Hi Christian,
> (1) We would like to use the software in a commercial fixed wing
application, how reliable is this technology/software?
You can buy commercial Paparazzi aircrafts at
http://www.miraterre.com> Requirments:
>
> a. - Ability to fly in moderate to bad weather, wind, cloud, fog.
If you want to use the infrared sensors there are some limitations.
These sensors use the earth as an orientation (like satellites do). If
you can't see the earth/horizon because of water (fog/clouds) with your
eyes, your IR is most likely also limited. Very low earth temperatures
might also give you problems.
> b. - Ability to be controlled within a five mile range.
That only depends on the radio technology/transmit power you use.
> c. - Two hour endurance.
The battery is the limit.
> d. -
Automatic landing
Possible, but it's hard as we currently have no sensor to measure
accurate distance to ground.
> e. - Ability to control aircraft from a ground station.
Yes, either simple through RC controller or more sophisticated through
two-way data link.
> f. - Ability to get close to real-time feedback of aircraft telemetry,
video, altitude, GPS location, etc
Yes. You only have the delay that comes through the data link.
> (2) Is Paparazzi currently being developed, I noticed several of the
project pages have not been updated in years?
The web pages are not very recent. If you look at the cvs or visit the
IRC, it is very active...
Have fun,
Martin