Hey everyone,
This might sound like a bit of a crazy idea, but that's what we're here for! Anyway, I'd love to build an autopilot system for my Zenith 601 HDS using Drone parts. Here's a link to give you an idea of what the plane looks and performs like (http://www.zenithair.com/zodiac/601-hds.html).
For those that are unfamiliar with the "Experimental" class of manned aircraft in the US; basically, if you build it you can fly it - which differs drastically from the "Certified" class of aircraft, in which each part must undergo rigorous testing before you're allowed to used it. So, the assumed liability for any parts being used is on the pilot in an experimental.
All that said, there are several companies that produce flight instruments and autopilots for the experimental class of aircraft, here are some links:
http://www.grtavionics.com/
http://www.mglavionics.com/
http://www.dynonavionics.com/
The "Standard" setup for aircraft autopilots is to have a panel mounted control system, and two servos mounted inside of the airplane that are attached to the control surfaces via their cable/pushrods (one on the ailerons for roll and one on the elevator for pitch). These servos basically take over control of the airplane when they are engaged. The servos must be very strong, thus heavy in this configuration.
There is one company in particular (TruTrak - http://www.trutrakap.com/) that has released a different style of autopilot for light aircraft. The "Eco Autopilot" basically uses trim tabs (approx 10"x4")attached to each control surface (ailerons and elevators) that are controlled by high torque RC aircraft servos (hitec IP67). There is a panel mounted control unit that can communicate with an external GPS system to follow a ground track and the pitot system for altitude.
In aviation, iPads/Android tablets are becoming increasingly popular for navigation and flight planning (there are tons of apps for that...Foreflight, FlyQ, WingX...). There are also several companies that make AHRS/ADSB systems that work with these apps (Stratus, StratusX, iLevil...) Surprisingly, I haven't found anyone capable of controlling autopilot with an iPad! Call me crazy, but I think it's possible to do!
I am not a software engineer by any means - so I ask you, the experts - is it possible to mimic a system like the "Eco Autopilot" using a flight app like Foreflight and a Stratus AHRS unit as the brains of the operation (using the WAAS GPS signal in the Stratus as an altitude source to simplify the system and stay away from the pitot/static system), R/C servos and trim tabs?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts!
Chad
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