Freefly Astro LR1 Payload
The Freefly Astro LR1 Payload is a professional aerial imaging system designed for high-resolution mapping, photogrammetry, surveying, and infrastructure inspection. Featuring a 61-megapixel Sony ILX-LR1 camera integrated into a precision Freefly gimbal, the LR1 Payload delivers detailed aerial imagery while maintaining a lightweight and modular design for commercial and enterprise drone operations.
Designed for the Freefly Astro and Astro Max platforms, the LR1 Payload integrates directly with the aircraft's Smart Dovetail system, providing secure mounting, power, and data communication. This integration enables remote camera operation, gimbal tilt control, and image preview through the ground station controller, supporting efficient data collection in the field.
The system includes a Sigma 24mm f/3.5 mapping lens, making it suitable for capturing high-resolution imagery for surveying, orthomosaic generation, 3D reconstruction, and detailed site documentation. Its expandable architecture supports compatible lenses and optional sensor upgrades, allowing operators to adapt the system to different mapping and inspection requirements.
Key Features
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61MP Sony ILX-LR1 Camera: Captures high-resolution aerial imagery for detailed mapping, photogrammetry, and inspection workflows.
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Integrated Freefly Gimbal: Provides stabilized camera mounting and remote tilt control for consistent image capture.
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Sigma 24mm f/3.5 Mapping Lens: Included lens optimized for aerial mapping and high-resolution imaging applications.
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Smart Dovetail Integration: Enables quick payload installation and provides integrated power and data communication with compatible Freefly aircraft.
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Remote Camera Control: Supports camera settings, shutter operation, gimbal control, and image preview through the ground station controller.
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Geotagged Image Capture: Supports geotagged JPG imagery for mapping and inspection workflows.
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Modular and Expandable Design: Supports compatible alternative lenses and optional thermal imaging and laser rangefinder upgrades.
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Lightweight Construction: Weighs approximately 970 g with the included 24mm lens.
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NDAA Compliant: Designed to meet applicable National Defense Authorization Act compliance requirements.
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DIU Blue Approved: Approved within the applicable Blue UAS framework.
Camera and Imaging System
The LR1 Payload incorporates the Sony ILX-LR1 camera, featuring a 61-megapixel sensor designed to capture detailed imagery from an aerial platform. The high image resolution supports professional applications that require accurate visual documentation, fine surface detail, and high-quality source imagery for downstream processing.
The included Sigma 24mm f/3.5 lens is suited to aerial mapping and inspection. The system also supports compatible alternative lenses, including Sony FE 35mm f/2.8, Sony FE 50mm f/1.8, and Samyang 75mm f/1.8, providing additional flexibility for different working distances and inspection requirements.
Gimbal Stabilization and Payload Integration
The integrated Freefly mapping gimbal is designed specifically for aerial imaging operations. Its stabilized mounting helps maintain consistent camera positioning during flight, while remote tilt control allows operators to adjust the viewing angle for mapping and inspection tasks.
The Freefly Smart Dovetail quick-release system simplifies payload installation and removal. Once integrated with a compatible aircraft, the connection provides power and data communication for supported camera controls, gimbal operation, and image preview through the ground station controller.
Expandability and Optional Upgrades
The LR1 Payload features an expandable architecture with three expansion ports for compatible additional cameras, sensors, and power connections. This design enables operators to configure the payload for specialized missions without replacing the entire imaging system.
Compatible optional upgrades include:
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LR1 Thermal Upgrade: Adds thermal imaging capabilities for inspection and temperature-related applications.
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LR1 Laser Range Finder Upgrade: Adds laser rangefinding functionality for supported measurement and inspection workflows.
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Alternative Lenses: Compatible lens options allow the imaging system to be adapted for different mapping scales, inspection distances, and field-of-view requirements.
Optional modules may require appropriate counterweights and configuration adjustments. Thermal and laser rangefinder upgrades are designed for use with the LR1 Payload and are not standalone payloads for the Astro aircraft.
Applications
The Freefly Astro LR1 Payload is suitable for a wide range of professional aerial imaging applications, including:
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Aerial surveying and high-resolution mapping
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Photogrammetry and orthomosaic generation
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3D modeling and terrain documentation
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Construction progress monitoring
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Infrastructure and utility inspections
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Industrial facility documentation
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Roof, building, and asset inspections
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Mining and quarry site surveys
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Land development and site planning
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Environmental monitoring and visual assessment
Technical Specifications
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Product Type: Professional aerial imaging payload
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Camera: Sony ILX-LR1
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Image Resolution: 61 megapixels
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Included Lens: Sigma 24mm f/3.5 mapping lens
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Gimbal: Integrated Freefly mapping gimbal
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Mounting System: Freefly Smart Dovetail quick-release
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Payload Weight: Approximately 970 g (34.2 oz) with the included lens
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Image Format: Geotagged JPG imagery supported; RAW capture is also available
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Expansion: Three ports for compatible cameras, sensors, and power
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Compatible Aircraft: Freefly Astro, Astro Max, and Alta X Gen2
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Compliance: NDAA compliant and DIU Blue approved
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Country of Design and Assembly: United States
Image Geotagging and Data Capture
The LR1 Payload is optimized for mapping and inspection workflows that use geotagged JPG images. These images can be incorporated into compatible photogrammetry and mapping software for producing orthomosaics, 3D models, and other geospatial deliverables.
RAW photography is also available; however, RAW files are saved directly to the camera's SD card and do not include the location data provided with the supported geotagged JPG workflow.
Compatibility Requirements
The LR1 Payload is designed for integration with the Freefly Astro, Astro Max, and Alta X Gen2 aircraft platforms. For Astro and Astro Max installations, the Astro Isolator is required for the intended payload configuration. Owners of an existing aircraft should verify that the required isolator and compatible mounting hardware are available before installation.
Camera and gimbal controls are operated through a compatible ground station controller. The controller is not included with the LR1 Payload itself, although Pilot Pro is supplied with new Astro systems.
What's Included
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1 × Freefly LR1 Mapping Gimbal
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1 × Sony ILX-LR1 camera, pre-installed in the gimbal
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1 × Sigma 24mm f/3.5 mapping lens
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1 × USB-C thumb drive
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1 × Rugged travel case with custom foam insert
The travel case provides dedicated storage for the payload and additional space for up to two extra lenses.
Flight Performance
When used with the Freefly Astro and the mapping payload configuration, typical flight times are approximately 28–34 minutes per pair of batteries, depending on flight speed, environmental conditions, lens configuration, and other operating factors. Actual performance varies with aircraft setup and mission requirements.
Why Choose the Freefly Astro LR1 Payload?
The Freefly Astro LR1 Payload combines a high-resolution 61MP camera, integrated stabilization, direct aircraft connectivity, and modular expansion in a lightweight professional imaging system. Its streamlined integration helps reduce setup complexity while supporting demanding aerial mapping and inspection workflows.
With compatibility across selected Freefly aircraft, optional thermal and laser rangefinder upgrades, and support for multiple lenses, the LR1 Payload provides a flexible imaging solution for surveying professionals, engineering teams, infrastructure operators, and commercial drone service providers.
