Creation of SW for Controlling Unmanned Aerial Systems

Abstract

This paper deals with an analysis of software functions that can be used to control Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), and particular design of a simple application (program) for flight planning with the use of predetermined points (the so-called Waypoints). The paper contains a description of how to set up the development environment as well as a brief description of the MAVLink protocol and its use by means of statements of several methods used in the program. Ardupilot Mega was preferred as a control unit which supports the MAVLink protocol. Although the application is fully functional, it is designed in its current form rather as a demonstration of possibilities of using the C# programming language and the MAVLink protocol parser than being for a regular use. It may be seen (and that is how it was intended) as a guide for anyone wishing to try to program their own application.

Keywords

• uav
• drone
• unmanned aerial vehicle
• waypoint
• autopilot