Autopilots for Small Fixed-Wing Unmanned Air Vehicles: A Survey

This paper presents a survey of the autopilot systems for small fixed-wing unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). The UAV flight control basics are introduced first. The radio control system and autopilot control system are then explained from both hardware and software viewpoints. Several typical commercial off-the-shelf autopilot packages are compared in detail. In addition, some research autopilot systems are introduced. Finally, conclusions are made with a summary of the current autopilot market and a remark on the future development.This paper presents a survey of the autopilot systems for small fixed-wing unmanned air vehicles (UAVs). The UAV flight control basics are introduced first. The radio control system and autopilot control system are then explained from both hardware and software viewpoints. Several typical commercial off-the-shelf autopilot packages are compared in detail. In addition, some research autopilot systems are introduced. Finally, conclusions are made with a summary of the current autopilot market and a remark on the future development.