Since this is not really a drone related question I couldn't find a forum that it would fit into so I'm sticking this in misc - if there's a better place feel free to move it.
My question is could an ardupilot + a laptop or tablet be used as the avionics/autopilot of a real airplane? For like a kit plane or something small that doesn't necessarilly come with its own avionics?
Or - are there better choices already available out there that are just as affordable?
Replies
If your "real airplane" is compliant with FAR Part 103 (an ultralight), you can pretty much do what you want in Class G airspace. However, don't try to fly it remotely, as the FAA will take a very dim view of a 400+ pound UAV (Part 103 specifies manned operation).
http://www.ultralighthomepage.com/FAR.part103.html
I have no idea if that would be allowable, but here's an example of an autopilot system for manned aircraft: http://www.dynonavionics.com/docs/Autopilot_intro.html
Driving the control surfaces at least would require some great not-nearly-bargain-basement hardware, like the servos shown there.