The ASTRA System consists of three lightweight heavy-lift drones capable of achieving a groundbreaking 4:1 payload-to-weight ratio. This is made possible by a unique 360-degree airfoil design working in concert with a gimbaled VTOL propulsion system.

The most innovative part of Astra is its body. In a normal drone, the frame is just dead weight. In Astra, the entire body is shaped like a high-tech wing, using advanced topology to ensure that nearly 100% of the drone’s surface area contributes to lift.

Once at cruising altitude, the motors tilt 90 degrees for forward flight. This reorientation directs high-speed airflow across the back of the airframe, artificially boosting lift and keeping the drone airborne with minimal effort.

This total-body lift approach drastically reduces battery consumption, allowing for extended mission times while carrying heavy equipment. The race ends with a synchronized descent to safely drop the payload before detaching to return at high speeds.