Mission Planner

Mission Planner, developed by Michael Oborne, provides an intuitive point-and-click waypoint entry system using Google Maps. This versatile program, now in its latest version of 1.3.81, is a must-have for enthusiasts in the Simulation subcategory within the Games category.

The application allows users to select mission commands from drop-down menus and download mission log files for in-depth analysis. Configuring APM settings for various airframes is straightforward, making it user-friendly for both beginners and advanced users. The program even interfaces with PC flight simulators, creating a full hardware-in-the-loop UAV simulator experience. Its compatibility spans various versions of Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11, ensuring broad accessibility.

The program file, ArdupilotMegaPlanner10.exe, along with MissionPlanner.exe and onagofly.exe, are compact with a size of 15.8 MB, making it a light installation on any system. Moreover, Mission Planner offers a handy output display from APM's serial terminal.

In addition to the latest version, older versions like 1.3, and 1.2 are also available for download. This ensures that users can access previous versions if needed. The program continues to stand out due to its free accessibility, providing essential tools without any cost.

Pros:

• Free download and use
• Comprehensive waypoint entry and mission analysis tools
• Lightweight with a file size of just 15.8 MB
• Compatible with multiple Windows versions
• Supports APM configuration for different airframes
• Interfaces with PC flight simulators for enhanced UAV simulation

Cons:

• Limited to Windows OS, excluding macOS and Linux users
• May require a learning curve for beginners unfamiliar with UAV simulations

You may want to check out more software, such as Pigeon Planner, Ability Business Planner or TMS Silverlight - WPF Planner, which might be similar to Mission Planner.