UAS

What

The goal of this project is to create an Automatic Flight System for use, initially, on inexpensive R/C aircraft. We intend to do this using low cost Arduino (or Arduino-like) development boards, an IMU, and GPS. As our confidence in the system grows, we intend to grow the project to control larger drones capable of greater range and payload.

Demonstration Goals

• Command surfaces.
• Command throttle.
• Demonstrate RTS/preflight.
• Short, straight line flight coupled with "safe" landing.
• Fly an oval retaining a static altitude
• Circle up to altitude, then circle back down and land.
• Circle up to altitude, then dive down and land.
• Perform multiple "Go Around" test landing passes.
• Fly a longer flight plan.
• Test failure modes.
• Bonus: attempt to fly thermals!
• Bonus: aerobatics!

Why

Because it interests us.

Of course, this is nothing new. It's all been done before, but not by us.

Practical Uses

This are some interesting, potentially practical uses:

• RF data repeater
• Search drone (e.g. missing hikers)
• Wildfire spotter

Who

• Scott B.
• Jeremy M. (AKA JT-Money)

Design

See Drone/Design

Bill of Materials (BOM)

See Drone/Initial_BOM

See Also

• INS @ Wikipedia