Autonomous UAVs
in progressThree-stage autonomous UAV platform from quad interceptor to fixed-wing loitering strike aircraft with onboard computer vision targeting.
June 16, 2026
A comprehensive autonomous UAV project progressing from a hand-launched quad interceptor to a full fixed-wing loitering strike platform. The centerpiece is the Hunter Killer fixed wing — a foam/composite flying wing running ArduPlane on a Matek H743-Wing flight controller with a companion computer (Orange Pi 5 or RPi 5) executing a YOLOv8 computer vision targeting pipeline over MAVLink.
Platform Overview
The project develops three progressively complex autonomous platforms:
- Anti-Air Quad: Optical target detection and lock, with autonomous intercept capability
- Recon Fixed Wing: Long-endurance waypoint navigation, loiter, and autonomous photo/video capture
- Hunter Killer Fixed Wing: Four-stage autonomy progression from manual flight → GPS waypoints → computer vision target acquisition → autonomous engagement
Key Capabilities
The full software stack includes a production computer vision pipeline (color mask → YOLOv8 detection), SITL (Software-In-The-Loop) testing infrastructure before any hardware flies, ArduPlane/Pixhawk ecosystem integration, and comprehensive preflight checklist tooling. The Hunter Killer also serves as a prop build for Zach's prop club, with aesthetic attention to paint scheme, 3D-printed details, and LED effects inspired by the Black Ops fictional design.
Development Status
Software stack is complete and SITL-testable. Hardware procurement pending companion computer decision and parts ordering.