Doodle Labs attended Freefly Fest 2024 to see its partner’s new NDAA-compliant, Blue-cleared platform in action, check in on the latest tech developments in the drone suppliers’ ecosystem and contribute to the greater drone community.
- Category: News
- Tags: Freefly, Partnership, UAV
Last month, Doodle Labs visited Freefly Fest 2024, an annual event in Carnation, Washington to showcase Freefly Systems’ latest technology and bring together technology partners and end-users to a beautiful setting for drone demos, technology presentations and hands-on exhibits with the latest tech in the drone providers’ expanding ecosystem.
Notably, we saw live flight demos of the new NDAA-compliant Astro Prime UAS, which features the Mini Mesh Rider Radio as its resilient datalink for operation in challenging environments. Watch the recap video below for highlights!
What is Freefly Fest?
Freefly Fest is an annual event where Freefly Systems showcases their latest products and technology. It’s more than just a demo day—it’s a community gathering for drone enthusiasts, professionals, and industry leaders. This year’s fest was particularly special as it featured the new NDAA-compliant Astro Prime UAS, which integrates Doodle Labs Mesh Rider Radios for resilient connectivity.
The New Astro Prime UAS
Let’s talk about the star of the show—the Astro Prime UAS. This new drone is not just another addition to Freefly’s lineup; it’s a game-changer.
Cutting-Edge Features
The Astro Prime is packed with features that make it stand out. From high precision RTK/PPK to LTE cloud connectivity and smart batteries, this drone is built for performance. Its modular payload system allows for quick swaps, making it incredibly versatile.
NDAA Compliance & Blue Cleared List Status
One of the new platform’s biggest differentiators is NDAA compliance and a secured spot on DIU’s Blue UAS Cleared List. These accolades make it suitable for use by US Government agencies Freefly calls customers, including the Department of Interior, plus DoD end-users and local government agencies who look for these qualifications to future-proof their purchases. The integration of Doodle Labs Mesh Rider Radios ensures reliable, long-range, high-bandwidth connectivity, but also helped keep the Astro Prime NDAA-compliant and set the path toward Blue-cleared status.
Partnering with Doodle Labs
Our team at Doodle Labs has been a proud partner of Freefly Systems. Our Mesh Rider Radios are a key component of the Astro Prime, providing the resilient connectivity needed for its operations.
Enhanced Connectivity
The integration of our radios into the Astro Prime ensures seamless communication in unlicensed frequency bands, mitigating RF interference. This is crucial for operations in both urban and rural settings.
Real-World Applications
During the fest, we saw firsthand how our technology enhances the performance of the Astro Prime. From fire management to industrial inspections, the real-world applications are vast. It’s clear that our collaboration with Freefly Systems is heping to drive innovation in the drone industry.
Freefly Fest 2024 was a remarkable event that showcased the best of what the drone industry has to offer. From the impressive demo flights to the insightful discussions, it was clear that the future of drone technology is bright.
Watch our recap video to relive the highlights of Freefly Fest 2024 and see the Astro Prime in action.