Freefly
Freefly Astro (NDAA Version) Optional FPV System
The Freefly Optional FPV System for Astro (NDAA) is the NDAA Section 848 compliant, DIU Blue approved configuration of Freefly's add-on FPV camera and front-mounted USB-C port for the Astro. It bolts to the nose of the aircraft and connects through the Astro IO panel, streaming a 1080p, 155-degree forward live view to the pilot for situational awareness in close-quarters or obstacle-rich flight. The integrated USB hub relocates the mapping drive from the underside of the airframe to the front of the chassis, where it is easier to insert, remove, and swap between flights. This is the version to use on the Astro Max NDAA and other Blue UAS Cleared Astro configurations where the accessory has to preserve the airframe's compliance status.
NDAA compliant. DIU Blue approved. The forward FPV view and front USB-C port without breaking the supply-chain attestation on your Astro.
Features
- NDAA Section 848 compliant supply chain and DIU Blue approved: matched to the compliance status of the Astro Max NDAA and other Blue UAS Cleared Astro configurations
- Wide-angle 1080p FPV camera streams a forward live view from the nose of the Astro for situational awareness in tight or obstacle-rich environments
- 155-degree horizontal field of view captures substantially more of the scene than the gimbal payload alone
- Front-mounted USB-C hub relocates the mapping drive from the underside of the airframe to the front of the chassis, where it is easier to insert, remove, and swap between flights
- Includes a 64 GB USB-C thumb drive with a pull tag for fast removal, plus two extra pull tags
- Lightweight at 44 g installed: minimal impact on flight time or payload capacity
- Bolts on with two screws using the 2 mm hex driver that ships with the Astro, then connects via the Astro IO panel's USB-C port
- Lens cover included to protect the FPV optic in transit and storage
- Mechanically compatible with any Astro airframe
Compliance
| NDAA Section 848 | Compliant: free of covered foreign components per FY2020 NDAA |
| Blue UAS Framework | DIU Blue approved |
| Eligible buyers | DoD, federal civilian agencies, state and local government, public safety, utilities, Part 89 / 107 commercial operators |
| Intended pairing | Astro Max NDAA and other Blue UAS Cleared Astro configurations |
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| SKU | 910-00857 |
| Configuration | NDAA / DIU Blue approved |
| Compatibility | Any Astro airframe |
| Camera resolution | 1080p |
| Horizontal field of view | 155 degrees |
| Installed weight | 44 g |
| Storage | 64 GB USB-C removable drive (included) |
| Mounting | Front of Astro chassis, two screws |
| Connection | USB-C, via Astro IO panel |
| Installation tool | 2 mm hex driver (ships with Astro) |
| In the box | FPV Hub, 64 GB USB-C drive, 2 mounting screws, 2 extra pull tags, lens cover |
Who this is for
- Federal agencies and DoD units operating the Astro Max NDAA under a procurement requirement for Blue UAS Cleared hardware
- State, local, and tribal public safety agencies operating Astro under grant programs with NDAA compliance requirements
- Utility, infrastructure, and inspection operators standardizing on NDAA / Blue UAS hardware across their fleet
- Pilots flying in close-quarters or obstacle-rich environments who want a forward live view in addition to the gimbal payload
- Mapping and inspection crews who want a more accessible USB-C port for swapping mapping drives between flights without flipping the aircraft
What's included
- 1 × FPV Hub with USB-C port
- 1 × USB-C thumb drive with pull tag (64 GB)
- 2 × Mounting screws
- 2 × Extra pull tags
- 1 × Lens cover
Please note: This is the NDAA / DIU Blue approved configuration of the Optional FPV System for Astro. The Astro itself is sold separately. If your aircraft is a standard (non-NDAA) Astro and you do not have a procurement requirement for NDAA Section 848 compliance, the standard Optional FPV System for Astro is typically the better value.
Under FAA Part 107, operations using first-person view require either a Visual Observer who maintains visual line of sight on the aircraft, or an FAA waiver from 14 CFR 107.31. The FPV system is a piece of hardware and does not change those requirements. Public aircraft operators flying under a COA or other authorization should follow the rules that govern their operation.
FAQ
How is this different from the standard Optional FPV System for Astro?
The hardware specifications, installation, and on-aircraft function are the same: 1080p, 155-degree FPV camera, front-mounted USB-C hub, 44 g installed. The NDAA configuration is built from a vetted supply chain that meets NDAA Section 848 and is DIU Blue approved. If you are buying for a federal, DoD, or Blue UAS-required program, or you need the accessory to preserve compliance on an Astro Max NDAA, this is the version you want.
What does NDAA Section 848 compliant mean?
Section 848 of the FY2020 National Defense Authorization Act prohibits federal departments and agencies from procuring or operating drones and components from certain covered foreign entities. NDAA compliant accessories are built without those covered components. The Optional FPV System for Astro (NDAA) meets this requirement.
What does DIU Blue approved mean?
The Defense Innovation Unit's Blue UAS Framework vets small UAS and related components against DoD cybersecurity and supply-chain requirements. DIU Blue approval indicates the component meets the program's criteria and is suitable for use in a Blue UAS-compliant configuration of an approved aircraft.
Will this work on my Astro?
Yes. The hardware is compatible with any Astro airframe. This NDAA configuration is the right choice for the Astro Max NDAA and any other Blue UAS Cleared Astro configuration where the accessory needs to maintain the airframe's compliance status. For a standard Astro with no procurement requirement for NDAA, the standard (non-NDAA) FPV system is the typical choice.
How is it installed?
The FPV hub bolts to the front of the Astro chassis with two screws using the 2 mm hex driver that ships with the Astro. The hub then connects to the Astro IO panel through its USB-C port. Installation is a few minutes and does not require removing other payloads.
How much weight does this add?
The system weighs 44 g installed, so the impact on flight time and payload capacity is small.
What does the included USB drive do?
It is a 64 GB USB-C removable drive that mounts in the front-facing USB-C port on the FPV hub. It is the same drive interface the Astro uses for mapping data, just relocated to the front of the chassis for faster removal and swapping between flights. A pull tag is preinstalled and two spare tags are included.
Do I need an FAA waiver to fly FPV with this?
Under FAA Part 107, FPV operations require either a Visual Observer who maintains visual line of sight on the aircraft, or an FAA waiver from 14 CFR 107.31. The FPV system is hardware and does not change those rules. Public aircraft operators flying under a COA or other authorization should follow the rules that govern their operation.
What is the warranty?
The Optional FPV System for Astro (NDAA) ships with Freefly's standard manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
