Freefly Astro Max Mapping Essentials Kit (NDAA/Blue)

Freefly SKU: FF-AST-MAX-EK
  |  

Freefly Astro Max Mapping Essentials (NDAA/Blue) is a ready-to-fly mapping kit: Astro Max airframe, LR1 61MP payload + gimbal, Pilot Pro (Doodle Labs), six SL8 batteries with four chargers, cases, props, spares. Up to 39 min light-ship, ~28 min with LR1. U.S.-compliant, survey-grade imagery.


ONLINE PRICING RESTRICTED: The manufacturer restricts pricing and purchase of this item online. Please choose one of the below options to receive pricing from one of our specialists.

Freefly Astro Max Mapping Essentials Kit (NDAA/Blue) is a ready-to-deploy mapping package that pairs Astro Max, the compact industrial platform, with Freefly’s LR1 61 MP mapping payload, Pilot Pro controller, and a complete SL8 battery and charging workflow. The kit is configured for U.S. program needs with NDAA components and a Blue UAS approval path.

Field teams get a packable system that travels easily, sets up fast, and produces high-quality, survey-grade imagery. Astro Max flies quietly with high-efficiency props, folds for transport, and connects to Auterion tools for planning and fleet data.

Built for U.S. Programs

  • NDAA/Blue alignment: aircraft, controller, and RF link selected for U.S. procurement pathways.
  • Standard Remote ID: ships enabled to meet FAA requirements.
  • Supported in the U.S.: designed and assembled in Washington, backed by Freefly service.

Pro Mapping, Ready on Day One

  • LR1 payload: Sony ILX-LR1 61 MP camera with Sigma 24 mm f/3.5 mapping lens on a quick-detach, vibration-isolated Freefly gimbal.
  • Tight integration: full camera and gimbal control from Pilot Pro, clean metadata for downstream photogrammetry.
  • Flight endurance: up to 39 min light-ship, about 28 min with LR1, about 18 min at 6.6 lb (3 kg) max payload.

Enterprise Control, Reliable Link

  • Pilot Pro controller: high-resolution rockers for precise gimbal work, discrete hard buttons for critical actions, emergency kill switch.
  • Doodle Labs RF: 2.4 GHz link selected for NDAA and Blue program needs, pre-configured in the kit.
  • Hot-swap friendly: internal battery with external power inputs for continuous ops.

Packable Power Workflow

  • SL8 power: six SL8-Air batteries (three flight pairs) and four SL8 Fast Chargers for steady sortie cadence.
  • Charge times: about 90 min per pack, charger-dependent.
  • Travel cases: custom SKB cases protect airframe, LR1 payload, chargers, and spares, and are airline checkable.

Astro Max Platform Advantages

  • 6.6 lb payload class: carry mapping optics and accessories without a heavy-lift footprint.
  • Foldable design: booms collapse to about half the diameter for transport.
  • Open interfaces: alternate mounts available, including Smart Dovetail hard-mount and Integrator Vibration Isolator.

*Manual Mode proficiency is required for emergency procedures. See Freefly training resources for details.

Freefly Astro Max Mapping Essentials Kit (NDAA/Blue) is a ready-to-deploy mapping package that pairs Astro Max, the compact industrial platform, with Freefly’s LR1 61 MP mapping payload, Pilot Pro controller, and a complete SL8 battery and charging workflow. The kit is configured for U.S. program needs with NDAA components and a Blue UAS approval path.

Field teams get a packable system that travels easily, sets up fast, and produces high-quality, survey-grade imagery. Astro Max flies quietly with high-efficiency props, folds for transport, and connects to Auterion tools for planning and fleet data.

Built for U.S. Programs

  • NDAA/Blue alignment: aircraft, controller, and RF link selected for U.S. procurement pathways.
  • Standard Remote ID: ships enabled to meet FAA requirements.
  • Supported in the U.S.: designed and assembled in Washington, backed by Freefly service.

Pro Mapping, Ready on Day One

  • LR1 payload: Sony ILX-LR1 61 MP camera with Sigma 24 mm f/3.5 mapping lens on a quick-detach, vibration-isolated Freefly gimbal.
  • Tight integration: full camera and gimbal control from Pilot Pro, clean metadata for downstream photogrammetry.
  • Flight endurance: up to 39 min light-ship, about 28 min with LR1, about 18 min at 6.6 lb (3 kg) max payload.

Enterprise Control, Reliable Link

  • Pilot Pro controller: high-resolution rockers for precise gimbal work, discrete hard buttons for critical actions, emergency kill switch.
  • Doodle Labs RF: 2.4 GHz link selected for NDAA and Blue program needs, pre-configured in the kit.
  • Hot-swap friendly: internal battery with external power inputs for continuous ops.

Packable Power Workflow

  • SL8 power: six SL8-Air batteries (three flight pairs) and four SL8 Fast Chargers for steady sortie cadence.
  • Charge times: about 90 min per pack, charger-dependent.
  • Travel cases: custom SKB cases protect airframe, LR1 payload, chargers, and spares, and are airline checkable.

Astro Max Platform Advantages

  • 6.6 lb payload class: carry mapping optics and accessories without a heavy-lift footprint.
  • Foldable design: booms collapse to about half the diameter for transport.
  • Open interfaces: alternate mounts available, including Smart Dovetail hard-mount and Integrator Vibration Isolator.

*Manual Mode proficiency is required for emergency procedures. See Freefly training resources for details.

Astro Max Airframe (NDAA/Blue)

Flight time (no payload) Up to 39 min
Flight time with LR1 payload ~28 min
Flight time at max payload ~18 min (6.6 lb / 3 kg)
Maximum payload capacity 6.6 lb / 3 kg
Booms Fold to ~½ aircraft diameter
Alternate payload mounts (sold separately) Integrator Vibration Isolator; Smart Dovetail hard-mount kit
Standard Remote ID Enabled (contact support with FAA waiver/exemption to disable)
Connectivity Optional LTE (North America only)
Additional specifications See Astro wiki

Pilot Pro Controller

Controller Freefly Pilot Pro
Radio link Doodle Labs RF, NDAA & DIU Blue, 2.4 GHz
Controls High-resolution rockers; discrete hard buttons for key actions
Power Internal battery with external inputs for hot-swap operation
Safety Emergency kill-switch
Pre-installed display 8″ Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5

LR1 Mapping Payload

Camera Sony ILX-LR1 (61 MP)
Lens (included) Sigma 24 mm f/3.5 (p/n 404965)
Gimbal Freefly quick-detach, vibration-isolated
Control Camera & gimbal control from Pilot Pro

Astro Compact Travel Case

Case model SKB 3i-2217-10 rolling hard case
Internal layout Custom-cut foam (1 m drop tested) for Astro, Pilot Pro, LR1 payload, two SL8 chargers, spare props, basic tools
Ingress protection Submersible & dust-tight (MIL-STD-810G)
Dimensions (L × W × H) 24.52″ × 19.50″ × 12.22″ (62.28 × 49.53 × 31.04 cm)
Weight as shipped (with LR1, no SL8s) 38.30 lb / 17.37 kg
Weight full kit (with two SL8s) 42.80 lb / 19.41 kg
Air-travel status Airline checkable

Power: SL8-Air Batteries

Configuration Two packs required per flight
Voltage 21.6 V (6S)
Capacity 7.3 Ah / 157 Wh
Weight (each) 2.25 lb
Chemistry Lithium-ion
Aux output USB-C Power Delivery

Charging: SL8 Fast Charger

Charge time (per pack) ~90 min from 0% (one pack at a time)
Input 100–240 VAC
Output 200 W
Power cable North America Type A (IEC320 replaceable)

SL8 Travel Case

Capacity Holds 8 SL8 batteries & 2 chargers, or up to 14 SL8 batteries without chargers
Mobility Casters and stow-away handle
Ingress protection Waterproof & dust-tight (MIL-STD-810H)
Security Lockable
Case model SKB 3i-1914-8B-E

Propellers

Included set Astro Max Replacement Props (2270 High Efficiency) — one CW & one CCW set
Mixing note Do not mix standard 2170 props with 2270 high-efficiency props

(1) Astro Compact Travel Case
(1) Astro Max (NDAA/Blue) with folding landing gear, high-efficiency 2270 props, and Astro Isolator pre-installed
(1) LR1 Payload
(1) Freefly gimbal (quick-detach, vibration-isolated)
(1) Sony ILX-LR1 61 MP camera body
(1) Sigma 24 mm f/3.5 mapping lens (p/n 404965)
(1) USB-C thumb drive
(1) Foam insert set for Astro Travel Case
(1 each) Hex drivers: 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm
(4) Proptectors
(1) Extra Proptector
(4) Spare isolators
(2) Rubber hole grommets
(1) Pilot Pro Controller
(1) Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3 (pre-configured, installed in controller)
(1) Doodle Labs RF 2.4 GHz radio (NDAA/Blue) (pre-configured, installed in controller)
(1) Custom padded neck strap
(6) SL8-Air Batteries (3 pairs)
(4) SL8 Fast Chargers
(1) SL8 Travel Case
(1) Astro Max Replacement Props (2270 High Efficiency; CW & CCW set)
(1) Astro Spare Parts Kit

For a comprehensive, up-to-date list of sensors and payloads integrated with Astro, visit the Drone Payloads page and filter by “Astro” and “NDAA Compliant.”

RGB Sensors

Freefly LR1 Payload (NDAA/Blue)
  • Sigma 24 mm f/3.5 (included with LR1 payload)
  • Sony FE 35 mm f/2.8
  • Sony FE 50 mm f/1.8
  • Samyang 75 mm f/1.8
Sentera 65R Sensor (NDAA)
Freefly Mapping Payload (A7R IV) (NDAA/Blue) — Discontinued

Thermal Sensors

Freefly LR1 Thermal Upgrade* (NDAA)
Sentera 6X Thermal Sensor (NDAA)
Sentera 6X Thermal Pro (NDAA)
Freefly Wiris Pro Payload (Thermal) (NDAA/Blue) — Discontinued

Multispectral Sensors

Sentera 6X Multispectral Sensor (NDAA/Blue)

Distance / Ranging

LR1 Laser Range Finder Upgrade* (NDAA)

LiDAR

Freefly Flux L1
Freefly Flux O1
Freefly Flux H1
Emesent Hovermap ST-X (Not NDAA)

Spare Parts

Astro Spare Parts Kit
Astro Max Replacement Props (2270 High Efficiency)

Upgrades & Accessories

RTK GPS Ground Station (via user-supplied base-station computer)
Astro Max Isolator (use 50A & 70A inserts for payloads > 3.3 lb / 1.5 kg)
Astro Max Landing Gear (~2" taller than standard folding gear; shipped in pairs)
Skyview Payload Mount
Astro Extended Landing Gear Set (by Sentera)

Not Compatible

Do not mix standard and high-efficiency props on Astro Max.
Standard props marked “2170 CW/CCW”; high-efficiency props marked “2270 CW/CCW.”

*The LR1 Laser Range Finder Upgrade (910-00841) and LR1 Thermal Upgrade (910-00840) are modules for the LR1 Payload and require LR1 to operate.

Standard Remote ID

  • Compliant: YES
  • Ships with Remote ID hardware preinstalled and configured for FAA Standard Remote ID.
  • BVLOS: Requires an FAA waiver or approved CONOPS; the platform can support BVLOS programs when operated under the appropriate approvals.
  • Exemption pathway: if exempt from RID rules, contact Freefly Support with documentation to obtain an override code to disable Remote ID.

NDAA §848

  • Compliant: YES
  • Astro Max airframe: compliant.
  • Pilot Pro controller: compliant.
  • Doodle Labs 2.4 GHz RF link: compliant.

DIU Blue UAS

  • Compliant: YES
  • Astro Max: compliant when Remote ID is disabled via override code from Freefly Support.
  • Pilot Pro controller: compliant.
  • Doodle Labs radio link: compliant.

Customer Reviews


Payment & Security

American Express Apple Pay Diners Club Discover Google Pay Mastercard PayPal Shop Pay Visa

Your payment information is processed securely. We do not store credit card details nor have access to your credit card information.

Most Commonly Purchased With

Your Recently Viewed Products