Figure 7: Maximum Endurance of Battery Powered Flight Figure 8: Max Rate of Climb Over Time RC Setup and Autopilot System Introduction The purpose of this project is to create a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) that was capable of piloting itself via an autopilot system, or through an RC transmitter/receiver combination. To do this firstly required setting up a receiver and transmitter in the same format as an RC plane that could be purchased at any hobby store. Next is the implementation of an autopilot system. This was achieved using the revolutionary ArduPilot Mega, (DIYDRONES.COM) open source autopilot. This autopilot features a 3-axis gyro and 5Hz GPS module that is used to identify location, via satellite, anywhere in the world. With this autopilot system, the user has the ability to launch off of manual RC control and, with the flip of a switch; the plane will fly under its own power to any preprogrammed destinations. Using this same system the user has the ability to input commands such as loiter, stabilize, and return to launch. The system also features a failsafe in which the plane will return to its launching location in the event of a loss of GPS or Radio signal. Using Ardupilot’s Mission Planner freeware, simulations can be run using the XPLANE 10 Flight Simulation program (X-Plane.com). With the combination of RC and Ardupilot hardware users have the ability to use their RC transmitter to control flight simulations for practice.
Figure 7: Maximum Endurance of Battery Powered Flight Figure 8: Max Rate of Climb Over Time RC Setup and Autopilot System Introduction The purpose of this project is to create a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) that was capable of piloting itself via an autopilot system, or through an RC transmitter/receiver combination. To do this firstly required setting up a receiver and transmitter in the same format as an RC plane that could be purchased at any hobby store. Next is the implementation of an autopilot system. This was achieved using the revolutionary ArduPilot Mega, (DIYDRONES.COM) open source autopilot. This autopilot features a 3-axis gyro and 5Hz GPS module that is used to identify location, via satellite, anywhere in the world. With this autopilot system, the user has the ability to launch off of manual RC control and, with the flip of a switch; the plane will fly under its own power to any preprogrammed destinations. Using this same system the user has the ability to input commands such as loiter, stabilize, and return to launch. The system also features a failsafe in which the plane will return to its launching location in the event of a loss of GPS or Radio signal. Using Ardupilot’s Mission Planner freeware, simulations can be run using the XPLANE 10 Flight Simulation program (X-Plane.com). With the combination of RC and Ardupilot hardware users have the ability to use their RC transmitter to control flight simulations for practice.
UAV_Midterm_Report.docx