stable aircraft?

[blimpyway]

I wonder if it is possible to have enough aerodynamic stability to avoid the need of inertial sensing/computing unit. Just a GPS, eventually with barometric and magnetic sensors. Thus having a simplified (and supposedly cheap) automatic pilot following a programmed path.

First thing I can think of is a powered parachute -- the simplest models use only two channels, throtle and rudder. Probably they wont get much help from an inertial unit .

Any opinions on powered parachute suitability for IMU-less UAV? Or other types of aircraft with high stability?

[clolson]

I think someone at Georgia tech made a gps only autopilot that flew on a stable trainer. I think it kind of wandered back and forth a bit around the target heading/altitude, but worked.

[kd7ost]

I believe so. In fact very much so. Any plane that uses a high dihedral or polyhedral and is rudder, elevator and throttle should be just fine. I think as long as you can follow a GPS heading and maintain altitude it will be fine. You don't need a co-pilot that way either.

Dan

[Vindication]

I believe the AP4 is a gps only autopilot...

[AnthonyRC]

I'm working on a model that assumes this now, a 'depron dragon'-type machine with polyhedral... I'll post the findings when I get a little further along.
So far though, it looks very possible, this is a very stable machine when flying hands-off.