Udemy
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
    •  
Subscribe
Turn what you know into an opportunity and reach millions around the world.
Learn More
Your cart is empty.
Keep shopping
Build Your First Autonomous Fixed-Wing UAV
Rating: 4.4 out of 5(30 ratings)
278 students

Build Your First Autonomous Fixed-Wing UAV

Build, set up, and fly your own autonomous fixed-wing UAV — no prior experience needed!
Created byEleftherios Sakellariou, Christos Tosiaklar
Last updated 10/2025
English

What you'll learn

  • Learn how to assemble a fixed-wing UAV using affordable components and tools suitable for beginners and enthusiasts.
  • Install and configure ArduPilot firmware on the Pixhawk flight controller for autonomous flight capabilities.
  • Calibrate essential UAV components such as radio, ESC, servos, and sensors to ensure safe and stable flight.
  • Prepare your UAV for its first flight by setting up power systems, flight modes, and mission planning.

Course content

5 sections • 23 lectures • 2h 40m total length

  • Introduction - Check this before continue0:25
  • Fuselage Assembly7:28

    Assemble the UAV fuselage by fitting core parts, securing joints with glue, and preparing slots for the wing, the battery, and the nose hatch magnets.

  • Additional content: Servo Tester2:18

    Learn to use a servo tester to install and test servos for a fixed-wing uav, wiring from the esc to the tester and cycling through manual, neutral, and automatic modes.

  • Wing Assembly11:37

    Assemble the wing by inserting the carbon tube, joining halves with hot glue, inserting carbon sheets, bonding W-1 and W-2 for strength, and mounting servos tested with a servo tester.

  • Tail Section Assembly9:28

    Master tail section assembly for a fixed-wing UAV by mounting tail booms, seating and centering servos, aligning parts with plywood, and bonding under the wing before securing the covers.

  • Control Linkages8:37

    Assemble the control linkages and horns, attach to wing and tail servos, and connect to control surfaces; route cables with hot glue and label servo connections.

  • Engine Attachment4:06

    Attach the motor base, route cables into the fuselage, secure the motor with four screws, install the propeller with its adapter in a forward pusher configuration, and connect the esc.

Requirements

  • No prior experience is needed. You just need a basic interest in drones, a computer with internet access, and the UAV kit used in the course. Everything else will be explained step by step.

Description

Build and Fly Your Own Fixed-Wing UAV - From Assembly to Full Autonomy

Are you ready to build and fly your own autonomous fixed-wing UAV?
This beginner-friendly course takes you step-by-step through the entire process - from assembling your aircraft to performing fully autonomous missions using ArduPilot and Mission Planner.

All the parts you need are available in one place - visit our store to easily find every component featured in the course.

You’ll start by assembling a foam fixed-wing plane and installing key components like the Pixhawk flight controller, GPS, telemetry, power system, and servos. Each step is explained clearly, so no prior experience is required. You’ll also learn how to position and wire everything neatly inside the fuselage for a clean and reliable setup.

Once your UAV is built, you’ll move on to the software configuration - calibrating sensors, setting up radio controls, assigning flight modes, and configuring safety features. You’ll also learn how to monitor voltage and current to ensure your UAV flies safely and efficiently.

Next, you’ll explore FPV (First Person View) setup and then dive deep into autonomous flight - from auto takeoff, waypoint navigation, and auto landing, to advanced mission planning. Each concept is demonstrated in detail, making it easy to understand and apply.

By the end of the course, you’ll not only be able to fly your UAV manually but also perform fully automated missions with confidence and precision.


Who this course is for:

  • This course is designed to teach beginners how to build, assemble, and set up a fixed-wing UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) using affordable components. You'll learn how to install and configure the ArduPilot flight controller, connect telemetry, calibrate sensors, and prepare your drone for its first flight. Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or beginner in UAVs, this course will guide you step by step—from unboxing to takeoff.

Report abuse