Freefly
Freefly Flying Sun 500 Aerial Lighting System
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The Freefly LR1 Payload is a high-resolution mapping and inspection camera system purpose-built for the Freefly Astro and Astro Max platforms. Featuring a pre-installed 61 MP Sony ILX-LR1 camera on a 3-axis Freefly gimbal with a Sigma 24mm mapping lens, it delivers exceptional image quality for surveying, infrastructure inspection, environmental monitoring, and enterprise imaging missions. The LR1 Payload mounts directly via the Freefly Smart Dovetail quick-release system, providing power and data communication for camera controls, gimbal tilt, shutter triggering, and live image preview from the Pilot Pro controller. Expandable with optional thermal imaging and laser range finder modules, three expansion ports, and support for multiple interchangeable lenses, the LR1 Payload adapts to a wide range of mission profiles. Designed and assembled in the USA — NDAA and DIU Blue approved.
61 megapixels of precision — mapping, inspection, and imaging from a single expandable payload.
Features
- 61 MP Sony ILX-LR1 full-frame camera pre-installed on a Freefly 3-axis gimbal — delivers exceptional resolution for mapping and inspection at any altitude
- Sigma 24mm f/3.5 mapping lens included — supports additional tested lenses (35mm, 50mm, 75mm) for different mission profiles; travel case has room for 2 additional lenses
- Native Smart Dovetail integration with Astro and Astro Max — provides power and data communication for camera settings, shutter control, gimbal tilt, and live image preview from Pilot Pro
- Geo-tagged JPG image capture via included USB-C thumb drive — images are ready for photogrammetry and mapping software workflows immediately after landing
- Lightweight at only 970g (34.2 oz) with default lens — typical Astro flights with the LR1 Payload are 28–34 minutes per pair of batteries
- High pixel count enables flexible altitude and coverage tradeoffs — capture 0.5 cm GSD at 31m altitude for detailed inspection, or cover up to 240 acres per flight at 1.9 cm GSD from 400 ft
- 3-axis gimbal with –90° to +30° tilt range — supports nadir mapping, oblique inspection angles, and forward-looking video
- Three expansion ports for add-on cameras, sensors, and power output — expandable with the optional LR1 Thermal Upgrade (FLIR Boson 640R) and LR1 Laser Range Finder Upgrade for dual-sensor missions
- Adjustable and field-swappable lens system — change lenses to match mission requirements without tools or recalibration
- Ships in rugged SKB travel case (SKB 3L-1209-4B-E) with custom foam insert — room for payload and 2 additional lenses
- Designed and assembled in the USA — NDAA compliant and DIU Blue approved for government, public safety, and Department of Defense operations
- Requires Astro Isolator (sold separately if not already installed on your Astro) for vibration-isolated mounting
Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Camera | |
| Camera body | Sony ILX-LR1 (pre-installed) |
| Resolution | 61 MP (9504 × 6336 pixels) |
| Sensor size | 35.7 × 23.9 mm (full frame) |
| Pixel size | 3.76 μm |
| Image format | Geo-tagged JPG |
| Default lens | Sigma 24mm f/3.5 DG DN Contemporary (p/n 404965) |
| Gimbal | |
| Axes | 3-axis stabilized |
| Tilt range | –90° (nadir) to +30° |
| Mount interface | Smart Dovetail quick-release (Pixhawk Payload Bus compatible) |
| Expansion ports | 3 (for add-on cameras, sensors, and power output) |
| Weight | |
| Payload with default lens (Sigma 24mm) | 970g / 34.2 oz |
| Smart Dovetail mount | 95g |
| Total with mount | 1065g |
| Remaining weight budget for accessories | 435g (Astro max payload: 1500g) |
| Mapping performance (with Sigma 24mm, 70/65% overlap, single pass) | |
| 0.5 cm GSD | 62 acres/flight at 31m altitude, 4.75 m/s |
| 1.0 cm GSD | 98 acres/flight at 63m altitude, 9.5 m/s |
| 1.9 cm GSD (400 ft cap) | 240 acres/flight at 121m altitude, 15 m/s |
| Flight time (on Astro / Astro Max) | |
| Typical flight time with LR1 | 28–34 min per pair of batteries |
| Typical mapping flight duration | 25–29 min (varies by geometry, speed, wind) |
| Compatible lenses (tested) | |
| Sigma 24mm f/3.5 DG DN | 228g (included) |
| Sony FE 35mm f/2.8 Zeiss | 165g |
| Sony FE 50mm f/1.8 | 187g |
| Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8 FE | 230g |
| Optional expansion modules | |
| LR1 Thermal Upgrade | FLIR Boson 640R (640 × 512, radiometric LWIR), 92g installed |
| LR1 Laser Range Finder Upgrade | 100m range finder module |
| General | |
| Compatible aircraft | Freefly Astro, Astro Max (requires Astro Isolator) |
| NDAA compliant | Yes |
| DIU Blue approved | Yes |
| Ingress protection | Not IP rated — do not fly in rain or very dusty environments |
| Country of design and assembly | USA |
| SKU | 950-00147 |
| Travel case | |
| Model | SKB 3L-1209-4B-E with custom foam insert |
| Exterior dimensions | 13.125" × 11.375" × 5.5" (33.34 × 28.89 × 13.97 cm) |
| Lens capacity | 1 installed + 2 additional lenses |
FAQ
What aircraft is the LR1 Payload compatible with?
The LR1 Payload is designed for the Freefly Astro and Astro Max. It mounts via the Smart Dovetail quick-release system and requires the Astro Isolator for vibration-isolated operation. If your Astro does not already have an Astro Isolator installed, you will need to purchase one separately. Contact us if you are unsure whether your aircraft is equipped.
Can I use the LR1 Payload on the Alta X Gen2?
Yes. The Alta X Gen2 also features a Smart Dovetail interface with an isolated mount suited for the LR1 Payload and other Smart Dovetail payloads up to 3.3 lb. Contact us to discuss your specific configuration.
Can I change the lens on the LR1 Payload?
Yes. The LR1 Payload ships with a Sigma 24mm f/3.5 mapping lens but supports multiple interchangeable Sony E-mount lenses. Tested and supported options include the Sony FE 35mm f/2.8, Sony FE 50mm f/1.8, and Samyang AF 75mm f/1.8. Other E-mount lenses may also work. The travel case has room for the installed lens plus two additional lenses for field swaps. Contact us for lens recommendations based on your mission requirements.
Does the LR1 Payload capture RAW images?
The LR1 Payload is currently optimized for mapping and inspection using geo-tagged JPG images. While the Sony ILX-LR1 camera is capable of shooting RAW, RAW capture has not yet been added to the Astro and Pilot Pro integration. JPG images are well suited for photogrammetry workflows and are ready for processing in mapping software immediately after landing.
What optional upgrades are available for the LR1 Payload?
Two expansion modules are available: the LR1 Thermal Upgrade adds a FLIR Boson 640R radiometric thermal camera (640 × 512 LWIR) for dual RGB + thermal missions, and the LR1 Laser Range Finder Upgrade adds a 100m range finder for distance measurement. Both modules are user-installable and connect to the LR1’s expansion ports. They can be used individually or together. Contact us for pricing and compatibility details.
Is the LR1 Payload NDAA compliant?
Yes. The LR1 Payload is designed and assembled in the USA and is both NDAA compliant and DIU Blue approved, making it suitable for government, public safety, and Department of Defense operations.
How much area can I cover per flight with the LR1 Payload?
With the default 24mm lens at standard overlap settings (70% forward, 65% side, single pass), the LR1 Payload can cover approximately 62 acres per flight at 0.5 cm GSD, 98 acres at 1.0 cm GSD, or up to 240 acres at 1.9 cm GSD (capped at 400 ft altitude). Actual coverage depends on survey geometry, flight speed, wind conditions, and battery state. Contact us to discuss mission planning for your specific project.
