# Ardupilot

> open control software for rc vehicles especially for auto navigation, asseesoirs and aerial mapping

**Wikidata**: [Q4788318](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4788318)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ArduPilot)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ardupilot

## Summary
ArduPilot is open-source firmware for RC vehicles, particularly drones, providing auto-navigation, control, and aerial mapping capabilities. First released in 2009, it is developed by the ArduPilot Foundation and supports multiple vehicle types, including planes, copters, rovers, and submarines.

## Key Facts
- **Type**: Open-source firmware for RC vehicles, primarily drones and autonomous systems
- **Founded**: 2009 by Randy Mackay
- **Developers**: ArduPilot Foundation
- **Platform**: STM32 microcontrollers
- **Licenses**: GNU GPL, LGPL, CC-BY-SA 3.0, Apache 2.0
- **Latest Version**: 4.2.1 (released May 23, 2022)
- **Aliases**: Arduplane, Arducopter, Ardurover, Ardusub
- **Operating System**: Cross-platform
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub (https://github.com/ArduPilot/ardupilot)
- **Website**: [ardupilot.org](http://ardupilot.org/)
- **Affiliation**: Software in the Public Interest

## FAQs
### Q: What is ArduPilot used for?
A: ArduPilot is used for autonomous navigation, control, and aerial mapping in RC vehicles, including drones, planes, rovers, and submarines.

### Q: Who developed ArduPilot?
A: ArduPilot was founded in 2009 by Randy Mackay and is now developed by the ArduPilot Foundation.

### Q: What licenses does ArduPilot use?
A: ArduPilot is released under multiple open-source licenses, including GNU GPL, LGPL, CC-BY-SA 3.0, and Apache 2.0.

### Q: What is the latest version of ArduPilot?
A: The latest stable version is 4.2.1, released on May 23, 2022.

### Q: Is ArduPilot compatible with Cube hardware?
A: Yes, ArduPilot is compatible with Cube, an open-source autopilot hardware platform derived from Pixhawk, which was introduced in 2018.

## Why It Matters
ArduPilot is a cornerstone of the open-source drone and autonomous vehicle community, providing a flexible and powerful control system for RC enthusiasts and professionals. Its modular design allows it to be adapted for various vehicle types, from small drones to large aircraft. By offering open-source firmware, ArduPilot democratizes access to advanced flight control technology, enabling innovation in aerial mapping, agriculture, and research. Its widespread adoption and active development ensure it remains a leading solution for autonomous navigation and control.

## Notable For
- **Open-Source Leadership**: One of the most widely used open-source autopilot systems for drones and RC vehicles.
- **Multi-Vehicle Support**: Supports planes, copters, rovers, and submarines under a unified framework.
- **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: Runs on STM32 microcontrollers and is cross-platform compatible.
- **Community-Driven Development**: Actively maintained by the ArduPilot Foundation and a global community of developers.
- **Aerial Mapping**: Used extensively for precision mapping and surveying applications.

## Body
### Overview
ArduPilot is an open-source firmware suite designed for RC vehicles, particularly drones, providing autonomous flight control and navigation capabilities. It was first released in 2009 by Randy Mackay and is now developed by the ArduPilot Foundation.

### Development and Licensing
- **Developers**: The ArduPilot Foundation, led by Randy Mackay.
- **Licenses**: GNU GPL, LGPL, CC-BY-SA 3.0, and Apache 2.0.
- **Source Code**: Hosted on GitHub (https://github.com/ArduPilot/ardupilot).

### Versions and Releases
- **Version 2.4**: Released February 18, 2012.
- **Version 3.5.6**: Released April 15, 2018.
- **Version 4.2.1**: Latest stable release, published May 23, 2022.

### Hardware Compatibility
- **Platform**: STM32 microcontrollers.
- **Related Hardware**: Cube, an open-source autopilot platform introduced in 2018.

### Applications
- **Primary Use**: Autonomous navigation, control, and aerial mapping.
- **Vehicle Types**: Planes, copters, rovers, and submarines.

### Community and Support
- **Affiliation**: Software in the Public Interest.
- **Community Engagement**: Active development and support through forums, GitHub, and Discord.

### Technical Specifications
- **Operating System**: Cross-platform.
- **File Formats**: Supports ArduPilot JSON firmware for configuration and updates.
- **Languages**: Primarily written in C++.

### Impact
- **Adoption**: Widely used in academia, industry, and hobbyist communities.
- **Innovation**: Enables advancements in drone technology, including precision agriculture and surveying.

## References

1. [The ardupilot Open Source Project on Open Hub: Languages Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/ardupilot/analyses/latest/languages_summary)
2. [Release 2.4. 2012](https://github.com/ArduPilot/ardupilot/releases/tag/v2.4)
3. [Release 3.3.3. 2017](https://github.com/ArduPilot/ardupilot/releases/tag/v3.3.3)
4. [Release 3.5.3. 2017](https://github.com/ArduPilot/ardupilot/releases/tag/v3.5.3)
5. [Release 3.5.4. 2017](https://github.com/ArduPilot/ardupilot/releases/tag/V3.5.4)
6. [Release 3.5.6. 2018](https://github.com/ArduPilot/ardupilot/releases/tag/v3.5.6)
7. [Release 4.1. 2021](https://github.com/ArduPilot/ardupilot/releases/tag/ArduPlane-stable)
8. [Release 4.2. 2022](https://github.com/ArduPilot/ardupilot/releases/tag/Plane-4.2.0)
9. [Release 4.2.1. 2022](https://github.com/ArduPilot/ardupilot/releases/tag/Plane-4.2.1)
10. [Source](https://api.github.com/repos/ArduPilot/ardupilot)
11. [Source](http://www.spi-inc.org/projects/)
12. Quora