Aero Systems West launches modular ROAM drone kit for training and research

Aero Systems West has released ROAM, a U.S.-manufactured modular drone kit aimed at schools, researchers and training programs that need industrial-grade hardware. The platform is built to support curriculum, system integration and professional flight training while emphasizing domestic sourcing and field-serviceable design.

Why it matters: - ROAM is aimed at institutions that need hands-on drone education without jumping straight to full industrial aircraft. - The modular kit is designed to lower the barrier to entry for academic programs, applied research and professional flight training. - The platform also targets buyers that care about domestic sourcing, procurement compliance and long-term maintenance access.

What happened: - Aero Systems West announced the official release of ROAM, which stands for Reconfigurable Open Architecture Multirotor. - The company says the drone platform is built and manufactured in the United States. - The launch was announced August 26, 2026, in San Jose, California. - ROAM is positioned for academic curriculum, applied research, systems integration and professional flight training.

The details: - ROAM uses a dual-kit framework that separates the Frame Kit from the Accessory Kit. - The Frame Kit includes the core structure, carrier board, GPS, radios and autopilot. - The Accessory Kit includes the motors, propellers, battery, Remote ID module and controller. - The modular setup lets operators swap hardware based on curriculum needs or mission requirements. - The open-architecture design is intended to let engineers, students and developers study how the system integrates and behaves in flight. - Aero Systems West says the approach gives users hands-on experience with raw avionics and structural engineering layouts. - The platform has a tested payload lifting capacity of up to 2.0 kg. - ROAM includes a modular payload rail system for off-the-shelf, in-development or custom sensors. - A full data package is included to speed internal design and development. - A free public assembly and programming video workflow is included. - First-time builders can complete physical assembly and software programming in three to four hours. - Configuration, calibration and pre-flight parameter tuning are handled through a programming desktop utility. - The Frame Kit uses core components that support NDAA-aligned sourcing. - Aero Systems West says institutional bulk pricing and program-level support packages are available.

Between the lines: - ROAM is being pitched as a middle ground between consumer hobby drones and larger industrial aircraft. - The field-serviceable design is meant to reduce downtime by letting institutions replace major parts individually. - That setup could matter for programs that need fleets to stay available for classes, labs or flight exercises. - The planned addition of PARASAFE, an industrial parachute safety device from parent company Nippon Kayaku, signals a push to make safety a bigger part of the institutional package. - The company’s emphasis on NDAA alignment and domestic logistics suggests a focus on public-sector and federally funded buyers.

What's next: - Aero Systems West says PARASAFE will soon be offered with the platform. - Institutional buyers can expect bulk pricing and support options as programs scale. - The company will likely use ROAM to expand its footprint in education, research and government-oriented drone deployments.

The bottom line: - ROAM is a modular, U.S.-made drone kit built to help institutions train people on industrial drone systems without the cost and complexity of a full production platform. - More information: Aero Systems West on LinkedIn - More information: Aero Systems West on YouTube