WASHINGTON, DC—The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) hasn't yet cleared the runway for unmanned aircraft to fly under any circumstances other than federal law enforcement, public safety, and a few experimental applications. But for those looking to take a flying leap into creating their own unmanned eyes in the sky, a Newport Beach, California, company called Airware is trying to make it as easy as pie—Raspberry Pi, that is.

Airware has created the os-Series, a ready-made line of autopilots with a software developer toolkit to operate sensors and other devices. It's all based on a Cortex ARM processor and Linux, with interfaces included for control surfaces and propulsion. There are servos for onboard cameras and other sensors, as well as a built-in datalink radio for communication with a ground station computer and software. The autopilot modules all come with integrated GPS systems, GPS waypoint-based ground control software, and autonomous take-off and landing support (though they also include manual override modes).

The software kit includes both programming interfaces for its autopilot and ground control software; developer kits also come with a "hardware-in-the-loop" simulator for testing before taking to the skies. The control system is based on a message-based API, so developers can create their own applications that run on the autopilot itself to drive the sensors, other components of the aircraft's payload, and "plug-ins" for the ground station. Airware even provides drivers for many off-the-shelf components, so they can quickly be integrated into the onboard software without the need for custom development.

While Airware builds on open source, its systems don't come at Raspberry Pi prices. Airware's osNanoPilot (the company's platform for small, lightweight drones) starts at $3,900 for its fixed-wing version—though volume pricing is available for those planning a fleet of flying robotic minions.