Modification of a toy helicopter into a highly cost effective, semi-autonomous, reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicle

In this paper we discuss the design and development of highly cost effective, semi-autonomous reconnaissance Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for safe flights in close environments, with real time video feedback. The design and development is based on the modifications/up gradations, (predicated on the results of several small experiments), of a very low cost, small sized - toy helicopter, and a simple non-linear control system designed for the intelligent UAV features. The developed UAV helicopter has been successfully test-flown at higher altitudes, with heavier payload, for longer period as compared to similar helicopters developed at much higher costs.