Freefly Astro Max Mapping Essentials Kit (NDAA-Compliant, Blue Edition)

Description

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.

Specs

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

In the Box

(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

Compatibility

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.

Compliance

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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