Autonomous R/c Heli

[Edge 540]

I just wanted to share a project I've been involved with for about a year and a half. I was not involved with the design but was essentially the "test pilot" buddy-boxing with the computer.We brought it to the Hamilton IMAC but didn't fly until later in the evening. This is a fully autonomous helicopter system for a graduate thesis at Wright State University. The entire system was developed in house including hardware and software. We started with a Trex 450 and eventually progressed to the 600 Pro Electric which is pictured here. If the system fails I take control for safety.
In this video you can see the heli take off and ascend to altitude at waypoint 1, continue in a square through waypoints 2, 3 and 4 then proceed to land back at waypoint 1 all completely autonomously. It continually corrects for environmental variables such as wind and does not need to be "taught" the flight path. Program in the scheduled flight plan and watch.
Contact info:
arlinghaus.2@wright.edu

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[FlyingSquirrel10]

Dang. That is killer! What type of software did he use for the programming??

[askforplanes]

Thats cool, any more detail on the setup?

JP

[Dan B]

We have a local flyer out here that's been working with Stanford University for a number of years along the same lines.

http://heli.stanford.edu/

[bob36]

FFA going to be real interested in your project.


Bob

[3Dguy]

Now put a shotgun on it.

[3D-Seth]

Thats awesome Stephen!

[Edge 540]

	Quote: Originally Posted by bob36
	FFA going to be real interested in your project. Bob

Future farmers of America?

Perhaps you meant FAA and if you did, we are operating with the utmost regard to safety. I'm not in frame but I am holding a transmitter ready to take over at the first sign on any troubles. Many precautions are taken in both the software and hardware to make sure the aircraft is always under complete control. Bad inputs automatically default the aircraft control to manual and I have the ability to take over at ANY time. Furthermore all my manual controls are Futaba Faast channel hopping spread spectrum 2.4 equipment to minimize interference issues. This is a university sponsored program.

[MODE 1]

	Quote: Originally Posted by 3Dguy
	Now put a shotgun on it.

You might be closer to the truth than you think. I can see something like that getting into the wrong hands and being used for unscrupulous reasons especially in these uncertain times.

[Edge 540]

.

[3Dguy]

	Quote: Originally Posted by MODE 1
	You might be closer to the truth than you think. I can see something like that getting into the wrong hands and being used for unscrupulous reasons especially in these uncertain times.

Such a craft already exists... I was just joking...

YouTube - Broadcast Yourself.

[3Dguy]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Edge 540
	Wow, Wasn't expecting all this negativity.

We're all just interested, I wouldn't call it negativity [yet]... Everyone's just worried about future restrictions on the hobby caused by bad publicity.

[cap 232g]

Very cool Stephen!

[MODE 1]

Yep as 3DGuy said. We ARE interested. Don't be put off by my comment..........guess its just the world we live in now makes you think about alternative uses. Youve done something spectacular there and should be very proud of your achievements. I am.

[Edge 540]

Here are a few pics of the system installed on the 450. The laptop you see is NOT part of the system. The aircraft will function completely on its own. The PC is used to monitor live telemetry for troubleshooting and input new waypoints.

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