While I know that the current version of Ardupilot is not rated for manned flight, and in fact the developer code of conduct states “Members of the development team must not knowingly assist in projects where ArduPilot will be in control of human lives”, has there been any discussion of a version of the code that is focused on manned flight.
With the rapid development of drone and VTOL aircraft, my experience with Ardupilot and unmanned drones is that it is very good FMU software and would provide a robust part of a certified aircraft.
Every electric prototype VTOL I’ve seen for manned use looks like a death trap. So I’m personally not inclined to endorse or suggest that ArduPilot be used in furtherance of such folly.
oh yes… even I had the same view… ardupilot is such a nice FMU software that one can think of modifying it for manned use. I also asked that same doubt, then different people told me about different problems of such copters/VTOL lifting and flying humans. one was-- they cant glide. even a single motor failure leads to complete loss.
till 567th post around. here also the same doubt is answered…
Let me elaborate a bit more, as our is not a standard drone. It is more akin to the Mozzie (Overview — Mozzie 1.0 documentation), with lift fans for VTOL and wings for long range flight with a pusher prop.
But might be, the battery will not last long here… ? A huge heavy battery carrying a whole person will not last long… What is the use of such human carrying mozzie with small flight time?
And suppose if we replace a battery by fuel powered system, then why not purchase our own glider or single person aircraft? It will be just like, creating our own ardupilot Based commercial aircraft ?