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.
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.
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