Design, assembly, and tuning of a multipurpose FPV drone: A flexible and low-cost alternative

This article details the design, assembly, and tuning of a multipurpose FPV (First Person View) drone designed as a budget-friendly and customizable alternative to professional-grade drone model. Built with a focus on performance, adaptability, durability, and ease of repair, the APdrone (All Purpose Drone) incorporates high-quality components such as a carbon fiber frame, brushless motors, and advanced flight controllers. To ensure optimal flight characteristics, a comprehensive tuning process was performed using empirical adjustments, supported by controlled testing environments, to optimize PID parameters ( $K_p$ , $K_i$ , $K_d$ ) to achieve stable and precise flight performance. Testing demonstrated a flight time of approximately 8 min under standard conditions with a maximum payload capacity of 0.98 kg. Importantly, the APdrone offers operational flexibility and significant cost savings (USD 647.09), compared to high-end drones like the DJI Mavic 3 Pro, while maintaining comparable functionality and allowing for customization. To encourage accessibility, reproducibility and further development, open-source design files, including CAD schematics, firmware configurations, and assembly instructions, are provided. The APdrone serves as a scalable platform for research, recreational use, and advancements within the UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) field.