Freefly Astro (Mapping Payload Kit)

Astro is Freefly’s compact industrial drone platform.

Freefly understands the need for quality tools. For more than 10 years Freefly aircraft have carried cinema cameras for Hollywood and high-end productions around the world. It carries valuable payloads in high-pressure situations. We also understand the need for flexibility. Astro’s interface specs are open, making it a flexible and reliable tool to get your new ideas in the air.

The base kit includes Astro, Herelink controller, one set of batteries, chargers, and everything else you need, all packed in a hard case.

Notes

• Pilot skill with Manual Mode is required for Emergency Procedures
• Uses two Freefly SL8-Air batteries per flight (one pair included with Base Kit)
• Works with RTK GPS Ground Station
• This kit does not include a payload (e.g. gimbal/camera)
• LTE modem works in the United States
• Astros will be shipped in order reservations were received

• Astro
  • Up to 37 minutes flight time. (See Wiki for additional details)
  • 1500 grams max payload 
  • Booms fold up to ½ the diameter
  • Vibration isolated payload attachment
  • Additional specs in the Astro wiki
• Travel Case
  • Holds everything included with the Base Kit
  • Removable battery tray holds up to 6 Freefly SuperLight batteries
  • Custom cut foam, tested to protect against drops from 1 meter
  • Submersible and dust tight (MIL-STD 810G)
  • Airline checkable
• Controller & Video Transmitter
  • Herelink (not NDAA Compliant, specs available here)
• Batteries
  • SL8-Air Batteries
  • Astro uses two SL8-Air batteries per flight, two batteries included in Base Kit
  • Voltage: 21.6 V (6S)
  • Capacity: 7.3 Ah, 157 Wh
  • Weight: 2.25lbs
  • Chemistry: Lithium-Ion
  • Auxiliary output: USB-C Power Delivery 
• Chargers
  • SL8 Fast Charger
  • One charger charges one Freefly SL8-Air battery at a time, two included in Base Kit
  • Approximate charge time for one SL8-Air battery, from 0%: 90 mins
  • Input: 100 / 240 VAC
  • Output: 200 Watts
  • Supplied with North America power cable (NEMA 1-15 ungrounded, Type A). 
    • Power cable is replaceable (IEC320 connector). 
• Designed and Assembled in USA.

In the box Astro:

• Qty 1 Travel Case with custom insert, packed with:
  • Qty 1 - Astro (with landing gear and props)
  • Qty 2 - SL8 Fast Chargers
  • Qty 1 - Herelink Controller
  • Qty 2 - Herelink Controller Freefly custom sticks
  • Qty 1 - Vibration Isolated Cheese Plate
  • Qty 1 each - Hex drivers, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm
  • Qty 4 - Proptectors
  • Spare parts
    • Qty 1 - Extra Proptector
    • Qty 4 - Spare isolators
    • Qty 2 - OEM Herelink controller sticks
    • Qty 2 - Rubber hole grommet
    • Qty 1 - Herelink charging cable
• Qty 2 - SL8-Air Batteries

Each Mapping Payload includes a Freefly Mapping Gimbal, 61MP Sony Alpha 7R IV, 24mm lens, a USB drive to capture geo-tagged images and a foam insert that nests under the Astro in the Astro travel case.

The Mapping Gimbal natively mounts to your Astro with the Freefly Smart Dovetail system. This connection provides power and data communication from the camera to the the ground station controller (and optional LTE network) for camera controls (camera settings and shutter), gimbal control (tilt), and image preview. 

Notes

• This payload specifically optimized for mapping with Astro.
• The Mapping Payload is not available without the camera/lens, nor is it practical or advised to disassemble the payload to use the camera for other purposes. 
• If you purchased an Astro Base before 2/1/2022 and want to purchase a Mapping Payload, please reach out to Freefly Support for assistance. 

Tech Spec

• Mapping Payload
  • Freefly Mapping Gimbal
  • Sony Alpha 7R IV camera body (61 megapixel resolution)
  • Sigma 35mm f3.5 mapping lens (p/n 404965)
  • Camera and gimbal control from Herelink pilot controller (Herelink sold separately, included with Astro Base)
  • Typical Astro flights with Mapping Payload are 25-32 minutes, depending on speed / conditions, per pair of batteries.
• Ships in box
  • Custom cut foam insert designed for Freefly Astro Travel Case
• The Freefly Mapping Gimbal is designed and assembled in USA.

In the box payload kit:

• Qty 1 Mapping Payload
  • Qty 1 - Freefly Mapping Gimbal
  • Qty 1 - Sony Alpha 7R IV 61MP camera body (pre-installed in gimbal)
  • Qty 1 - Sigma 25mm mapping lens
  • Qty 1 - USB - C thumb drive and 90˚ adapter
  • Qty 1 - Foam insert set for Astro Travel Case