Freefly’s Astro Max pairs a U.S-built, NDAA-compliant airframe with the rugged Pilot Pro (Doodle Labs RF) controller for secure Blue UAS operations. Enjoy 39-minute flights, RTK precision, open Smart Dovetail payloads—including 61 MP Sony LR1—and whisper-quiet 21″ props in a carry-on-sized ecosystem.
Freefly Astro Max + Pilot Pro (Doodle) – NDAA/Blue is the U.S.-built, low-noise, multi-mission workhorse developed for agencies and enterprise operators that need secure supply chain assurance and high-quality aerial data without the bulk of a heavy-lift rig. Astro Max delivers extended flight endurance, precision positioning with RTK, modular payload flexibility (up to 61MP mapping, thermal, dual-thermal, laser range finding, LiDAR integrations, and more), and seamless connectivity through Auterion’s enterprise software ecosystem.
Designed, assembled, tested, flown, crashed, refined, and supported in Woodinville, Washington, Astro Max is Blue UAS / NDAA-compliant and backed by a Freefly fleet lineage of 100,000+ successful commercial flights. Thousands of Freefly aircraft already operate worldwide, logging hundreds of thousands of flight hours across mapping, inspection, public safety, utility, and special operations programs. Bring U.S.-engineered reliability, open interfaces, and real operational support to your drone program.
The Strong, Silent Type
- Astro Max earns its reputation in noise-sensitive airspace.
21 in props on a ~14 in square airframe maximize disc area (~96% planform) for efficient lift and ultra-low acoustic footprint.
- Custom motor drive hardware + control algorithms manage large, slow-spinning props for remarkable stability and smooth joystick response.
- Large props = longer hang time over target, steadier imaging, and less pilot workload.
Open & Productive Ecosystem
- Part of Freefly’s 0–35 lb payload family—common controllers, quick releases, and gimbals shared across platforms to protect your investment.
- Smart Dovetail interface exposes power, Mavlink, Ethernet, serial, and hardpoints for rapid payload integration.
- Industry adopters rely on Freefly openness; your existing payloads, sensors, and accessories move forward with you.
- Thousands of units in the field; hundreds of thousands of cumulative flight hours validating the ecosystem.
Mission-Ready NDAA / Blue UAS Platform
- U.S.-made airframe and ground hardware; designed, built, and supported in Woodinville, WA.
- NDAA / Blue component pedigree for government, defense, and critical-infrastructure programs.
- Integrated Pilot Pro (Doodle) controller variant with Doodle Labs secure digital radio architecture for resilient, non-Chinese RF links.
- RTK positioning, LTE cloud connectivity, onboard mission computer, and AuterionOS stack tie flight ops to enterprise compliance and fleet analytics.
Astro Tech
Cutting-edge engineering under the hood delivers the flight precision, endurance, and data quality professionals expect. From prop physics to fleet-scale telemetry, Astro Max was built to work—not to demo.
Props to the Props
- Freefly pushed prop geometry to the edge: huge 21 in blades provide lift efficiency on a compact 14 in footprint, so you carry real sensors without hauling a giant airframe.
- Slow RPM + tuned motor control loops = smooth holds, sharp inputs when needed, and whisper-quiet operation compared to high-RPM platforms.
- Years of firmware development let Astro accelerate/decelerate big props without oscillation—precision flight, longer missions, lower noise.
SuperLight (SL8) Battery System
- Latest 21700 lithium-ion round-cell chemistry in swappable SL8 packs for long mission runtimes and strong cycle life (Freefly backs SL series packs for 500 cycles).
- OLED onboard display shows critical state-of-charge and health data in the field.
- Open CAN battery protocol feeds live pack data to Astro and logs to Auterion Suite for fleet-wide tracking.
- Integrated USB-C PD port powers accessories or tops off devices between sorties.
- Redundant design—Astro can remain controllable on a single pack if the other faults in flight.
Acceleration Matters
- Flight feel is a function of motor response. During development Freefly drove motors through aggressive acceleration profiles (measured at 40 kHz/s test points) to tune prop adapters and control loops.
- Result: a platform that cruises fast between waypoints, then settles into millimeter-grade nudges for inspection framing—without the twitch of small-prop rigs.
- RTK GPS Precision Hold Astro’s u-blox F9P multi-band GNSS tracks 20+ satellites orbiting ~12,550 miles overhead for rock-solid outdoor positioning, even in wind.
- Add a Freefly RTK base and horizontal accuracy tightens by roughly an order of magnitude for survey-grade work.
- Use Pilot Pro velocity clamps to rip across site at speed, then click into slow mode for sub-0.1 m/s micro-adjustments when lining up a scan, photo, or sample drop.
61 MP Imaging in a Packable Kit
- Pair Astro Max with the Sony LR1 61 MP imager for high-detail mapping, inspection, and documentation—serious resolution in a travel-friendly kit.
- Field teams get >30 min class flights (payload dependent) and centimeter-class positioning when RTK enabled.
- Two compact cases toss easily in a truck; deploy, collect, and move on.
Capture Every Detail: Modular Payload Choices
User-selectable payload configs let you scale capability to the mission while staying inside a Blue / NDAA pipeline.
LR1 Solo
high-res mapping & inspection.
LR1 + Thermal
add temperature insight to visual data.
LR1 + Dual Thermal
wide + narrow thermal perspectives for search & diagnostics.
LR1 + Laser Range Finder
geo-distance confirmation & target marking.
LR1 + Thermal + LRF
full-spectrum situational awareness from a compact platform.
Astro Is Adaptable
MAPPING | Sony LR1 – 61 MP stills for photogrammetry & detail capture.
THERMAL | LR1 + Thermal – visual + heat signatures for inspection & public safety.
LiDAR | Emesent Hovermap – autonomy & point clouds in GPS-denied spaces.
CUSTOM | Smart Dovetail – integrate robotics, sensors, drop kits, ignition, seeding, tracking tags, or cargo tools using standard power & data buses.
16+ validated payloads and growing—Freefly and partners expand mission sets continuously.
Pilot Pro (Doodle): Control at Your Fingertips
- The industry-favorite pro controller—machined aluminum chassis, field-hard build, and ergonomic control layout built by pilots.
- Discreet, assignable inputs for aircraft + gimbal + payload functions speed up data collection.
- Dual safety kill switches, redundant screens, error reporting, and real-time logging support enterprise SOPs.
Internal battery plus external hot-swap packs for continuous ops (5 hr internal runtime; ~1 hr recharge).
- Operates sunrise-to-sunset in tough environments: -10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F).
- CAD + API resources let integrators adapt Pilot Pro to custom robotics or multi-vehicle fleets.
- Ships in this bundle with Doodle Labs NDAA-compliant RF link.
SuperLight Battery Workflow
- Long flight times + intelligent health monitoring for fleet ops.
- Latest 2170 Li-ion cells; 500-cycle guarantee (SL series).
- OLED status readout; open CAN data bus to Astro & Auterion Suite.
- USB-C PD accessory power in the field.
- Hot-swap and keep the mission moving.
World’s Toughest Drones: Proven, Tested, Trusted
Freefly tests to the value of the sensors you fly—because downtime costs real money.
Structural: chassis load, hinge, prop adapter, blade imbalance, landing gear load.
Environmental: water & dust ingress, cold soak, heat soak.
Electrical: avionics, IMU, LTE modem, short / over-voltage / over-current, RF.
Materials: carbon, aluminum fatigue, high/low temp plastics & deformation.
Flight & Control: 500-hr validation cycles, rate/attitude, high-speed, full-power, aggressive maneuvers, RTK, multiple control link tests (FRX Pro, Herelink, Futaba, Crossfire, PMDDL).
Payload & Software: FLIR, Wiris, ILX-LR1, NextVision, LiDAR, package delivery, app & ecosystem integration.
200+ engineering test plans completed; 1K+ hours of flight & simulation before launch.
Made in the USA | NDAA / Blue Approved
- Designed, built, assembled, and supported in Woodinville, WA.
- Meets NDAA component restrictions; Blue UAS approved for U.S. government adoption pathways.
- Backed by Freefly’s U.S. support, spares, and lifecycle engineering.
Skynode, Mission Control & Auterion Suite
- A customized Skynode module powers each Astro Max, providing LTE connectivity, onboard Linux mission compute, and tight integration with Auterion Mission Control and Cloud Suite.
- Plan missions, push firmware, log battery cycles, manage compliance, and sync fleet data across distributed teams.
- Enterprise-grade data workflows let you scale from a single Astro to hundreds—securely and consistently.
About Freefly Systems
Freefly has been focused on building the world's most efficient professional drone and filming ecosystem for the last decade. They went from a garage startup to powering the majority of film and tv productions in under 5 years. While their early focus was film and video, they realized along the way their drones could do so much more.
Astro Max
Astro Max is Freefly’s ultimate compact industrial drone platform. This model has special hardware and software making it both NDAA compliant and DIU Blue approved.
Freefly understands the need for quality tools. For more than 10 years, Freefly aircraft have carried high end imagers for industry and high-end productions around the world. It carries valuable payloads in high-pressure situations. We understand the need for flexibility, so Astro’s interface specs are open, making it a flexible and reliable tool to get your new ideas in the air.
Each Astro Base includes the basis of your Mapping drone kit:
-
Astro Max Drone
- Simple tools, props, landing gear and some spare bits
- NDAA and DIU approved firmware
- Simple tools, props, landing gear and some spare bits
-
Freefly Pilot Pro controller
- Doodle Labs RF, NDAA and DIU Blue 2.4 GHz radio
- Doodle Labs RF, NDAA and DIU Blue 2.4 GHz radio
-
Compact Travel Case
- Fits Astro (folded), 1 pair of batteries/chargers and the LR1 Payload
- Telescoping handle and fixed wheels
- Fits Astro (folded), 1 pair of batteries/chargers and the LR1 Payload
*Astro needs a minimum of 2 SL8 Batteries and 2 SL8 Chargers to fly, which are not included in this kit and need to be purchased separately. The payload is also excluded.
Astro is designed and assembled in USA.
Notes
- Pilot skill with Manual Mode is required for Emergency Procedures. Learn more
- Astro uses two Freefly SL8-Air batteries per flight (not included in this kit). We recommend 4 SL8 batteries and 2 SL8 Fast Chargers to get flying.
- Works with RTK GPS Ground Station, through a user-supplied ground station computer (optional)
- LTE modem works in the United States only. Learn more
Freefly Astro Max + Pilot Pro (Doodle) – NDAA/Blue is the U.S.-built, low-noise, multi-mission workhorse developed for agencies and enterprise operators that need secure supply chain assurance and high-quality aerial data without the bulk of a heavy-lift rig. Astro Max delivers extended flight endurance, precision positioning with RTK, modular payload flexibility (up to 61MP mapping, thermal, dual-thermal, laser range finding, LiDAR integrations, and more), and seamless connectivity through Auterion’s enterprise software ecosystem.
Designed, assembled, tested, flown, crashed, refined, and supported in Woodinville, Washington, Astro Max is Blue UAS / NDAA-compliant and backed by a Freefly fleet lineage of 100,000+ successful commercial flights. Thousands of Freefly aircraft already operate worldwide, logging hundreds of thousands of flight hours across mapping, inspection, public safety, utility, and special operations programs. Bring U.S.-engineered reliability, open interfaces, and real operational support to your drone program.
The Strong, Silent Type
- Astro Max earns its reputation in noise-sensitive airspace.
21 in props on a ~14 in square airframe maximize disc area (~96% planform) for efficient lift and ultra-low acoustic footprint.
- Custom motor drive hardware + control algorithms manage large, slow-spinning props for remarkable stability and smooth joystick response.
- Large props = longer hang time over target, steadier imaging, and less pilot workload.
Open & Productive Ecosystem
- Part of Freefly’s 0–35 lb payload family—common controllers, quick releases, and gimbals shared across platforms to protect your investment.
- Smart Dovetail interface exposes power, Mavlink, Ethernet, serial, and hardpoints for rapid payload integration.
- Industry adopters rely on Freefly openness; your existing payloads, sensors, and accessories move forward with you.
- Thousands of units in the field; hundreds of thousands of cumulative flight hours validating the ecosystem.
Mission-Ready NDAA / Blue UAS Platform
- U.S.-made airframe and ground hardware; designed, built, and supported in Woodinville, WA.
- NDAA / Blue component pedigree for government, defense, and critical-infrastructure programs.
- Integrated Pilot Pro (Doodle) controller variant with Doodle Labs secure digital radio architecture for resilient, non-Chinese RF links.
- RTK positioning, LTE cloud connectivity, onboard mission computer, and AuterionOS stack tie flight ops to enterprise compliance and fleet analytics.
Astro Tech
Cutting-edge engineering under the hood delivers the flight precision, endurance, and data quality professionals expect. From prop physics to fleet-scale telemetry, Astro Max was built to work—not to demo.
Props to the Props
- Freefly pushed prop geometry to the edge: huge 21 in blades provide lift efficiency on a compact 14 in footprint, so you carry real sensors without hauling a giant airframe.
- Slow RPM + tuned motor control loops = smooth holds, sharp inputs when needed, and whisper-quiet operation compared to high-RPM platforms.
- Years of firmware development let Astro accelerate/decelerate big props without oscillation—precision flight, longer missions, lower noise.
SuperLight (SL8) Battery System
- Latest 21700 lithium-ion round-cell chemistry in swappable SL8 packs for long mission runtimes and strong cycle life (Freefly backs SL series packs for 500 cycles).
- OLED onboard display shows critical state-of-charge and health data in the field.
- Open CAN battery protocol feeds live pack data to Astro and logs to Auterion Suite for fleet-wide tracking.
- Integrated USB-C PD port powers accessories or tops off devices between sorties.
- Redundant design—Astro can remain controllable on a single pack if the other faults in flight.
Acceleration Matters
- Flight feel is a function of motor response. During development Freefly drove motors through aggressive acceleration profiles (measured at 40 kHz/s test points) to tune prop adapters and control loops.
- Result: a platform that cruises fast between waypoints, then settles into millimeter-grade nudges for inspection framing—without the twitch of small-prop rigs.
- RTK GPS Precision Hold Astro’s u-blox F9P multi-band GNSS tracks 20+ satellites orbiting ~12,550 miles overhead for rock-solid outdoor positioning, even in wind.
- Add a Freefly RTK base and horizontal accuracy tightens by roughly an order of magnitude for survey-grade work.
- Use Pilot Pro velocity clamps to rip across site at speed, then click into slow mode for sub-0.1 m/s micro-adjustments when lining up a scan, photo, or sample drop.
61 MP Imaging in a Packable Kit
- Pair Astro Max with the Sony LR1 61 MP imager for high-detail mapping, inspection, and documentation—serious resolution in a travel-friendly kit.
- Field teams get >30 min class flights (payload dependent) and centimeter-class positioning when RTK enabled.
- Two compact cases toss easily in a truck; deploy, collect, and move on.
Capture Every Detail: Modular Payload Choices
User-selectable payload configs let you scale capability to the mission while staying inside a Blue / NDAA pipeline.
LR1 Solo
high-res mapping & inspection.
LR1 + Thermal
add temperature insight to visual data.
LR1 + Dual Thermal
wide + narrow thermal perspectives for search & diagnostics.
LR1 + Laser Range Finder
geo-distance confirmation & target marking.
LR1 + Thermal + LRF
full-spectrum situational awareness from a compact platform.
Astro Is Adaptable
MAPPING | Sony LR1 – 61 MP stills for photogrammetry & detail capture.
THERMAL | LR1 + Thermal – visual + heat signatures for inspection & public safety.
LiDAR | Emesent Hovermap – autonomy & point clouds in GPS-denied spaces.
CUSTOM | Smart Dovetail – integrate robotics, sensors, drop kits, ignition, seeding, tracking tags, or cargo tools using standard power & data buses.
16+ validated payloads and growing—Freefly and partners expand mission sets continuously.
Pilot Pro (Doodle): Control at Your Fingertips
- The industry-favorite pro controller—machined aluminum chassis, field-hard build, and ergonomic control layout built by pilots.
- Discreet, assignable inputs for aircraft + gimbal + payload functions speed up data collection.
- Dual safety kill switches, redundant screens, error reporting, and real-time logging support enterprise SOPs.
Internal battery plus external hot-swap packs for continuous ops (5 hr internal runtime; ~1 hr recharge).
- Operates sunrise-to-sunset in tough environments: -10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F).
- CAD + API resources let integrators adapt Pilot Pro to custom robotics or multi-vehicle fleets.
- Ships in this bundle with Doodle Labs NDAA-compliant RF link.
SuperLight Battery Workflow
- Long flight times + intelligent health monitoring for fleet ops.
- Latest 2170 Li-ion cells; 500-cycle guarantee (SL series).
- OLED status readout; open CAN data bus to Astro & Auterion Suite.
- USB-C PD accessory power in the field.
- Hot-swap and keep the mission moving.
World’s Toughest Drones: Proven, Tested, Trusted
Freefly tests to the value of the sensors you fly—because downtime costs real money.
Structural: chassis load, hinge, prop adapter, blade imbalance, landing gear load.
Environmental: water & dust ingress, cold soak, heat soak.
Electrical: avionics, IMU, LTE modem, short / over-voltage / over-current, RF.
Materials: carbon, aluminum fatigue, high/low temp plastics & deformation.
Flight & Control: 500-hr validation cycles, rate/attitude, high-speed, full-power, aggressive maneuvers, RTK, multiple control link tests (FRX Pro, Herelink, Futaba, Crossfire, PMDDL).
Payload & Software: FLIR, Wiris, ILX-LR1, NextVision, LiDAR, package delivery, app & ecosystem integration.
200+ engineering test plans completed; 1K+ hours of flight & simulation before launch.
Made in the USA | NDAA / Blue Approved
- Designed, built, assembled, and supported in Woodinville, WA.
- Meets NDAA component restrictions; Blue UAS approved for U.S. government adoption pathways.
- Backed by Freefly’s U.S. support, spares, and lifecycle engineering.
Skynode, Mission Control & Auterion Suite
- A customized Skynode module powers each Astro Max, providing LTE connectivity, onboard Linux mission compute, and tight integration with Auterion Mission Control and Cloud Suite.
- Plan missions, push firmware, log battery cycles, manage compliance, and sync fleet data across distributed teams.
- Enterprise-grade data workflows let you scale from a single Astro to hundreds—securely and consistently.
About Freefly Systems
Freefly has been focused on building the world's most efficient professional drone and filming ecosystem for the last decade. They went from a garage startup to powering the majority of film and tv productions in under 5 years. While their early focus was film and video, they realized along the way their drones could do so much more.
Astro Max
Astro Max is Freefly’s ultimate compact industrial drone platform. This model has special hardware and software making it both NDAA compliant and DIU Blue approved.
Freefly understands the need for quality tools. For more than 10 years, Freefly aircraft have carried high end imagers for industry and high-end productions around the world. It carries valuable payloads in high-pressure situations. We understand the need for flexibility, so Astro’s interface specs are open, making it a flexible and reliable tool to get your new ideas in the air.
Each Astro Base includes the basis of your Mapping drone kit:
-
Astro Max Drone
- Simple tools, props, landing gear and some spare bits
- NDAA and DIU approved firmware
- Simple tools, props, landing gear and some spare bits
-
Freefly Pilot Pro controller
- Doodle Labs RF, NDAA and DIU Blue 2.4 GHz radio
- Doodle Labs RF, NDAA and DIU Blue 2.4 GHz radio
-
Compact Travel Case
- Fits Astro (folded), 1 pair of batteries/chargers and the LR1 Payload
- Telescoping handle and fixed wheels
- Fits Astro (folded), 1 pair of batteries/chargers and the LR1 Payload
*Astro needs a minimum of 2 SL8 Batteries and 2 SL8 Chargers to fly, which are not included in this kit and need to be purchased separately. The payload is also excluded.
Astro is designed and assembled in USA.
Notes
- Pilot skill with Manual Mode is required for Emergency Procedures. Learn more
- Astro uses two Freefly SL8-Air batteries per flight (not included in this kit). We recommend 4 SL8 batteries and 2 SL8 Fast Chargers to get flying.
- Works with RTK GPS Ground Station, through a user-supplied ground station computer (optional)
- LTE modem works in the United States only. Learn more
Astro Max (NDAA/Blue)
| Maximum flight time (no payload) | Up to 39 min |
| Flight time with Sony LR1 payload | 28 min |
| Flight time with max payload (6.6 lb / 3 kg) | 18 min |
| Maximum payload capacity | 6.6 lb / 3 kg |
| Folding booms | Collapse to ½ the 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) |
| Optional LTE connectivity | North America only |
| Additional specifications | See Astro Wiki |
Pilot Pro Controller
| Controller type | Freefly Pilot Pro, machined-aluminum chassis |
| Primary radio link | Doodle Labs RF (2.4 GHz, NDAA / Blue-approved) |
| Rockers & gimbals | High-resolution for precise camera & gimbal control |
| Power architecture | Internal Li-ion pack + external hot-swap inputs |
| Pre-installed display | 8″ Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 |
| Safety features | Dual emergency kill-switches; discreet hard buttons for all key actions |
| Speed-limit controls | Real-time drone & gimbal velocity clamps |
| Included accessory | Custom padded neck strap |
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, 2 × SL8 chargers, spare props, 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 (no SL8 packs) | 36.16 lb / 16.40 kg |
| Weight (full kit with 2 × SL8) | 40.66 lb / 18.44 kg |
| Air-travel status | Airline checkable (overweight) |
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 / 1.02 kg |
| Chemistry | Lithium-Ion |
| Aux output | USB-C Power Delivery |
SL8 Fast Charger*
| Charge rate | One SL8-Air pack from 0 → 100 % in ~90 min |
| Input | 100–240 VAC |
| Output | 200 W |
| Power cable | North America Type A (IEC320 replaceable) |
| Origin | Designed & assembled in USA — NDAA & DIU Blue approved |
*Batteries and chargers required for flight are sold separately.
(1) Astro Compact Travel Case
(1) Astro Max (NDAA/Blue) with folding landing gear, props, and Astro Isolator
(1) Hex Driver 1.5 mm
(1) Hex Driver 2 mm
(1) Hex Driver 2.5 mm
(4) Proptectors
(1) Spare Proptector
(4) Spare Isolators
(2) Rubber Hole Grommets
(1) Pilot Pro Controller
(1) Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 (pre-configured, installed in controller)
(1) Doodle Labs RF 2.4 GHz Radio (NDAA & DIU Blue)
(1) Custom Padded Neck Strap
*Batteries and chargers required for flight are not included; sold separately.
RGB Sensors
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)
Mapping Payload (A7R IV) (NDAA/Blue)
Thermal Sensors
LR1 Thermal Upgrade* (NDAA)
Sentera 6X Thermal Sensor (NDAA)
Sentera 6X Thermal Pro (NDAA)
Wiris Pro Payload (Thermal) (NDAA/Blue)
Multispectral Sensors
Sentera 6X Multispectral Sensor (NDAA/Blue)
Distance / Ranging
LR1 Laser Range Finder Upgrade* (NDAA)
LiDAR
Emesent Hovermap ST-X (Not NDAA)
RTK
RTK GPS Ground Station (via user-supplied base-station computer)
For a comprehensive, up-to-date list of sensors and payloads that have been integrated or flown on Astro, visit our Drone Payloads page and filter by “Astro” and “NDAA Compliant.”
*The LR1 Laser Range Finder Upgrade (910-00841) and LR1 Thermal Upgrade (910-00840) are modules for the LR1 Payload and cannot be used on Astro without an LR1 installed.
Standard Remote ID
- Compliant: YES
- Ships with Remote ID hardware installed and configured for FAA Standard Remote ID.
- Approved for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) missions when paired with the appropriate waiver or CONOPS.
- Exemption pathway: agencies with FAA RID exemptions can contact Freefly Support to obtain an override code that disables Remote ID on the aircraft.
NDAA §848
- Compliant: YES
- Astro Max airframe — NDAA-compliant, U.S.-made components.
- Pilot Pro controller — NDAA-compliant.
- Doodle Labs 2.4 GHz radio link — NDAA-compliant.
DIU Blue UAS
- Compliant: YES*
- Astro Max platform (with Remote ID disabled via override code) meets Blue UAS airframe requirements.
- Pilot Pro controller — compliant.
- Doodle Labs 2.4 GHz radio link — compliant.
- *Disable Remote ID (contact Freefly Support for override) to meet Blue UAS compliance requirements.
Introducing – Astro Max
Astro Max – Marine Biology Case Study
Astro Max – OGI Case Study
Pilot Pro – Overview
What flight controller does Astro use?
Astro runs a Freefly-specified Auterion Skynode (Pixhawk-based) mission computer that adds LTE, RTK and Auterion Mission Control integration.
What size props does Astro have?
Both Astro and Astro Max fly on slow-turning, folding 21-inch carbon-fiber propellers for maximum lift efficiency and low acoustic signature.
Can I order spare parts online for Astro?
Yes. Props, arms, isolators, batteries, landing-gear legs and more are stocked in the Freefly Store’s “Spare Parts” section, and Advexure can special-order items that aren’t listed.
Do you offer training for Astro?
Freefly Flight School provides remote and on-site courses covering setup, flight fundamentals, mapping workflows, payload integration and maintenance.
How much does Astro Max cost?
The NDAA/Blue bundle is approximately US $26 000 (July 2025). Contact Advexure for current pricing and promotions.
Where is the Pilot Pro controller manufactured?
Pilot Pro is machined, assembled and tested at Freefly’s Woodinville, WA facility; the NDAA/Blue version ships with a Singapore-made Doodle Labs radio.
Will Astro directly geotag image files?
Yes. When GPS logging is enabled, Astro writes full EXIF geotags (latitude, longitude, altitude and yaw) to every image captured by supported payloads.
Does Astro support dual operators?
Not at this time; the system is optimized for single-operator workflows. Dual-operator capability is on Freefly’s development roadmap.
Freefly drones – DIU Blue List and transition to AUVSI Green List
Astro Max (Remote ID disabled) remains on the DoD DIU Blue list and will transition to the AUVSI Green list as cybersecurity requirements evolve.
How small does Astro fold for storage/travel?
With booms and landing gear folded, Astro Max packs to roughly 15.3 in × 15.3 in × 7 in (390 mm × 390 mm × 178 mm) and fits the included SKB rolling case.
What mapping software does Astro support?
Mission planning: Auterion Mission Control (pre-installed) and Esri SiteScan. Data processing: SiteScan, Pix4D, Agisoft Metashape and other major photogrammetry suites.
How much do Astro and Astro Max weigh?
Airframe only (no batteries or payload): Astro — 7.03 lb / 3.19 kg; Astro Max — 7.77 lb / 3.52 kg.
Are Astro Max or Astro NDAA compliant?
Yes. Both airframes meet NDAA §848; the Astro Max bundle ships with an NDAA-compliant Doodle Labs radio for full-system compliance.
How long can Astro or Astro Max fly?
Two SL8-Air batteries deliver up to 39 min light-ship, 28 min with an LR1 payload, and 18 min at the 6.6 lb / 3 kg max payload for Astro Max.
Is the video transmitter integrated?
Yes. The Doodle Labs (NDAA/Blue) or legacy Herelink link carries encrypted 1080 p video, telemetry and control on a single RF channel.
What cameras/sensors does Astro support?
Native options include Sony LR1 (with Thermal and Laser upgrades), Sony A7R IV mapping pod, Wiris Pro thermal/zoom, Sentera 65R & 6X sensors, Emesent Hovermap ST-X LiDAR and custom payloads via the Smart Dovetail bus.
What controller works with Astro?
Astro Max ships with Pilot Pro. Legacy Astro units can alternatively use a Herelink ground station running Freefly firmware.
What is the maximum payload capacity of Astro?
Astro Max lifts up to 6.6 lb / 3 kg. Legacy Astro supports 3.3 lb / 1.5 kg.
Is Astro CE certified?
Certification is pending. Until CE marking is obtained, EU operators can fly Astro under EASA Open Category A3.
How do I sign up for updates about my gear?
Register your email through the product-registration form on Freefly's Support portal to receive firmware releases and service bulletins.
How can I get critical updates about Freefly products?
Freefly posts service bulletins on the Support portal and emails all registered owners when safety-critical notices are released.
Flying Sun FAQ
A dedicated FAQ for Freefly’s Flying Sun drone-mounted floodlights is available in the Support portal and updated as the product line expands.
Where can I view sample data from Astro?
Freefly hosts LR1 photogrammetry, thermal and LiDAR sample datasets on Google Drive and Esri SiteScan; links are provided in the Astro Support page.
How fast do the Astro batteries charge?
A single SL8-Air pack charges from empty to 100 % in about 90 minutes on the SL8 Fast Charger.
What does “smart” battery mean?
SuperLight batteries include an onboard CAN-bus BMS, OLED status screen and USB-C PD port, and report health, cycles and remaining capacity to Astro and Auterion Suite.
Do you have a multi-bay SL charger?
A four-position rack charger is in development; currently each SL8 Fast Charger handles one pack, and Astro bundles ship with two chargers for continuous operations.
How do the SL8-Air batteries work with Astro?
Astro draws power from two SL8-Air packs in parallel. Packs can be hot-swapped on the ground, and the aircraft can remain controllable on a single pack in an emergency.
How long can Astro or Astro Max fly?
See the flight-time answer above; endurance depends on payload weight and environmental conditions.
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