MicroPilot is a leading manufacturer of miniature autopilots for the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market. MicroPilot is internationally recognized for its MP2000, the market leader in miniature autopilots, and now has introduced the MP2028g, the world's smallest autopilot for UAVs. Weighing only 28 grams (1 ounce), the MP2028g establishes a new benchmark for lightweight autopilots.

Key Features of the MP2028g Autopilot

The company says, "MicroPilot's MP2028g is the world's smallest UAV autopilot. Weighing only 28 grams, the MP2028g is a low-cost integrated autopilot that is small enough to fly miniature UAVs, yet offers all the features of a full-size autopilot."

Key features include:

• Weight: 28 grams
• Dimensions: 10 cm X 4 cm
• GPS waypoint navigation
• Altitude and airspeed hold
• Autonomous take-off and landing
• 1,000 programmable waypoints
• Powerful command set
• Fully-integrated with a 3-axis gyros accelerometers, GPS and pressure sensors all on a single circuit board
• Extensive data logging
• Controls up to 24 servos
• Option set allows the engineer to tailor the MP2028g to any airframe
• Comes with Windows software

Included with the MP2028g is the HORIZONmp ground control software that offers a user friendly point and click interface for mission planning. Developed by MicroPilot, the HORIZONmp runs on a Windows computer or laptop. The HORIZONmp allows the operator to monitor the MP2028g, change waypoints, upload new flight plans, initiate holding patterns and adjust feedback loop gains all while the UAV is flying.

Who's gonna buy it?

The lightweight MP2028g is ideally suited for the emerging back-pack miniature aerial vehicle (MAV) market. Howard Loewen, President and Chief Technical Officer of MicroPilot, stated: "Up until this point the development of micro air vehicles has been hampered by the lack of suitable autopilot for control and flight guidance. At only 28 grams, the MP2028g will take micro air vehicles from the research labs and into the users' hands."

The MP2028g is priced at $5,000 (US) in single units and can be seen at the AUVSI 2003 Unmanned Systems Symposium and Exhibition being held at the Baltimore Convention Center today.

FMI: www.micropilot.com