HDS Autopilot
Autonomous Flight Control, Mission Management and UAV Command Architecture
The HDS Autopilot (HDS v3.0) is an integrated software and hardware suite developed for autonomous flight control, mission management, and Command, Control & Communication (C3) within unmanned aerial platforms.
The system has been developed entirely in-house for HADES UAV platforms, combining flight control, data link communication, mission orchestration, and real-time platform management within a single integrated operational architecture.
Hardware environment
The hardware environment consists of a custom-developed autopilot module and secure data-link infrastructure based on proprietary Network and RF protocols, designed for reliable operational communication between air platforms, operators, and supporting operational nodes.
Software capabilities
The software environment supports:
- Autonomous flight operation
- Real-time mission management
- Multi-UAV orchestration
- Formation flight operations
- Waypoint navigation
- Adaptive flight path control
- Point-to-point altitude management
- Real-time platform monitoring
Key Capabilities
The system supports both independent UAV operations and coordinated multi-platform missions within distributed operational environments. Thanks to the integrated mission architecture, operators can monitor, control, and coordinate multiple active air platforms in real-time from a single, unified operational environment.
In addition to aerial platforms, the software supports real-time monitoring of supporting operational infrastructure, including communication relays, ground stations, supporting sensor layers, network connections, and operational deployment nodes.
Simulation & Training
The software suite includes an advanced Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation environment for:
- Mission rehearsal
- Operator training
- Flight validation
- Payload integration
- System testing
- Operational simulation
The HIL environment supports both standard world maps and mission-specific maps, overlays and operational scenarios according to end-user requirements.
Operational architecture
The HDS Autopilot can operate fully autonomously with embedded local mission control capabilities, while simultaneously functioning as an integrated airborne node within the HADES C4ISR Platform.
As part of the HADES C4ISR Platform, HDS Autopilot supports federated UAV operations, distributed situational awareness, real-time airborne sensor integration, multi-domain operational coordination, and autonomous mission orchestration.
Integration & interfaces
Via open and modular interfaces, the system can integrate within existing third-party operational environments, command architectures, and mission systems.
Thanks to its software-defined architecture, integrated mission environment, and modular expandability, HDS Autopilot supports flexible deployment within both military and civil UAV operations.