Freefly Astro Max Mapping Essentials Kit (NDAA/Blue)

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.