Freefly Systems Astro Base & Pilot Pro (Herelink RF)

(Payload not included)

Sony A7RIV Mapping Payload Now Available. Check the box above to include this with your order.

Astro was built to power our professional and industrial partners. We designed the Astro from the ground up to achieve the perfect blend of efficiency, agility, and reliability while keeping the pilot workflow simple and fast.

Key Features:

Intelligent Flight Batteries - Status Visible in Auterion Suite
21 Inch Blades with Folding Props
Ready for RTK (Just add Base Station)
Flies on just 2 batteries
Weather Shield
Adjustable Vibration Isolation Included
Long Range Data Link
Extensive Accessory Ecosystem
Quick Release Mounting System
Integrated 3 Axis Gimbal with Open API Allowing Gimbal Control Telemetry
Folding Landing Gear
4LB (1.8KG) Max Payload
Expandable - Astro features power and data expansion ports to help you integrate just about anything
40 Minute Flight Time with No Payload
30 Minute Flight with 2LB Payload
Herelink Long Range Video Transmitter
Payloads Sony A7R4 + 24mm lens
Made in the USA

The Strong Silent Type

Astro helps you do your best work.

Freefly's latest commercial drone platform with RTK, 61 megapixel Sony camera, LTE cloud connectivity, mission computer and more. Astro is backed by the team at Freefly with 100,000+ successful commercial drone flights.

There is fast, and Freefly Fast

Freefly loves to go fast, and we love to make our tools a joy to use. Astro is fast and fun.

World's toughest drones

Our drones carry the most expensive sensors in the world, and we test accordingly. 75+ Total tests were completed during the development of Astro. 185 Hours of flight and simulated flight testing before launch.

DRONES MADE IN THE USA

Designed, built, flown, crashed, fixed, tested, assembled, supported in Woodinville, WA, USA.

Freefly Astro Solves your problems - Cinema (4k imaging), Inspection (RTK + 61 megapixels - A new level of detail), First Responder (Thermal or RGB with zoom Actionable imaging), mapping (A7R4 + 24mm lens Professional grade imaging).

Skynode, Mission Control, & Cloud Suite

A customized version of Skynode powers each Astro. Skynode gives LTE connectivity, and onboard linux mission computer, and seamless connectivity to Auterion Mission Control and Cloud Suite.

The Auterion ecosystem provides a robust, secure, and scalable drone planning, flight, and compliance management solution which is ready for enterprise.

Enterprise developers can leverage the Auterion Air, Ground, and Cloud SDK, built around the MAVSDK to process data captured by Astro and integrate it in their own workflows.

The mission computer on board Astro provides compute power for real-time data processing. The LTE module brings Astro online and delivers results directly to your cloud.

Freefly RTK

Astro is equipped with our multi-band RTK system with centimeter level precision. Using the latest GNSS module from u-box (F9P) our RTK will give you rock solid height and position hold.

Super Light Batteries

Long flight times + intelligent monitoring

Astro batteries come in two sizes and feature the latest 2170 round cell lithium ion batteries. These cells combine high energy density with incredible cycle life. Freefly guarantees at least 500 cycles on our SL series batteries.

The SL series batteries feature an OLED screen that reports key data to the user and communicate with Astro via our open CAN battery protocol so you can track battery health and usage fleetwide.

Integrated Gimbal

Precise Control, Easy Integration

Freefly designed an ultra-lightweight 3-axis gimbal to go with Astro that is open architecture so we can adapt to new payloads. The gimbal features a payload quick release so you can quickly switch cameras and a gimbal quick release so you can quickly remove from Astro.

Notes

Pilot skill with Manual Mode is required for Emergency Procedures
Uses two Freefly SL8-Air Batteries per flight. (One pair included with base & map kit)
Works with RTK GPS Ground Station
The base kit does not include a payload - The Map Kit does include the gimbal and Sony A7RIV + 24 mm lens
LTE Modem works in the US Only
Astros will be shipped in order of orders received

What cameras/sensors does Astro support?

We are launching with the Sony a7R IV, which will focus on high resolution mapping applications.

We are planning to support many other payloads, with focus on cinema, first responder and other applications, as well as releasing development kits to allow third party integrations.

We’re capturing customer input to inform our development efforts for what people most want to fly under Astro.

When will Astro ship?

The first Astros will ship late in Q4, 2020.

What controller does Astro come with?

Astro is integrated with the Herelink Controller, with custom Auterion enterprise PX4 software developed for Astro. This controller and software allows aircraft control and video feed from the camera to be contained in one controller, for seamless single operator flights with minimal setup. There will be options to purchase Astro with or without the Herelink Controller.

Traditional RC radios (Futaba, etc) can optionally be used to manually pilot Astro.

What flight controller does Astro use?

Astro is powered by a Freefly designed / manufactured Skynode flight controller.

What size props does Astro have?

Astro has 21 inch folding props.

How does the gimbal attach to the Astro?

We have developed an ultra small and lightweight dovetail quick release for gimbal attachment. The quick release integrates all the electrical and data connections between Astro and the payload (gimbal + camera/sensor).

We will be publishing and releasing a dev kit so people can develop custom payloads, gimbals, etc using our protocol / hardware.

What is the BMS standard for the batteries?

Astro’s smart batteries use a CANBUS-based Freefly-developed communication protocol.

We will publish the standard for anyone to use.
We will also publish the mechanical mounting interface to allow you to mount the batteries onto your own system.

Can I use the Astro batteries to power Movi Pro or Movi Carbon?

Yes, we will be releasing an adapter for this!

How fast do the Astro batteries charge?

Using the Fast Charger (included in Astro bundles that include batteries), you can expect 1.5 hours from empty to full.

What does “smart” battery mean?

The battery has built-in monitoring and protection!

This enables one-plug charge (no more balancing leads!), and provides valuable information (such as battery health and remaining capacity) for Astro to enable you to fly longer and with more confidence.

How long can Astro fly?

Times noted below express maximum flight times with the SL8 Astro smart battery (largest capacity):

25 mins with 1500g payload (max all up weight)
38 mins with no payload (min all up weight)

What is the maximum payload capacity of Astro?

Astro can carry a 53oz/1,500g payload. 3.3 pounds

How are payloads attached to the Astro gimbal?

We use a small, lightweight dovetail attachment.

Do you have a multi-bay charger?

For launch, we will offer only the single-battery charger (bundles that include a pair of batteries will come with a pair of chargers).

We are planning a whole slew of accessories for the future, including more charger variants and various adapters!

Will you offer retractable landing gear?

Astro landing gear folds up for storage, but we will not be releasing retracts for launch. But it’s possible in the future.

How many cycles will I get out of the Astro batteries?

Freefly will warranty issues that happen within the first 12 months or 500 cycles, whichever comes first.

How much does Astro weigh?

Without batteries or payload (camera/sensor/gimbal), Astro weighs in at 6.97lbs/3,166g.

How small does Astro fold for storage/travel?

Astro folds twice! The booms fold in and the landing gear fold up. When completely folded up with the gimbal removed, Astro is:

Diameter: 20?/508mm
Height: 7?/178mm

Can I order spare parts online for Astro?

Yes, we will be offering spare parts on our online store and through our dealers.

Does Astro support dual operators?

For launch, we are focusing on a solo operator setup.

We are planning on releasing a dual operator option in the future once we are happy with design and operation.

Where do each of the parts come from? Anything from China?

We will publish a comprehensive parts origin list.
Astro is designed, tested, built and supported in USA. The Herelink controller is made in China and is currently not NDAA compliant because of that.

How much does Astro cost?

We’ve set preliminary pricing for our three launch options. These are subject to change before we start taking orders:

Will Astro directly geotag image files?

Directly geotagging camera file is not possible at this time, but there will be a fast workflow to geotag images in an automated way.

Where is the Herelink Controller manufactured?

Herelink Controller are manufactured in China.

FreeFly Astro Base Kit US Built Quadcopter

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