Freefly Astro Vs Astro Max: Choosing The Right Enterprise Drone

Freefly's Astro and Astro Max look almost identical, but they're built for different workloads. Here's how they compare and how to choose.

Freefly Astro vs Astro Max at a glance

What they share

Both are compact industrial platforms that run Auterion Enterprise PX4 on Freefly's Skynode flight controller. They also share the same wider payload range, including the Sony LR1 mapping camera, Freefly Flux LiDAR sensors and Emesent Hovermap. If you already know one airframe, you'll feel at home on the other.

Where the Astro Max pulls ahead

The key difference is power. The Astro Max uses higher-output Freefly 7010 motors, which double the payload capacity to 3 kg. It can also fly for up to 43 minutes without a payload, and Freefly quotes 31 minutes with the LR1. 

That extra headroom means you can carry heavier LiDAR and specialist sensors, or get more flight time from lighter ones. 

Which should you choose?

Choose the Astro if:

• Your payloads are lighter, such as a single mapping camera or thermal sensor

• You want a proven, capable platform for everyday survey and inspection

Choose the Astro Max if:

• You fly heavier LiDAR or specialist sensors

• You want longer flights and more flexibility to add payloads in the future

FAQs

What's the difference between the Freefly Astro and Astro Max?

The Astro Max has more powerful motors, doubling the maximum payload from 1.5 kg to 3 kg, and it offers longer flight times.

How long can the Astro Max fly?

Freefly quotes up to 43 minutes with no payload, 31 minutes with the LR1 and 20 minutes at its 3 kg maximum payload.

Do the Astro and Astro Max use the same batteries?

Yes. Both fly on two Freefly SL8-Air batteries.

Need more payload capacity and longer flight times for your enterprise operation? Explore the Freefly Astro Max.