Which models can the CUAV controller be used in?

Multi-Platform Applications of CUAV Controllers: Comprehensive Solutions from Multirotors to Underwater Vehicles

CUAV controllers are universal flight control systems that can be widely applied to various drone platforms by flashing different firmware. This article will detail the compatibility range, typical application cases, and technical features of CUAV controllers, helping you understand the diverse application scenarios of this powerful flight control system.

I. Universality and Compatibility of CUAV Controllers

All CUAV controller models are universal flight controllers that can control multiple drone platforms by flashing different firmware. This flexibility makes CUAV controllers an ideal choice for drone enthusiasts, professional application developers, and industrial users.

Types of drones supported by CUAV controllers include:

  • Multirotor drones (quadcopters, hexacopters, octocopters, etc.)
  • Fixed-wing drones
  • VTOL fixed-wing drones
  • Helicopters
  • Unmanned ground vehicles
  • Unmanned boats
  • Unmanned submarines

It is worth noting that CUAV controllers fully support all aircraft models listed in the PX4 documentation and ArduPilot wiki, providing users with great flexibility and compatibility. This wide compatibility means users can easily switch between different types of platforms without changing flight control hardware, greatly reducing development and maintenance costs.

Ⅱ. Application Case Analysis

Case 1: XunWing X4 Copter Platform

XunWing X4 Copter Platform

The XunWing X4 is a lightweight quadcopter platform based on CUAV controllers, designed for science education, product testing, and project verification. This aircraft features a carbon fiber frame with excellent stability and reliability.

Core System Components:

  • CUAV V5+/V5 nano controller (required)
  • NEO 3 GPS (required)
  • Q10F 10x zoom pod (gimbal + camera, optional)
  • LTE Link SE (optional)
  • Remote controller (optional)
  • 3515 motors *4
  • 40A ESCs *4
  • Propellers *2 pairs

CUAV Controller Main Systems

Technical Parameters:

Performance Parameters
Aircraft Dimensions51cm*53cm*24cm (excluding propellers)
Wheelbase66cm
Frame MaterialCarbon fibre (trippers are plastic)
Overall Weight3.12kg
Load0.5kg
Remote Control Distance3km
Data Transmission DistanceMobile network transmission, unlimited distance
Image Transmission DistanceMobile network transmission, unlimited distance
Maximum Flight Speed12m/s
Wind Resistance RatingLevel 6
Flight Range12km
Flight Duration35 minutes
Expandable DevicesRTK/rangefinder, etc./optical flow, radar, ultrasonic, etc.
ApplicationsAerial photography, inspection, live broadcast, etc.
Ground Station SupportAPM, QGC, CUAV GS, non-aggressive transparent transmission
Intelligent ModeAutonomous flight/follow mode/intelligent return-to-home/
fault protection/point-and-fly/intelligent route, etc.
Return-to-Home Error<1.5m

This quadcopter platform is suitable for various scenarios such as science education, product testing, project verification, drone patrol, and aerial photography. It is a comprehensive entry-level professional drone solution. Its compact design and stable performance make it an ideal choice for educational institutions and research teams.

Flight Video:

Case 2: Applications of CUAV Controllers in Hexacopter Drones

The CUAV series of flight controllers supports a wide variety of hexacopter drones, from miniature racing drones to drones weighing hundreds of kilograms. Hexacopters offer better stability and load capacity compared to quadcopters, making them particularly suitable for professional applications. Here are some hexacopter drone cases using CUAV flight controllers:

1. X6 1200mm Hexcoil Hexacopter

Main Specifications

  • CUAV V5+ Controller
  • Neo 3 GPS
  • Hobwing X8 Powertrain
  • Full Carbon Fibre Construction
  • 1200mm Wheelbase
  • Flight Duration ≥60 minutes
  • Weight 9kg
  • Maximum Payload 5kg

The main features of the X6 1200mm Hexcoil are its excellent stability and long flight duration, making it an ideal choice for professional aerial photography and mapping. The full carbon fiber structure not only reduces weight but also improves overall strength and durability.

2. 1100mm hexacopter

Main Specifications

  • CUAV V5+ Controller
  • CAN PDB
  • Neo 2 Pro GPS
  • 1100mm Wheelbase
  • Flight Endurance ≥40 minutes

The 1100mm hexacopter design focuses on portability and practicality, suitable for application scenarios requiring frequent transportation and rapid deployment. Its stable flight performance and reliable navigation system enable it to perform excellently in various environmental conditions.

3. D1600 Hexacopter

Main Specifications

  • CUAV V5+ Controller
  • C-RTK 9P GPS
  • Wheelbase: 1600mm
  • Maximum Takeoff Weight: 20kg
  • Maximum Payload: 10kg
  • Endurance: Maximum 60 minutes

The outstanding features of the D1600 hexacopter are its powerful load capacity and high-precision positioning capability, making it an ideal choice for industrial applications and professional mapping. The C-RTK 9P GPS provides centimeter-level positioning accuracy, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of mission execution.

4. Hexacopter gasoline-powered UAV

Main Specifications

  • CUAV V5+ Controller
  • NEO V3 Pro
  • Wheelbase: 1600mm
  • Maximum Take off
  • Weight: 30kg
  • Flight Endurance: Maximum 6 hours

The gasoline-powered hexacopter represents the application capability of CUAV controllers on large professional platforms. Its ultra-long flight duration and powerful load capacity enable it to perform tasks that traditional electric drones find difficult to accomplish, providing professional users with a new solution.

III. Industry Applications of CUAV Controllers

CUAV controllers have been widely used in multiple industries due to their universality and reliability. Here are several main application areas:

1. Agricultural Field

CUAV controllers can be used in precision agriculture drones to implement tasks such as crop monitoring, pest and disease control, and precision fertilization. Their stable flight performance and precise control capabilities ensure efficient and accurate agricultural operations. By equipping with multispectral cameras and other sensors, CUAV controllers can help farmers better understand crop growth conditions, improve yields, and reduce costs.

2. Surveying and Geographic Information

In the field of surveying and mapping, drones equipped with CUAV controllers can carry high-precision cameras and LiDAR to conduct topographic mapping, urban planning, and engineering monitoring. Especially when paired with RTK positioning systems, CUAV controllers can achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy, meeting the strict requirements of professional surveying and mapping. These data can be used to create high-precision 3D models, providing important references for urban planning and engineering design.

3. Public Safety and Emergency Response

Drone platforms supported by CUAV controllers play an important role in the field of public safety, which can be used for fire monitoring, search and rescue, traffic monitoring, and emergency communication tasks. Their stable and reliable performance is particularly important in emergencies, as they can be quickly deployed and provide key information. After natural disasters occur, drones can enter dangerous areas for reconnaissance, helping rescuers develop more effective rescue strategies.

4. Energy Industry

In the energy industry, drones driven by CUAV controllers can be used for power line inspection, wind turbine inspection, and oil pipeline monitoring tasks. These applications greatly reduce the risks and costs of manual inspection and improve detection efficiency. Drones can easily reach areas that are difficult for personnel to access, such as high-voltage lines and offshore oil platforms, conduct detailed inspections, and promptly identify potential problems.

5. Film and Entertainment

The precise control capabilities of CUAV controllers make them an ideal choice for aerial photography and entertainment performances. Whether it’s film shooting, sports event live broadcasts, or light shows, CUAV controllers can provide stable and smooth flight experiences. Their flexible flight modes and precise positioning capabilities can capture unique perspectives that traditional shooting equipment finds difficult to achieve, adding charm to film and television works.

IV. Summary and Outlook

As a universal flight control system, CUAV controllers have been successfully applied to various unmanned platforms from multirotors to underwater vehicles through their flexible firmware support and powerful hardware performance. Their wide application in different industries proves their reliability and adaptability.

With the continuous development of drone technology, CUAV controllers are also continuously upgrading to support more innovative applications and more complex mission requirements. In the future, we can expect CUAV controllers to bring more breakthroughs in the integration of artificial intelligence, autonomous navigation, and multi-machine collaboration, providing stronger technical support for the development of the drone industry.

Whether you are a drone enthusiast, researcher, or industry application developer, CUAV controllers can provide reliable flight control solutions for your projects, helping you innovate and explore in the field of drones. With the continuous advancement of technology, CUAV controllers will continue to expand their application range, bringing more value and possibilities to all walks of life.