MP1028g flight-control computer

The MP1028g is a flight-control computer, commonly called an autopilot, made by MicroPilot for small unmanned aircraft. It is the entry-level model of the family and is aimed at programs where cost is the main driver, while keeping the core functions of the MP2028g, with the same minimal size and weight. The specification page read for this description is that of the MP1028g2 version.

All the sensors needed to stabilize the airframe are integrated on a single circuit board: roll and yaw gyros, a Y accelerometer for coordinated turns, an airspeed sensor with a range of 150 km/h and an altimeter with a range of 2500 m above the launch point. A 3-axis magnetometer and extra ADC channels are optional. The autopilot flies both multirotor and fixed-wing aircraft and supports manual flight, autonomous flight and an integrated RC override, which allows a safety pilot to take control.

For navigation, it follows GPS waypoints and holds altitude and airspeed, with up to 1,000 programmable waypoints or commands. At a waypoint it can move a servo, change altitude or change airspeed, and the user can define holding patterns and error handlers for events such as a lost GPS signal or a low battery. The GPS update rate is 1 Hz, the inner control loop runs at 30 Hz and the servo update rate is 50 Hz with 11-bit servo resolution. Feedback gains and flight parameters are user programmable so the controller can be tuned to a specific airframe and mission. Autonomous launch can be by runway takeoff, hand launch, bungee or catapult. Autonomous takeoff and landing is not offered.

The unit drives up to 8 servos or relays and supports elevons, flaperons, flaps, V-tails and split ailerons. It has separate power inputs and voltage monitors for the servo battery and the main battery. Telemetry runs at 5 Hz, the onboard data log is 0.5 MB at 5 Hz for post-flight analysis, and a video overlay with 16 user-defined fields can be fitted using standard overlay boards. The HORIZON mp ground control software is optional, and a simulator is available for operator training. The software can be upgraded in the field and a power-on self test checks the system.

Physically, the board measures 10.0 x 4.0 x 1.5 cm and weighs 28 g, including the GPS receiver, gyros and sensors but not the GPS antenna. It accepts a supply of 4.2 to 26 V and draws 140 mA at a 6.5 V supply. These figures make it suitable for light and small unmanned aircraft, survey and training platforms and as a low-cost autopilot for research aircraft.