The ExpoUAV is the show to go to. Drones, Mapping, Payloads, Training for this were all very prominent.
- A robotics company (HawkRobo) was there with 2 of their "dogs." Very cool. Both NDAA compliant, made in California. The smaller version retail is about $4K without payloads. It can handle several payloads. And do backflips.
- If you're getting into Drone as a Service business, this is an EXCELLENT opportunity to learn and network. There are several classes ($), workshops, round tables, and vendors to help guide in start up or expansion/building things out, as well as some franchise opportunities.
- I'll return for the next one (Sep 1-3, 2026) in Las Vegas. If you attend, I suggest either Harrah's or LinQ as they connect directly to the Cesar's Forum where the event is held.
Good turn out of attendees and vendors.
3500 + attendees
225 + vendors
150 speakers
75 + countries represented
Both Commercial UAV and Public Safety tracks
My take aways
- 108/BVLOS expansion is HIGHLY anticipated, and everyone encouraged formal commenting on the current proposal on whatever your views may be.
- almost everyone expects that DJI will NOT be a serious contender in the U.S. within 12-36 months. The exceptions to that thought are of course DJI, and anyone who is currently building non-NDAA/Blue compliant drones.
- NDAA/Blue compliant drones are not cheap. The lowest priced platform I found was the Ascent Aerosystems Helius, which is a 249g drone designed for Public Safety and Military. The next lowest price point was from ACSL. The SOTEN comes in at $10K (USD) without payload. The payloads start at about $3K. These were extremely easy to swap out. Of all the small forms, this one was pretty nice and I appreciated that the CTO was there in direct contact with consumers. Good vision from them, and likely better system on the horizon for 2026.
- Ascent Aero Systems has other platforms (starting at $16K) which were cylinder rotary wings. Their systems are designed for commercial mapping/related, and military/public safety.
- Fixed wing UAS had a decent representation, again NDAA/Blue wings were expensive. But they are gaining market. Several were of tilt rotor/wing similar to the V22 Osprey.
- If you fly commercially and do any form of mapping, inspections, etc. The ExpoUAV is the show to go to. Drones, Mapping, Payloads, Training for this were all very prominent.
- A robotics company (HawkRobo) was there with 2 of their "dogs." Very cool. Both NDAA compliant, made in California. The smaller version retail is about $4K without payloads. It can handle several payloads. And do backflips.
- If you're getting into Drone as a Service business, this is an EXCELLENT opportunity to learn and network. There are several classes ($), workshops, round tables, and vendors to help guide in start up or expansion/building things out, as well as some franchise opportunities.
- I'll return for the next one (Sep 1-3, 2026) in Las Vegas. If you attend, I suggest either Harrah's or LinQ as they connect directly to the Cesar's Forum where the event is held.
