galorin

In response to skydevil.. I have been looking at doing a similar project based on arduPilot plus extra stuff, like ultrasound for collision detection, thermal sensors for autoleveling, GPS, in-flight movies, popcorn, etc. There is a LOT of kit that you will need in order to do autonomous flight while avoiding obstacles. Keep us posted as to how you are getting on.

If you can, the advice Igot from others working on similar projects, is to skip coacial flight unless you are going to build your autonomous heli into a coax rig. I'd definately start learning to fly ASAP. While you are testing out your autonomous heli, things will go wrong and you will need to override the controls and save your heli from certain doom. Practise emergency procedures, and getting yourself out of trouble. Either that, or increase your budget to allow for many wrecked birds.