New Product Release｜Official Launch of S3-A: The First Avionics System with Open-Source APM Custom Firmware

Skydroid’s latest S3-A avionics system has officially launched!

The S3-A runs custom-built open-source APM firmware. It is equipped with the high-performance STM32H743 main processor, BMI088 IMU and MS5611 barometer. It also features multiple interfaces including 12-channel PWM, CAN, data link, GPS+compass, and SBUS.

It supports multi-rotor platforms from 3-axis to 12-axis, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, UGVs, USVs and other platforms. Oriented toward the development, assembly and project integration of diverse unmanned systems, it delivers an avionics solution for customers with higher openness and more complete interface configurations.

From open-source firmware to main controller, sensors and interface configurations, let’s take a look at the core capabilities of the S3-A.

01 Open-Source System, Offering Ample Configuration Space for Project Development

For projects requiring platform adaptation and parameter tuning, fixed software functions often bring greater adaptation constraints.

One of the core upgrades of the S3-A is its open-source feature.

Equipped with a custom version of open-source APM firmware, the S3-A allows you to select corresponding firmware for multi-rotors, fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, UGVs and USVs for development according to diverse project requirements. You can complete firmware flashing, parameter configuration and debugging by installing the Mission Planner ground station software on a computer.

For complete-drone manufacturers and project teams with independent development and debugging capabilities, parameter configuration and solution adaptation can be carried out according to different platform and mission requirements, leaving ample room for subsequent function development and system integration.

A more open avionics system leaves more possibilities for future development.

02 STM32H743 Main Controller, Delivering Hardware Foundation for Function Expansion

The more complex a project is, the higher the demands on the avionics system in terms of data-processing capability and sensor stability.

The S3-A is equipped with the high-performance STM32H743 main processor, providing sufficient hardware support for flight control and data computation. It adopts BMI088 IMU + MS5611 barometer internally. Meanwhile, the S3-A features optimized shock-absorbing design for the built-in IMU, further improving the stability and reliability of attitude data acquisition under complex flight conditions.

Weighing merely 60 g with dimensions of 56.9 × 16.7 × 68.6 mm, it offers highly flexible layout options for compact unmanned devices with constraints on installation space and overall weight.

03 Diverse Interfaces for More Flexible Device Connection

In unmanned systems, avionics systems often need to connect receivers, GPS and other peripheral devices. Therefore, interface configuration directly determines subsequent system integration performance.

The S3-A is fitted with abundant interfaces including 12-channel PWM outputs, 2-channel CAN ports, 2-channel data transmission interfaces, GPS+compass, Type-C port, and SBUS input/output, to accommodate connection requirements of more peripheral devices.

Meanwhile, the S3-A supports 3 to 12 axis multi-rotors, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned ground vehicles, unmanned surface vessels and other equipment. Thanks to its comprehensive interface array, it provides multiple options for connecting receivers, navigation modules and other external devices, further enhancing flexibility in component selection and project adaptation.

04 One Avionics System for Diverse Unmanned-System Projects

From open-source software and hardware performance to interface expandability, the S3-A is designed around project development and system integration scenarios. Featuring deeply customized firmware based on ArduPilot, paired with self-developed hardware and abundant interface resources, it delivers excellent adaptability for secondary development and complete-drone integration of various unmanned systems.