Autopilots for drones

An autopilot is a flight controller for automated missions, surveying and professional operations, usually running PX4 or ArduPilot. It processes data from the IMU, barometer, GNSS and compass and controls ESCs, servos and payload.

Dimensions (mm)

Dimensions of the module, carrier board or housing; for FPV boards also the mounting pattern. For modular autopilots include the baseboard.

Number of barometers

Number of air-pressure sensors for altitude measurement. A second barometer serves as a fallback.

Input voltage (V)

Permitted supply voltage, either regulated voltage from a power module or the battery voltage directly (in S). For boards powered directly from the battery, check the permitted cell count.

Supported firmware

Flight software that runs on the hardware, such as PX4, ArduPilot, Betaflight, INAV or manufacturer systems. The choice determines features, ground station and certification path; open firmware is widely documented.

Weight (g)

For modular autopilots the module without baseboard, unless the note says otherwise. Add the carrier board and cables for the weight budget.

Number of IMUs

Number of inertial measurement units (IMUs). Several IMUs allow plausibility checks and switch-over on sensor faults, which matters for professional operations.

IMU types

Sensor chips fitted, e.g. ICM-42688-P, BMI088 or ADIS16470. Different types in one unit reduce the risk that a common fault affects all IMUs at once.

NDAA compliant

Indicates whether the manufacturer explicitly declares compliance with US procurement rules (NDAA). The value is “ja” (yes) only where the manufacturer says so; empty means no statement found, not “no”.

Processor

Main processor of the flight controller, often an STM32 microcontroller (F4, F7, H7), on autopilots sometimes with an auxiliary I/O processor. Faster processors allow more elaborate filtering, more sensors and firmware such as PX4 or ArduPilot.

Interfaces

Connections for peripherals, such as UART, CAN, I2C, PWM outputs, Ethernet or telemetry ports. Enough free ports for GNSS, radio links, ESCs and payload avoid adapter solutions later.

For professional drones, redundancy (several IMUs of different types, two barometers), widely used open firmware and enough interfaces for GNSS, radio links and payload matter. Modular autopilots with a carrier board allow the module to be swapped without rewiring. US government contracts may require NDAA compliance; it is only marked where the manufacturer explicitly declares it. Check the input voltage and whether a suitable power module is available. Vendor-specific systems often offer ready integration but less freedom in payload and ground station.

The weight of modular autopilots usually excludes the carrier board.

“NDAA compliant” is only set where the manufacturer explicitly declares it; an empty field does not mean “no”.

What is the difference between an autopilot and a flight controller?

Both stabilise the drone. In this section, “autopilot” refers to controllers for automated and professional missions, “flight controller” to compact boards, mostly for FPV drones.

Why do autopilots have several IMUs?

If one sensor fails or gives wrong values, the firmware can switch to another.

What are PX4 and ArduPilot?

Two widely used open flight software projects with their own ground stations and large communities.