Freefly Gremsy VIO F1 (for Astro/Alta X Gen2)

Freefly Gremsy VIO F1: NDAA-Compliant EO/IR Payload With 4K Optical Zoom, Thermal Detection, and 2,400 m Ranging for Freefly Enterprise Platforms

The Gremsy VIO F1 is a compact, NDAA-compliant electro-optical and infrared payload configured by Freefly for direct Smart Dovetail integration on the Astro, Astro Max, and Alta X Gen2.

In 854 grams and a single 3-axis stabilized gimbal, it brings together three sensor systems that enterprise and government programs typically source and integrate separately: a 4K EO camera with 20× optical zoom and 240× combined maximum zoom, a FLIR Boson 640R thermal sensor delivering 640×512 imagery at 60 Hz with ≤50 mK thermal sensitivity, and a laser rangefinder accurate to 0.1–0.5 m at distances up to 2,400 m (1.5 miles).

Key Features and Benefits

• FLIR Boson 640R thermal sensor: 640×512 @ 60 Hz with ≤50 mK sensitivity for day-to-night detection.
• 4K EO camera: 8.51 MP 1/2.5-inch CMOS with 20× optical and 240× combined maximum zoom.
• 2,400 m laser rangefinder: 0.1–0.5 m accuracy for standoff distance measurement at range.
• 3-axis stabilized gimbal: 854 g payload maintains stable imaging through flight dynamics and wind.
• Smart Dovetail pre-integrated: configured for Astro, Astro Max, and Alta X Gen2 by Freefly before shipment.
• Simultaneous EO and thermal streams: PiP, Side-by-Side, Sync, and overlay display modes supported.
• AI object detection: human and vehicle detection with auto zoom tracking on the live feed.
• NDAA compliant and FCC approved: cleared for government and public safety program procurement.
• GPS geotagging: location data embedded in EO and IR files for operational reporting and mapping.
• 128 GB microSD included: pre-installed UHS-I card for onboard EO and IR capture.

Freefly configures and tests the VIO F1 before it ships — software settings, control protocols, and Smart Dovetail interface are pre-set for the Freefly platform, and the payload is ready for mount-and-go deployment on day one.

For fleet operators and solutions partners building out Freefly-based ISR, inspection, search and rescue, and public safety programs, the VIO F1 addresses the sensor integration question directly: a single NDAA-compliant payload that covers optical zoom, thermal detection, and precision ranging without requiring custom integration work on the aircraft.

Simultaneous EO and thermal streaming is supported with PiP, Side-by-Side, Sync, and overlay display modes, AI object detection for humans and vehicles runs on the live feed with auto zoom tracking, and GPS geotagging embeds location data in both EO and IR image files. On the Astro Max, the VIO F1 achieves 25–30 minutes of flight time per battery pair.

Note that Astro and Astro Max installations require a separately purchased isolator or Skyview Payload Mount — the Alta X Gen2 is compatible with its factory-included Smart Dovetail isolator mount.

Pre-Integrated Sensor Capability for Fleet-Level Freefly Deployments

For solutions partners and fleet operators building Freefly-based sensor programs, the integration overhead of a multi-sensor EO/IR payload is typically the friction point — not the capability itself. The VIO F1 eliminates that friction by arriving pre-configured for the Freefly platform. Freefly sets the software, control protocols, and communication interface before shipment, so the payload mounts to the Smart Dovetail and operates without additional setup.

The 240× combined zoom closes the standoff distance gap for surveillance and inspection — keeping the aircraft well clear of the subject while maintaining the resolution needed for positive identification or structural detail. The FLIR Boson 640R's 60 Hz frame rate at 640×512 with ≤50 mK sensitivity supports full-darkness and smoke-penetrating thermal detection, and the 2,400 m rangefinder adds precise distance data to both EO and IR workflows.

For fleet operators sourcing multiple VIO F1 units across a Freefly program, the pre-integrated configuration means every unit deploys identically — no per-unit setup variation, no integration inconsistency across the fleet.

Compatibility and System Integration

• Freefly Alta X Gen2: compatible with factory-included Smart Dovetail 30A isolator mount; no additional isolator required.
• Freefly Astro: requires Astro Isolator (30A isolator balls) or Skyview Payload Mount — sold separately.
• Freefly Astro Max: requires Astro Isolator, Astro Max 30A Isolator, or Skyview Payload Mount — sold separately.
• ArduPilot and PX4: supported autopilot protocols for flight stack integration.
• UART and Ethernet: supported control interfaces for payload communication and configuration.
• microSD up to 128 GB: onboard storage for simultaneous EO and IR capture during flight.

Applications and Use Cases

• ISR and surveillance: 240× combined zoom and thermal detection support long-range situational awareness.
• Search and rescue: FLIR Boson 640R detects heat signatures in darkness, smoke, and dense terrain.
• Critical infrastructure inspection: 2,400 m rangefinder and optical zoom resolve structural detail at standoff.
• Public safety operations: AI object detection and auto zoom tracking support subject monitoring from altitude.
• Environmental monitoring: simultaneous EO and thermal capture supports vegetation and wildlife workflows.
• Asset security and industrial diagnostics: thermal imaging identifies heat anomalies across facility footprints.
• Night operations: 640×512 @ 60 Hz with ≤50 mK sensitivity enables full-darkness mission capability.

The VIO F1 is the EO/IR payload for Freefly platform operators who need optical zoom, thermal detection, and precision ranging in a single NDAA-compliant, pre-integrated package — configured by Freefly, cleared for government procurement, and ready to fly without additional setup on the day it arrives.

Dronefly specializes in building complete sensor and platform configurations for government, public safety, and enterprise programs, and the Gremsy VIO F1 is the payload that Freefly platform operators ask for when compliance, sensor depth, and integration simplicity are all mission requirements.

When you source the VIO F1 through Dronefly, you get the compatibility expertise to confirm isolator requirements for your specific aircraft variant and the fleet deployment support to put every unit to work from day one.

Reach out to Dronefly today to discuss your program requirements and place your order.