Russia Develops Open-Architecture Drone Control System

A new UAV control platform promises improved reliability, easier integration, and transparent operation logic for both multicopters and hybrid aircraft.

Russian engineers at the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI) are developing a domestically built control system for small and medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The project is part of the national initiative 'Advanced Technologies for UAVs' and is being developed at the Avionics Center and Department No. 703, specializing in systems engineering for aviation platforms.

According to lead engineer Gleb Boyarsky, many commercial drones today rely on open-source solutions that often suffer from limited reliability and integration challenges. These platforms may offer broad functionality, but they typically come with non-transparent logic, complex connection processes, and overall fragility.

The new MAI system is designed to overcome these drawbacks. It will handle sensor input, radio-based control, flight stabilization, and navigation management. It is compatible with both multicopters and hybrid drones capable of vertical takeoff and fixed-wing flight.

The system is scheduled for completion by 2026 and is expected to attract interest not only in Russia but also internationally.