Astro Map + Pilot Pro (Herelink RF)

Survey and mapping professionals who already have a battery and charging setup, or who want to configure their power system independently, need a mapping drone kit that delivers the aircraft, payload, and controller without bundling redundant hardware into the purchase. The Freefly Astro Mapping Drone Kit combines the Astro industrial airframe, a 61 MP Sony Alpha 7R IVA mapping payload on a vibration-isolated gimbal, and the Pilot Pro Herelink RF controller in a focused configuration that gets the core system into the field without requiring batteries and chargers to be part of the purchase.

• 61 MP Sony Alpha 7R IVA for survey-grade aerial imagery: The full-frame 61 MP sensor delivers the resolution and dynamic range required for high-accuracy orthomosaic production, photogrammetric surface models, and mapping deliverables at the GSD levels professional clients expect. Paired with a Sigma 24mm f/3.5 lens on a quick-detach, vibration-isolated Freefly gimbal for consistent image quality across varied flight conditions.
• Freefly Astro airframe built for demanding field operations: Drawing on Freefly's background in professional aerial cinematography and precision payload delivery, the Astro Base airframe is engineered for durability and reliable performance under high-pressure operational conditions. Includes all necessary tools and spare components for field-ready maintenance.
• Pilot Pro Herelink RF controller for responsive command: The Freefly Pilot Pro controller with Herelink RF technology provides intuitive, low-latency control of the Astro system with the reliability professional mapping operations require across varied terrain and operational environments.
• Batteries sold separately for flexible power configuration: The kit requires a minimum of 2 SL8-Air batteries and 2 SL8 chargers to fly, sold separately. For uninterrupted field operations, Freefly recommends 4 SL8 batteries and 2 SL8 Fast Chargers to maintain rotation between flights. Contact Candrone to bundle batteries and chargers with your kit purchase.
• RTK GPS ground station compatible for enhanced positioning precision: The Astro supports an optional RTK GPS Ground Station via a user-supplied ground station computer, enabling survey-grade positioning accuracy for projects where standard GNSS precision is insufficient for deliverable requirements.

Overview and Who It's For

The Freefly Astro Mapping Drone Kit is designed for survey companies, precision agriculture services, and mapping professionals who need a high-resolution photogrammetry platform and already have SL8 batteries and chargers, or who prefer to configure their power setup separately. It is the base mapping kit for teams who do not need the full Essentials Kit's six-battery and four-charger configuration included in the price. Manual mode proficiency is required for emergency procedures. LTE modem functionality is available in the United States only. Contact Candrone for current availability, pricing, and battery bundle options.

Primary verticals:

• Survey and Mapping: High-resolution topographic mapping, orthomosaic production, and photogrammetric surface models for cadastral survey, land development, and infrastructure documentation.
• Precision Agriculture: Detailed crop mapping, field boundary survey, and high-resolution aerial imagery for precision agriculture management at the resolution that supports actionable agronomic analysis.
• Civil and Power: Construction site progress documentation, topographic survey, and corridor mapping where 61 MP resolution supports accurate as-built records and planning deliverables.

Key Specs

What's Included

• Freefly Astro Base airframe (with tools and spare components) x1
• 61 MP mapping payload (quick-detach vibration-isolated gimbal, Sony Alpha 7R IVA, Sigma 24mm lens) x1
• Freefly Pilot Pro controller (Herelink RF) x1

Batteries and chargers are not included and must be purchased separately. Minimum 2 x SL8-Air batteries and 2 x SL8 chargers required to fly. Contact Candrone to add batteries and chargers to your order.

Regulatory and Compliance

Regulations are subject to change. Always verify current Transport Canada RPAS requirements at tc.canada.ca before each operation.

FAQs

Why are batteries not included in this kit?
The Astro Mapping Drone Kit is the base configuration for teams who already own SL8 compatible batteries and chargers, or who prefer to select their power setup independently. If you need a complete ready-to-fly package with batteries and chargers included, the Freefly Astro Map Essentials Kit includes six SL8-Air batteries and four SL8 Fast Chargers. Contact Candrone to compare both configurations.

How many batteries do I need to operate the Astro?
The Astro requires a minimum of 2 SL8-Air batteries and 2 SL8 chargers to fly. Freefly recommends 4 SL8-Air batteries and 2 SL8 Fast Chargers for extended field sessions, enabling continuous rotation between flights without waiting for a single pair to recharge.

Does the kit include RTK GPS?
No. RTK GPS capability is optional and requires a separately purchased RTK GPS Ground Station and a user-supplied ground station computer. Contact Candrone for details on compatible RTK accessories.

Warranty and Returns

This product includes a standard manufacturer warranty from Freefly Systems. Candrone's standard return and exchange policy applies.

View Candrone's Warranty and Returns Policy

For support or to speak with a solutions specialist, contact our team at 1-888-461-5742 or visit our Contact page.