The Freefly Astro Max is a compact, flexible industrial drone platform designed and assembled in the USA. Built on over 10 years of Freefly aircraft development and 100,000+ commercial drone flights, the Astro Max is engineered to carry valuable payloads in high-pressure situations. With an open interface specification, Smart Dovetail payload system, up to 43 minutes of flight time, and a 3 kg maximum payload capacity, it supports a wide ecosystem of RGB, thermal, LiDAR, and multispectral sensors. This listing is the non-NDAA version — it ships with Standard Remote ID pre-installed and the Freefly Pilot Pro controller with Herelink 1.1 2.4 GHz radio.
An open, flexible, field-proven platform — built to carry whatever the mission demands.
Features
- Up to 43 minutes of flight time unloaded, 31 minutes with LR1 payload, and 20 minutes at maximum payload (3 kg) — two SL8-Air batteries required per flight (sold separately)
- 3 kg maximum payload capacity with pre-installed Astro Isolator for quick-release powered payload attachment — compatible with a wide range of RGB, thermal, LiDAR, multispectral, and OGI sensors via Smart Dovetail mount
- Open interface specification — Pixhawk Payload Bus compatible with power, MAVLink, Ethernet, and serial connections for custom integrations
- Smart Dovetail quick-release system is an open industry standard for payload interoperability, enabling fast field payload swaps
- Booms fold to half the aircraft diameter for compact transport and storage
- Freefly Pilot Pro controller with pre-configured Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5, Herelink 1.1 2.4 GHz radio, internal battery with external power input for hot-swapping, emergency kill-switch, and custom padded neck strap
- Built-in LTE modem (US only) and optional RTK GPS Ground Station (via user-supplied ground station computer) for centimetre-level positioning
- AuterionOS mission computer with DroneDeploy, LTE cloud connectivity, and autonomous mission support
- Ships in Astro Compact Travel Case (SKB 3i-2217-10) — MIL-STD-810G rated, fully submersible and dust-tight, airline checkable, with telescoping handle and fixed wheels
- Standard Remote ID pre-installed and configured for FAA compliance — FAA BVLOS compliant (FCC DA 25-1086)
- Ships with high efficiency 2270 propellers — do not mix with standard 2170 propellers
- Not NDAA / DIU Blue approved — Pilot Pro Herelink radio link is not NDAA compliant. See the NDAA/Blue version if government or DoD compliance is required
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Aircraft | |
| Max payload capacity | 3 kg |
| Flight time (unloaded) | Up to 43 min |
| Flight time (with LR1 payload) | 31 min |
| Flight time (max payload) | 20 min |
| Propellers | 2270 high efficiency (CW and CCW) |
| Payload interface | Smart Dovetail (Pixhawk Payload Bus compatible) |
| NDAA / DIU Blue | Not approved |
| Remote ID | FAA Standard Remote ID (pre-installed) |
| BVLOS compliance | FAA compliant (FCC DA 25-1086) |
| LTE modem | Yes (US only) |
| RTK GPS | Optional (user-supplied ground station computer required) |
| Country of manufacture | USA |
| SKU | 950-00186 |
| SL8-Air battery (sold separately — two required per flight) | |
| Voltage | 21.6 V (6S) |
| Capacity | 7.3 Ah / 157 Wh |
| Weight | 2.25 lbs (approx. 1.02 kg) |
| Auxiliary output | USB-C Power Delivery |
| SL8 fast charger (sold separately) | |
| Output | 200 W |
| Charge time (0–100%) | Approx. 90 min per battery |
| Input | 100–240 VAC |
| Pilot Pro controller | |
| Radio | Herelink 1.1, 2.4 GHz (non-NDAA) |
| Display | Samsung Galaxy Tab Active5 (pre-configured, pre-installed) |
| Battery | Internal with external power input for hot-swapping |
| Astro compact travel case | |
| Model | SKB 3i-2217-10 |
| Dimensions | 24.52" × 19.5" × 12.22" (62.28 × 49.53 × 31.04 cm) |
| Weight (no batteries) | 36.16 lbs / 16.40 kg |
| Weight (full kit, two SL8s) | 40.66 lbs / 18.44 kg |
| Protection rating | MIL-STD-810G, fully submersible and dust-tight |
| Airline checkable | Yes |
FAQ
What is the difference between the NDAA and non-NDAA versions of the Astro Max?
The non-NDAA Astro Max (this listing) ships with the Freefly Pilot Pro controller using a Herelink 1.1 2.4 GHz radio, which is not NDAA or DIU Blue approved. The NDAA/Blue version uses a Doodle Labs radio and other NDAA-compliant components, making it suitable for government, public safety, and Department of Defense operations where NDAA compliance is required. If you are unsure which version applies to your use case, contact us before purchasing.
What payloads are compatible with the Astro Max?
The Astro Max supports a wide range of payloads via the Smart Dovetail quick-release mount, including the Freefly LR1 (61 MP Sony RGB), LR1 Thermal Upgrade, Freefly Flux LiDAR series (L1, O1, H1), Sentera 65R, Sentera 6X Multispectral, Sentera 6X Thermal, and Ventus OGI optical gas imaging payload, among others. Contact us to discuss payload options for your specific use case.
Does the Astro Max support autonomous missions?
Yes. The Astro Max runs AuterionOS on its onboard mission computer and supports autonomous mission planning and execution. It also supports DroneDeploy for mapping missions and optional LTE cloud connectivity for remote operations. RTK GPS capability is available as an optional add-on using a user-supplied ground station computer.
Is the Astro Max airline checkable?
Yes. The included Astro Compact Travel Case (SKB 3i-2217-10) is MIL-STD-810G rated, fully submersible, dust-tight, and designed to be airline checkable. Note that SL8-Air lithium-ion batteries are subject to airline regulations and must be transported in accordance with current FAA and IATA guidelines.
What level of pilot skill is required to fly the Astro Max?
The Astro Max is an industrial drone platform intended for trained commercial operators. Manual Mode proficiency is specifically required for emergency procedures. Manufacturer drone training is strongly recommended before operating the Astro Max — contact us to discuss training options.
