Freefly Astro Max

The Freefly Astro Max is a compact, professional industrial drone platform designed for demanding commercial, enterprise, and industrial applications. Featuring an upgraded propulsion system, a maximum payload capacity of 3 kg, and a foldable airframe, Astro Max provides a versatile aerial platform for advanced mapping, surveying, inspection, infrastructure assessment, and specialized data collection missions.

Designed with an open and flexible payload interface, Astro Max supports a wide range of compatible imaging sensors, LiDAR systems, thermal cameras, and other professional payloads. Its compact transport design, vibration-isolated payload mounting system, and integrated flight control technology make it suitable for field operations where portability, precision, and adaptability are essential.

Key Features

• High Payload Capacity: Supports payloads up to 3 kg, enabling the integration of a wide range of professional sensors and imaging equipment.

• Extended Flight Endurance: Provides up to 43 minutes of flight time under specified conditions, with actual endurance depending on payload, battery condition, environmental conditions, and flight profile.

• Foldable Airframe: Folding booms reduce the drone's overall footprint for convenient transportation and storage.

• Flexible Payload Integration: Supports compatible RGB cameras, thermal imaging systems, LiDAR sensors, multispectral cameras, and optical gas imaging equipment.

• Vibration-Isolated Payload Mount: Includes a pre-installed Astro Isolator designed to reduce vibration transferred to compatible payloads.

• Professional Flight Control: Compatible with the Freefly Pilot Pro controller for precise aircraft operation and payload control.

• Compact Transport Solution: Supplied with a dedicated rolling travel case for transporting the folded aircraft and compatible equipment.

• Integrated Remote ID: Ships with Standard Remote ID enabled.

• Designed and Assembled in the USA: Manufactured by Freefly Systems for professional aerial applications.

Performance and Capabilities

Flight Performance

Astro Max is engineered to support demanding industrial missions that require dependable flight performance and the ability to carry specialized equipment. Its upgraded motors and high-efficiency propellers provide the lifting capability required for heavier professional payloads.

• Maximum flight time: Up to 43 minutes under specified conditions

• Flight time with Freefly LR1 payload: Approximately 31 minutes

• Flight time at maximum payload: Approximately 20 minutes

• Maximum payload capacity: 3 kg (6.6 lb)

• Maximum takeoff weight: Up to 8.7 kg, subject to the applicable configuration and operating limits

• Propeller type: High-efficiency folding-compatible propeller configuration

Flight times are manufacturer-stated maximum or configuration-specific figures and are not guaranteed for every mission. Payload weight, wind, temperature, battery condition, and flight behavior can affect actual flight endurance.

Compact and Portable Design

The folding boom design reduces the aircraft's footprint for transport between work sites. The included Astro Compact Travel Case features custom-cut protective foam, a telescoping handle, and fixed wheels to simplify equipment handling.

The case is designed to accommodate the folded aircraft, compatible batteries and chargers, the Pilot Pro controller, and selected payload equipment, subject to the dimensions and configuration of the components being transported.

Payload Compatibility

RGB Imaging and Photogrammetry

Astro Max supports compatible high-resolution RGB imaging payloads for aerial photography, photogrammetry, mapping, site documentation, and infrastructure assessment. Compatible configurations can be used to collect detailed visual data for surveying and inspection workflows.

LiDAR Mapping

Compatible LiDAR payloads enable three-dimensional data collection for terrain modeling, infrastructure surveys, forestry, power-line inspection, and other applications that require detailed spatial information.

Supported payload options include compatible Freefly Flux LiDAR systems and Emesent Hovermap configurations, subject to the specific payload, software, and integration requirements.

Thermal Imaging

Compatible thermal imaging payloads can support applications such as industrial equipment inspection, infrastructure assessment, and aerial thermal surveys. Available configurations depend on the selected sensor and payload integration.

Multispectral Imaging

Compatible multispectral sensors can support agricultural analysis, vegetation assessment, crop monitoring, and environmental data collection.

Optical Gas Imaging

Compatible optical gas imaging payloads can be used for specialized industrial inspection and gas-leak detection workflows. Payload selection and operational suitability depend on the sensor configuration and intended application.

Note: Payloads, cameras, lenses, software subscriptions, and optional mounting accessories are not necessarily included with the standard Astro Max kit. Verify the selected configuration before ordering.

Flight Control and Payload Integration

Freefly Pilot Pro Controller

Astro Max is supplied with the Freefly Pilot Pro controller configured with a Herelink 1.1 radio operating in the 2.4 GHz band in the standard configuration.

The controller features high-resolution control inputs for precise aircraft and compatible gimbal operation, physical controls for key functions, an emergency kill switch, and a preconfigured Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 display.

The controller also supports external power options, allowing operators to extend operating time using compatible power accessories.

Flexible Payload Mounting

The pre-installed Astro Isolator provides a vibration-isolated mounting interface for compatible payloads. Alternative mounting solutions are available for applications requiring different payload attachment or vibration-isolation arrangements.

Optional payload integration accessories may be required depending on the weight, geometry, electrical requirements, and operating characteristics of the selected equipment.

Included Equipment

The standard Freefly Astro Max configuration includes:

• Freefly Astro Max drone

• Pre-installed Astro Isolator

• Folding landing gear

• High-efficiency propellers

• Freefly Pilot Pro controller with Herelink 1.1 radio

• Preconfigured Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 tablet installed in the controller

• Astro Compact Travel Case

• Custom padded controller neck strap

• Propeller protectors

• Basic maintenance tools

• Selected spare parts and replacement isolator components

Batteries and chargers are sold separately unless explicitly included in the selected configuration. Astro Max requires two compatible Freefly SL8-Air batteries for flight. Freefly recommends four batteries and two compatible fast chargers for a practical operating setup.

Technical Specifications

• Product Name: Freefly Astro Max

• Product Type: Professional industrial multirotor drone

• Manufacturer: Freefly Systems

• Maximum Flight Time: Up to 43 minutes

• Flight Time with LR1 Payload: Approximately 31 minutes

• Flight Time at Maximum Payload: Approximately 20 minutes

• Maximum Payload Capacity: 3 kg (6.6 lb)

• Maximum Takeoff Weight: Up to 8.7 kg, depending on configuration

• Airframe Weight: Approximately 3.52 kg with landing gear, excluding specified accessories and electronics

• Typical Empty Weight: Approximately 5.83 kg with the documented standard components and two batteries

• Radio System: Herelink 1.1, 2.4 GHz, in the standard configuration

• Flight Controller Platform: Auterion Skynode

• Battery Type: Freefly SL8-Air lithium-ion battery

• Battery Voltage: 21.6 V

• Battery Capacity: 7.3 Ah (157 Wh) per battery

• Batteries Required for Flight: Two

• Payload Mounting: Astro Isolator, with alternative mounting options available

• Remote ID: Standard Remote ID enabled

• Airframe Design: Folding-boom configuration

• Country of Design and Assembly: United States

Specifications may vary with hardware revisions, accessories, and payload configurations. Maximum payload and takeoff-weight limits must be observed together.

Applications

Surveying and Mapping

Supports aerial data acquisition, photogrammetry, terrain modeling, and three-dimensional mapping with compatible imaging and LiDAR payloads.

Infrastructure Inspection

Suitable for inspecting bridges, industrial facilities, utility infrastructure, power lines, and other assets using compatible visual, thermal, or LiDAR sensors.

Industrial and Energy Operations

Can support specialized inspection workflows, including compatible optical gas imaging applications for industrial and energy facilities.

Agriculture and Environmental Monitoring

Compatible multispectral and thermal payloads enable aerial data collection for crop assessment, vegetation analysis, and environmental monitoring.

Public Safety and Emergency Response

Can be configured with suitable imaging and mapping payloads to support situational awareness, aerial assessment, and search-related operations where permitted.

Compliance and Operational Considerations

The standard Freefly Astro Max configuration with the Herelink radio is not NDAA compliant and is not DIU Blue approved. Organizations with specific government, defense, or procurement requirements should select the dedicated Astro Max NDAA/Blue configuration.

Astro Max ships with Standard Remote ID enabled. Operators are responsible for complying with applicable aviation regulations, airspace restrictions, training requirements, and operational permissions.

Important Notes

• Batteries and chargers are not included in the standard kit unless specified in the order.

• Two compatible SL8-Air batteries are required for flight.

• Payloads and optional accessories are sold separately unless stated otherwise.

• Actual flight time depends on payload weight, weather, battery condition, and flight profile.

• Use only the specified high-efficiency propellers for the Astro Max configuration; do not mix them with standard Astro propellers.

• Confirm payload compatibility, mounting requirements, and compliance needs before purchasing.

Package Overview

The Freefly Astro Max provides a portable, payload-flexible aerial platform for professional industrial operations. With its 3 kg payload capacity, foldable airframe, professional flight controller, and compatibility with a broad ecosystem of imaging and sensing equipment, it is designed to support advanced mapping, inspection, surveying, and specialized aerial data collection workflows.