Freefly Astro Max Aircraft: Compact industrial drone platform for professional operations
The Freefly Astro Max is a compact industrial drone platform built to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and flexibility for demanding professional missions. It supports up to a 3 kg payload and achieves a maximum flight time of 43 minutes with no payload. Designed around Freefly's advanced propulsion and flight-control architecture, the Astro Max offers a balance of endurance and stability in a rugged, foldable airframe that's ideal for transport and field deployment.
Industrial power in a compact form
Powered by high-efficiency 7010 motors and 21-inch propellers, the Astro Max delivers increased thrust and flight efficiency over previous Astro models. The airframe folds to half its flight diameter for easier packing and rapid setup. With an open payload ecosystem and Smart Dovetail quick-release interface, users can mount professional sensors for a range of aerial tasks-from imaging to survey-grade data collection-without tools or recalibration.
Designed for dependability and ease of use
The Astro Max is equipped with a dual-battery system supporting Freefly SL8 Air smart batteries and features integrated RTK-ready positioning for centimeter-level accuracy. The included Pilot Pro controller provides responsive flight control, live telemetry, and real-time mission data. Built with professional users in mind, the Astro Max delivers consistent performance and precise handling in industrial, creative, or research environments.
Key Features and Benefits
- 7010 motors and 21-inch propellers: Increased thrust and flight efficiency
- 3 kg maximum payload: Handles heavier sensors and accessories
- Up to 43 minutes flight time: Extended endurance without payload
- Foldable carbon-fiber frame: Compact, lightweight, and travel-ready design
- Smart Dovetail payload interface: Quick, tool-free sensor mounting
- RTK-ready precision: Supports centimeter-level positioning accuracy
- Dual SL8 Air battery compatibility: Enhanced flight reliability and endurance
- Pilot Pro controller: Real-time telemetry and mission data access
- Rugged travel case: Protects gear during field operations
- Open payload ecosystem: Compatible with mapping and imaging sensors
Applications and Use Cases
- RTK mapping: High-accuracy aerial data acquisition for survey projects
- Industrial inspection: Visual or thermal assessment of structures and utilities
- Film and media production: Stable aerial footage with professional payloads
- Research and environmental work: Reliable platform for scientific imaging
- Infrastructure monitoring: Repeatable data collection over large assets
- Public safety operations: Compact system for rapid field deployment
- LiDAR missions: Supports precision scanning and data-mapping tools
- Photogrammetry: Generates detailed 3D reconstructions and orthomosaics
- Construction documentation: Captures aerial records for progress tracking
The Freefly Astro Max combines compact portability with professional-grade flight performance. Its robust build, versatile payload options, and long-duration capability make it an ideal choice for organizations requiring reliable, high-end aerial data capture.
1x Astro Max (with folding landing gear, high efficiency props, and Astro Isolator)*
1x Astro compact travel case
1x each hex driver (1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm)
4x Proptectors
Spare parts:
1x Extra Proptector
4x Spare isolator balls
2x Rubber hole grommet
1x Pilot Pro controller
1x Samsung Active Tab (pre-configured and installed into controller)
1x Herelink 1.1 RF (2.4 GHz)
1x Custom padded neck strap
Astro Max
Up to 43 minutes flight time
31 minutes with LR1 Payload
20 minutes with max payload (3kg)
See Wiki for additional details
3kg max payload
Booms fold up to ½ the diameter
Pre-installed Astro Isolator for quick-release powered payload attachment
Alternate payload attachments sold separately: Integrator Vibration Isolator (non-electronic), Freefly Smart Dovetail Kit (hard mount), Astro Max Isolator (50A & 70A options for payloads over 1.5 KG / 3.3 lbs)
Pilot Pro Controller
High resolution rockers for precise camera / gimbal control
Configured with robust long-range radio hardware: Herelink 1.1 Radio (2.4 GHz)
Internal battery with external power inputs to support hot-swapping for maximum uptime
Emergency kill-switch
Discreet physical buttons for all key user actions
Includes custom configured, pre-installed 8" Samsung Galaxy Tablet Active5 tablet
Realtime drone and gimbal speed limits
Custom padded neck strap
Astro Compact Travel Case
Holds everything needed to fly Astro
Astro with 2 SL8 batteries* installed and legs folded
Pilot Pro radio controller
LR1 Payload (sold separately)
Pair of SL8 Chargers
Set of spare props (1 each CW & CCW)
Basic tools
Custom cut foam, tested to protect against drops from 1 meter
Submersible and dust tight (MIL-STD 810G)
Airline checkable
SKB Rolling Case - 3i-2217-10
Case dimensions: 24.52" x 19.5" x 12.22" / 62.28 x 49.53 x 31.04 cm
Weight of Astro in case: As shipped/checked (no SL8s): 36.16 lbs / 16.40 kg; Full kit (with two SL8s*): 40.66 lbs / 18.44 kg
Batteries
SL8-Air Batteries*
Astro uses two SL8-Air batteries per flight
Voltage: 21.6 V (6S)
Capacity: 7.3 Ah, 157 Wh
Weight: 2.25 lbs
Chemistry: Lithium-Ion
Auxiliary output: USB-C Power Delivery
Chargers
SL8 Fast Charger*
One charger charges one Freefly SL8-Air battery at a time
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
*Batteries and chargers needed for flight not included, sold separately.
