UAV [Sat Oct 29, 2005]

This project aims to build, program, and fly an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). For those who are unfamiliar with the concept, a UAV is simply an aircraft that can fly autonomously, (with little or no human input). This will be a joint project between myself, (handling the electronics / programming), and a good friend of mine (handling the aeronautics / mechanical engineering).

Although the project is far from completion, we anticipate the finished product will have at least the following features:

  • GPS unit for navigation
  • 2-axis accelerometer and/or gyros for pitch and roll sensing
  • 5-port servo driver (pitch, roll, yaw, throttle and a special function)
  • RF receiver for manual-flight mode
  • USB port for programming / flight-record viewing on a PC or Laptop

As the project progresses, full schematics, source-code, and software will be available for download.

In the mean-time enjoy this little web-app:
Waypoint Plotter using the Google Maps API