What is a MultiCopter and How Does it Work?

A multicopter is a mechanically simple aerial vehicle whose motion is controlled by speeding or slowing multiple downward thrusting motor/propeller units.

Overview

MultiCopters are aerodynamically unstable and absolutely require an on-board computer (aka autopilot) for stable flight. As a result, they are “Fly by Wire” systems and if the computer isn’t working, you aren’t flying. The autopilot combines data from small on-board MEMs gyroscopes and accelerometers (the same as those found in smart phones) to maintain an accurate estimate of its orientation and position.

The quadcopter shown above is the simplest type of multicopter, with each motor/propeller spinning in the opposite direction from the two motors on either side of it (i.e. motors on opposite corners of the frame spin in the same direction).

A quadcopter can control its roll and pitch rotation by speeding up two motors on one side and slowing down the other two. So for example if the quadcopter wanted to roll left it would speed up motors on the right side of the frame and slow down the two on the left. Similarly if it wants to rotate forward it speeds up the back two motors and slows down the front two.

The copter can turn (aka “yaw”) left or right by speeding up two motors that are diagonally across from each other, and slowing down the other two.

Horizontal motion is accomplished by temporarily speeding up/slowing down some motors so that the vehicle is leaning in the direction of desired travel and increasing the overall thrust of all motors so the vehicle shoots forward. Generally the more the vehicle leans, the faster it travels.

Altitude is controlled by speeding up or slowing down all motors at the same time.

What is the difference between a MultiCopter and a UAV/Drone?

A multicopter becomes a UAV or Drone when it is capable of autonomous flight. Normally this means taking the accelerometer and gyro information and combining it with barometer and GPS data so the flight controller understands not only its orientation but also its position.

MultiCopter Demo illustrating Manual and Automatic Control

The demo begins in Stabilize Mode which provides inertial stabilization and permits manual flight control.

In Loiter Mode the Copter automatically maintains position and altitude but permits manual override.

Simple Mode enables the copter to be flown without regard to the copters orientation (the direction it is facing).

“Auto Land” causes the copter to descend and disarm its motors when it has landed.

High wind demonstration

A video by Robert Lefebvre showing how well our firmware can allow a multicopter to operate even in 60 to 90 kmh gusting winds. This video illustrates operation under conditions near the physical limits of the copter and should not be attempted by non-experts.