LOS ANGELES - Freefly Systems Inc., a Woodinville, Wash.-based uncrewed aerial system (UAS) design and manufacturer, announced a partnership with datalink provider Doodle Labs in Singapore to integrate its Mesh Rider Radios into a new NDAA-compliant version of its Freefly Astro UAS platform.
The latest version of its Astro drone platform features high-precision RTK/PPK, LTE cloud connectivity, a tablet controller, smart batteries, an onboard mission computer, and an open ecosystem of modular payloads. Developed, tested, and supported by the Freefly team, the Astro aims to provide a reliable solution for various applications.
In collaboration with Doodle Labs, a provider of industrial-grade wireless networking solutions, Freefly will integrate Doodle Labs' mini Mesh Rider Radio as the onboard datalink for a new NDAA-compliant version of the Astro drone. The mini Mesh Rider Radio operates in an unlicensed frequency band, facilitating commercial drone operations while minimizing RF interference in diverse environments.
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The integration of Doodle Labs' low-size, weight, and power-demand (SWaP) radio aims to ensure long-range, high-bandwidth, and low-latency capabilities, providing a reliable connection for the drone. This integration also ensures compliance with standards required by Freefly's customer base, including the US Department of Interior, US Forest Service, and other fire management groups, as well as commercial and industrial customers. Additionally, the Astro is undergoing validation processes to join the Department of Defense's Blue UAS cleared list.
The United States Forest Service has already experienced success using Freefly's Alta-X with Doodle Labs' radios in challenging environments. The introduction of the Astro with Doodle Labs' Mesh Rider Radio promises a more compact and portable NDAA-compliant model designed for rapid deployment, from case to flying in just over a minute.
"Doodle Labs operates with similar standards to Freefly, ensuring reliability and ease of use for our customers," said Doodle Labs Co-CEO Amol Parikh. "The integration of our mini Mesh Rider Radio into the NDAA-compliant Astro drone represents a natural partnership, and we're pleased to support Freefly's endeavors in public safety, commercial, and defense sectors."
