Whenever we think about civilian flying drones, we think about those quadcopters or those that fly with even more than four rotors, with some even using almost a dozen rotors just to fly and hover above to take photos and videos of the mortals below. However, one company, Ascent AeroSystems, is determined to change that perception, totally redesigning the drone that can be easily brought to the outdoors and can take the rough and tumble job of taking videos autonomously. This looks like a drone that airsoft players would want to bring to the field as is a more convenient and durable camera drone to carry.

Now on Kickstarter to raise funds with a target goal of US$200,000, the product, called the Sprite Drone is closer to this goal with over US$170,000 already pledged by backers with over two weeks remaining to reach the target.

The first impression when I looked at the videos and photos of Sprite, it reminded me of space probes, sent by aliens to seek intelligent life on planets (though it's closer to the probe in the video game which is one of our all time favourites, "Homeworld"). It's not a quadcopter as it uses coaxial rotors that has lower noise as compared to competitors and looks like it took inspiration from  the Russian KA-50/52 Black Shark Attack Helicopter.

The Sprite is cylindrical with no landing gears or skids which is a feature on most civilian drones drones. This means that it will tumble on its side when it lands but the coaxial rotors will fold before impact. The design makes the Sprite a very portable drone as you can easily strap it to your backpack with no need for special bags or cases. It is ruggedly design so it can withstand impacts and can land just anywhere as it's waterproof and built with a high-impact air frame.

Just like some drones, including the new Lily, Sprite has a "Follow Me" feature that will follow its owner where he/she goes, depending on the battery life. But it also has an FPV (First Person View) option, and it is compatible with the features of the most common Ground Control Station Software including Mission Planner, DroidPlanner and the Tower flight control software. 

The designers have made the Sprite modular and future proof allowing it to be upgraded when new technologies become available. No tools are needed when parts need to be changed in the field. It has a built-in 1080p full-HD video with stabilized gimbal, but it is also ready to take in the GoPro Hero Action Camera.

The Sprite, when it becomes available will have a basic price of US$799.00. If you want a transmitter and onboard receiver, then prepare to shell out an extra US$150.00. As for the FPV capability, you'll have to pay up another US$300 more, making it a total of US$1,249. For that total package, the Sprite becomes more expensive than the new DJI Phantom 3 Advanced which is priced at US$1,099.

If all goes well, especially in achieving its funding goal, the Sprite is seen to be ready for delivery by December 2015.