Mavsdk_drone_show (MDS) is an open-source MAVLink fleet operations platform for PX4 drones, enabling complex scenarios like drone shows, SAR, and cooperative autonomy. It targets engineers, researchers, and power users needing a unified system for multi-drone validation and custom deployments, offering a simplified yet structured approach from quick SITL demos to operational readiness.

How It Works

MDS functions as a MAVLink fleet management system centered around PX4. Its architecture integrates drone-side runtime, backend services (FastAPI), and a React operator dashboard. The system supports offline drone shows via SkyBrush imports, dynamic smart swarm missions with leader-follower coordination, and SAR operations. A dashboard-first workflow manages SITL environments and missions, balancing ease of use for demonstrations with robustness for validation.

Quick Start & Requirements

Setup is guided via documentation ("SITL Comprehensive Guide," "GCS Setup Guide"). Key requirements include PX4 drones/SITL, a React frontend (Mapbox token needed for map features), and backend services. Advanced users may need specific Python environments and Docker. Real-world deployment demands adherence to aviation regulations and independent safety validation.

Highlighted Details

• Unified Operator Surface: React dashboard for monitoring, control, trajectory planning, QuickScout, and log review.
• Modern SITL Workflow: Prebuilt PX4 Gazebo SITL image, fast container startup, and reproducible custom SITL image tooling.
• Operational Visibility: Unified logging across GCS, drones, and frontend, with exportable sessions.
• Drone Show Pipeline: Supports SkyBrush ZIP import, trajectory processing, readiness gating, and synchronized launch.
• Advanced Missions: Smart swarm coordination and QuickScout SAR/recon workflows.

Maintenance & Community

Development is tracked via ROADMAP.md, focusing on AI-agent workflows, automated SAR, and GPS-denied operations. Commercial inquiries can be directed via email (p30planets@gmail.com) or LinkedIn. Contributions follow CONTRIBUTING.md guidelines, emphasizing validation before merging.

Licensing & Compatibility

MDS uses dual licensing: PolyForm Noncommercial (education, research, non-commercial) and PolyForm Small Business (qualifying small commercial operators). Larger commercial deployments require a separate license, restricting broader integration.

Limitations & Caveats

MDS is a field-operations and research platform, not certified avionics. Real-world operations require rigorous flight-testing, regulatory compliance, and independent safety validation; SITL success does not guarantee real-world readiness. Map features require a Mapbox API token.