Freefly Systems, known for designing robust drones, has partnered with Doodle Labs, a prominent datalink provider, to enhance its Freefly Astro UAS platform. This partnership aims to integrate Doodle Labs' Mesh Rider Radios into a new version of the Astro that complies with the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The Freefly Astro is equipped with advanced features like high precision RTK/PPK, LTE cloud connectivity, a tablet controller, smart batteries, and an onboard mission computer. It supports a variety of modular payloads that can be quickly changed due to its open ecosystem design. All development and support for the Astro take place at Freefly's headquarters in Woodinville, WA.
Doodle Labs specializes in industrial-grade wireless solutions for advanced robotics and will supply its mini Mesh Rider Radio for the Astro. These high-performance radios use an unlicensed frequency band, reducing RF interference in diverse environments, crucial for commercial drone operations.
This integration will provide the Astro with enhanced long-range, high-bandwidth, and low-latency communications, ensuring reliable connectivity. It also aims to meet the stringent compliance standards required by Freefly’s significant clientele in fire management at the U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Forest Service, and other agencies.
The U.S. Forest Service has already successfully employed Freefly's Alta-X equipped with Doodle Labs' radios. The new NDAA-compliant Astro model is more compact and designed for quick deployment, enhancing operational efficiency in challenging conditions.
Doodle Labs is set to showcase the enhanced Freefly Astro at the upcoming AUVSI Xponential in San Diego, a major global event for uncrewed and robotic technology.
"Freefly is recognized for their exacting standards – they put their platforms through intense testing to ensure they will be reliable and easy to use for their customers. We at Doodle Labs operate very similarly," said Amol Parikh, Co-CEO of Doodle Labs. "Their integration of our mini Mesh Rider Radio as the NDAA-compliant Astro’s datalink is the result of a very natural partnership, and we’re happy to support Freefly’s growth and support of the public safety, commercial, and defense realms."
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