Awesome Flight Controller Software

       

A curated list of open-source and high-quality flight controller software projects, tools, and resources for drones, UAVs, and robotics.

Flight controller software enables the stabilization, navigation, and automation of flying vehicles. It integrates sensors, actuators, and control algorithms, supporting quadcopters, fixed-wing, VTOL, and hybrid drones.

Contents

• Major Open-Source Flight Controller Software
• Racing & Freestyle
• Fixed-Wing & VTOL
• Simulation & Testing
• Configuration & Tuning Tools
• Learning & Community
• Related Awesome Lists

Major Open-Source Flight Controller Software

• ArduPilot – Versatile, feature-rich autopilot supporting multicopters, fixed-wing, submarines, and more.
• PX4 – Professional-grade open-source flight control software supporting diverse vehicles.
• Paparazzi UAV – Mature open-source framework used in research and academia.
• Tau Labs – Open-source firmware with safety and flexibility in mind.
• iNav – GPS-assisted flight controller firmware focused on navigation.

Racing & Freestyle

• BetaFlight – Popular for FPV racing and freestyle quadcopters.
• Cleanflight – Lightweight firmware optimized for racing drones.
• EmuFlight – Fork of BetaFlight focusing on alternative flight characteristics and features.

Fixed-Wing & VTOL

• OpenPilot – Historical project that influenced many modern FC firmware platforms.
• Librepilot – Successor to OpenPilot, focusing on stability and ease of use.
• MWP (MultiWii Pro) – Legacy project that inspired many modern FC firmwares.

Simulation & Testing

• AirSim – Open-source simulator for drones using Unreal Engine.
• Gazebo – Popular simulation tool integrated with PX4 and ROS.
• RotorS – Modular simulation framework for MAV research.

Configuration & Tuning Tools

• QGroundControl – Cross-platform ground control station software for PX4 and ArduPilot.
• Mission Planner – Full-featured Windows-based GCS for ArduPilot.
• Betaflight Configurator – Cross-platform GUI for configuring BetaFlight firmware.

Learning & Community

• PX4 Community – Community channels for PX4 development and support.
• ArduPilot Discourse – Forums for discussing ArduPilot development and usage.
• Betaflight Discord – Official BetaFlight community chat.

Related Awesome Lists

• Awesome Open-Source Drone Firmware – Open-source autopilot and firmware projects.
• Awesome Robotics – Resources and tools for robotics development.
• Awesome Aerospace Engineering – Aerospace and flight control resources.

Contribute

Contributions are welcome!

License