Micropilot
MicroPilot designs and manufactures miniature 28-gram UAV autopilot hardware, ground control software, and simulation tools, selling primarily to defense, government research, commercial, and academic UAV manufacturers and integrators across 100 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1994
- HeadquartersStony Mountain, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Micropilot does
MicroPilot Inc., founded in 1994 by Howard Loewen and headquartered in Stony Mountain, Manitoba, Canada, designs and manufactures miniature autopilot systems for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The company's core technology is the MP2x28 family of board-level autopilots — 28-gram, 4 cm × 10 cm single-circuit-board systems that integrate 3-axis gyros, accelerometers, GPS, pressure altimeter, and pressure airspeed sensors — along with higher-reliability derivatives including the MP2128HELI (helicopter/VTOL), MP2128LRC (enclosed long-range communication), and MP21283X/MP21286X triple- and sextuple-redundant systems. Supporting software includes the HORIZONmp Windows-based ground control station, the XTENDERmp software developer's kit for control-law customization, and the trueHWIL hardware-in-the-loop simulator (protected by US Patent 10,417,360) built on MATLAB/Simulink. The company holds ISO 9001:2000 certification (achieved 2008, first in the small UAV autopilot segment) and operates a 40-acre flight testing facility near Winnipeg.
The business sells hardware autopilots, software, simulators, accessories, and training/integration services primarily to UAV manufacturers and system integrators serving defense, government research, commercial, and academic markets, with a documented roster of customers including NASA, QinetiQ, RAFAEL, Blue Bird Aero Systems, BAI Aerosystems, INTA, Israel Aircraft Industries-Malat, CONTROP, and various universities. Distribution is via direct field sales, an e-commerce storefront with member-only pricing, and an integration partner network spanning 40+ technology vendors across GPS, satcom, cameras, sensors, and actuators. The company claims 1,500+ clients across 100 countries; revenue is not publicly disclosed, and the firm is privately held and founder-controlled with one disclosed external funding round of approximately $2.3M in 2018.
Micropilot firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Micropilot
- Legal name
- MicroPilot Inc.
- Website
- https://micropilot.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1994
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- MicroPilot designs and manufactures miniature 28-gram UAV autopilot hardware, ground control software, and simulation tools, selling primarily to defense, government research, commercial, and academic UAV manufacturers and integrators across 100 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Micropilot industry classification
Industry- Product category
- UAV Autopilots
- NAICS
- Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (334511), Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413)
- SIC
- Search, Detection, Navagation, Guidance, Aeronautical Sys (3812), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Flight Control Computers & Autopilot Systems (IMABAFAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Autonomous Flight Control & Guidance Systems (UAS/Urban Air Mobility) (IMABAFAO), Autonomy Software, AI & Mission Management (UAS/UXV) (IMABAIAH)
Keywords
Where Micropilot is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Stony Mountain
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Micropilot business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Hardware Autopilot Sales: MicroPilot generates primary revenue from selling UAV autopilot hardware including board-level autopilots (MP2028g, MP2128g, MP1028g), integrated autopilots (MP2128LRC series), and triple redundant systems (MP21283X, MP21286X).
- Software Sales: HORIZONmp ground control software is included with autopilots but XTENDERmp development tools are sold separately for $5,000 US.
- Accessories and Add-ons: Sale of complementary accessories including compass modules, ADC modules, ultrasonic altimeters, radio modems, and other peripherals.
- Training and Integration Services: Customized UAV training and integration services provided at MicroPilot's flight facility or on-site at customer locations.
- trueHWIL Simulators: Hardware-in-the-loop simulation products sold as standalone units for autopilot testing and development.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Entry-level MP2028g Autopilot |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | XTENDERmp Software Developer's Kit |
| One time/ perpetual license | Pay-as-you-go | Triple Redundant Autopilots (MP21283X, MP21286X) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
Micropilot product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MicroPilot designs, manufactures, and sells miniature UAV autopilot hardware (board-level MP2x28 series, integrated LRC enclosures, and triple-redundant 3X systems) along with the HORIZONmp ground control software, XTENDERmp software developer's kit, and trueHWIL hardware-in-the-loop simulator. The company also provides training, integration, custom development, and flight testing services to UAV manufacturers, defense organizations, and academic researchers in over 100 countries.
Product overview
MicroPilot is a world leader in professional UAV autopilots, offering a comprehensive family of products spanning board-level autopilots (MP2x28 series at 28 grams), integrated enclosed autopilots (LRC variants), and triple redundant systems (3X series). The product portfolio centers on the MP2x28 Series autopilots (MP2028g2, MP2128g2, MP1028g) and MP2128HELI helicopter autopilots, all supported by the HORIZONmp ground control software. Development tools include XTENDERmp SDK for custom control law development and trueHWIL simulator for high-fidelity hardware-in-the-loop testing. Accessories include compass modules, ADC converters, ultrasonic altimeters, and radio modems. The company provides training, integration, and custom development services, and operates a 40-acre flight facility. With over 1500 clients in 100 countries, MicroPilot serves academic, military, and commercial UAV integrators across fixed-wing, helicopter, multirotor, and VTOL platforms.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- MP2x28 Series Autopilots (MP2028g, MP2128g, MP1028g) Family of miniature board-level UAV autopilots weighing 28 grams with dimensions 4cm x 10cm, featuring GPS waypoint navigation with altitude and airspeed hold, autonomous takeoff/bungee/hand launch and landing, integrated 3-axis gyros, accelerometers, GPS, pressure altimeter, and pressure airspeed sensors on a single circuit board. Used by UAV manufacturers and integrators building small fixed-wing, multirotor, helicopter, and VTOL platforms.
- MP2128LRC / MP2128HELI-LRC Integrated Autopilots Enclosed integrated autopilots with long-range communication (LRC) operating at 2.4 GHz or 900 MHz with redundant datalinks. Available in fixed-wing (LRC) and helicopter (HELI-LRC) variants. Designed for UAV integrators requiring enhanced reliability and ready-to-install form factors.
- MP21286X Triple Redundant UAV Autopilot Industry's only sextuple redundant autopilot containing three MP2128HELI3 autopilots with 11 serial ports, 8 redundant high current drivers and power supplies, and 16 independently-generated servo signals. Built for high-value payloads and flight over sensitive areas requiring maximum reliability.
- MP21283X Triple Redundant UAV Autopilot Triple redundant autopilot containing three MP2128HELI2 autopilots with 11 serial ports, 8 redundant high current drivers and power supplies, and 16 independently-generated servo signals. Provides reliability for flights over sensitive regions.
- MP2128HELI Helicopter Autopilot (HELI2 and HELI3) Helicopter UAV autopilots based on proven MicroPilot technology that fly both fixed-wing and helicopter UAVs. Upward compatible with MP2x28g2 series. Includes u-blox 4Hz GPS module and compass module. The HELI3 generation adds ARINC 653 partitioned RTOS certifiable up to DO-178C DAL A for safety-critical applications.
- HORIZONmp Ground Control Software User-friendly point-and-click ground control station software running on Windows computers/laptops. Features mission planning, parameter adjustment, flight monitoring, mission simulation, video support, multi-UAV control, real-time sensor display, waypoint editing, holding patterns, and feedback loop gain adjustment. Included with autopilot hardware.
- XTENDERmp Software Developer's Kit Software development kit for customizing autopilot control laws, integrating custom sensors and payloads, and writing custom ground control stations. Includes libraries, C/C++ compiler, debugger, cable, example code, and 6DOF simulator. Supports Linux and Windows CE. Sold separately for $5,000 USD.
- trueHWIL Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulator True hardware-in-the-loop simulator using analog-to-digital converters to electrically simulate all sensors, protected by US Patent 10,417,360. Provides highest fidelity autopilot simulation available. Uses MATLAB/Simulink for fixed-wing UAV simulation and runs identical code to actual flight autopilot. Available for MP2x28g and MP2128g autopilots.
- MP2x28 Autopilot Accessories Complete range of autopilot accessories including 3-D Compass Module (compensates for pitch and roll), Analog-to-Digital Converter (up to 32 channels, 24-bit resolution), Ultrasonic Altimeter (AGL sensor up to 15 feet), and radio modems (900 MHz, 2.4 GHz options).
- MP CAT UAV Catapult Lightweight pneumatic catapult launcher for UAVs. Can launch UAVs up to 15kg MTOW at 20m/s maximum velocity on a 4-meter rail. Folds into a 1.4m carrying case with total system weight of 25kg including battery-powered compressor.
- Training and Integration Services Customized UAV training and integration services including on-site training and training at MicroPilot's 40-acre flight facility near Winnipeg, Manitoba. Services cover autopilot installation, configuration, and flight testing for UAV manufacturers and integrators.
- Custom Development Services Custom software and hardware development services for autopilot customization to meet specific application requirements for defense, commercial, and research customers.
- Flight Facility Services 40-acre flight testing facility with established runways, flight support building, workshop, and private test area with controlled access, covered by a blanket Government Special Flight Operation Certificate for comprehensive UAV testing.
Quantifiable outcome
- 1500+ clients served in 100 countries
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use Micropilot
Customer profileNamed customers15 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Micropilot technology and API
TechnologyAPI detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration38 records
Feature5 records
Micropilot partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- QinetiQcoreTeam Cortex from QinetiQ integrated MicroPilot's MP2128HELI autopilot into the Tiger VTOL for UK MOD Grand Challenge. Team was awarded Judges Merit for most innovative platform technology.
- CONTROP Precision Technologies LtdcoreSuccessful integration announced at AUVSI Unmanned Systems North America 2008. MicroPilot's line of autopilot systems integrated with CONTROP's STAMP Stabilized Miniature Payloads for small UAVs, providing optimally compatible systems for complete customer ease.
- BAI AerosystemscorePartnership with BAI Aerosystems and Northrop Grumman PRB Systems to develop Snake Eye backpackable UAV. MicroPilot MP2000 autopilot enables autonomous flight from takeoff through landing. 40 units delivered with hundreds of flights logged.
- Lockheed MartincoreLockheed Martin is listed as an integration partner for ground control station software, indicating technical integration compatibility with Lockheed Martin systems.
- VolzcoreServo manufacturer partner providing compatible servo solutions for UAV control systems.
- TrimblecoreGPS manufacturer partner providing high-precision GPS receivers for navigation.
- NovatelcoreGPS partner providing positioning solutions for UAV navigation systems.
- u-bloxcoreGPS module manufacturer included with MP2128g autopilot; standard 4Hz GPS module.
- GlobalstarcoreSatellite modem partner enabling beyond-line-of-sight communication for UAVs.
- IridiumcoreSatellite communication partner for global UAV connectivity and control.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Micropilot competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Cloud Cap Technology (Piccolo): Cloud Cap Technology's Piccolo family of autopilots is the most direct historical competitor to MicroPilot in the small-UAV autopilot market, serving fixed-wing and VTOL platforms with comparable flight control hardware and ground control software.
- Embention (Veronte Autopilots): Embention's Veronte line offers DO-178C-certifiable autopilots for UAVs and eVTOLs, overlapping directly with MicroPilot's MP2128HELI3 and 3X/6X safety-critical positioning.
- UAV Navigation: UAV Navigation builds flight control systems and autopilots for commercial and military UAVs, competing with MicroPilot across fixed-wing, helicopter and VTOL platforms.
Emerging players
- Auterion: Auterion commercializes the PX4 open-source stack into an enterprise drone autonomy platform, directly competing with MicroPilot's value proposition by offering software-centric, hardware-agnostic flight control.
- Ardupilot / PX4 open-source projects: The Ardupilot and PX4 open-source autopilot projects underpin much of the hobbyist and commercial small-UAV ecosystem, providing the primary price-pressure baseline against MicroPilot's proprietary offerings.
- ModalAI: ModalAI builds PX4-based VOXL flight controllers and autonomy stacks for commercial drones, representing a newer, software-centric alternative to MicroPilot's board-level autopilots.
- UAVOS: UAVOS provides autopilot and flight management systems for fixed-wing and VTOL UAVs, partially overlapping with MicroPilot's autopilot stack in the commercial and paramilitary UAV segment.
Broad incumbents
- Lockheed Martin (Procerus Technologies / CDL Systems): Lockheed Martin acquired Piccolo-maker CDL Systems and is an integration partner of MicroPilot; it competes broadly in military UAS autopilots and avionics, including small-UAV offerings.
- Honeywell: Honeywell's BeyondSight and broader avionics portfolio competes with MicroPilot in safety-critical UAV and urban air mobility flight control, particularly where DO-178C certification is required.
- Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman builds and integrates UAVs that use MicroPilot-class autopilots (e.g., BAI Snake Eye via PRB Systems) and competes in the broader military small-UAS and tactical UAS autonomy market.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Micropilot social profiles
Digital presenceMicropilot compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Micropilot financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Micropilot leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Micropilot funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Micropilot M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Micropilot
What does Micropilot do?
MicroPilot designs, manufactures, and sells miniature UAV autopilot hardware (board-level MP2x28 series, integrated LRC enclosures, and triple-redundant 3X systems) along with the HORIZONmp ground control software, XTENDERmp software developer's kit, and trueHWIL hardware-in-the-loop simulator. The company also provides training, integration, custom development, and flight testing services to UAV manufacturers, defense organizations, and academic researchers in over 100 countries.
Is Micropilot a public or private company?
Micropilot is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Micropilot founded?
Micropilot was founded in 1994. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Micropilot based?
Micropilot is headquartered in Stony Mountain, Canada, in the North America region.
How does Micropilot make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Hardware Autopilot Sales are the primary driver. The others are software Sales, accessories and Add-ons, training and Integration Services and trueHWIL Simulators.
Who are Micropilot's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Cloud Cap Technology (Piccolo), Embention (Veronte Autopilots) and UAV Navigation. Emerging players are Auterion, Ardupilot / PX4 open-source projects, ModalAI and UAVOS. Broad incumbents are Lockheed Martin (Procerus Technologies / CDL Systems), Honeywell and Northrop Grumman.
Does Micropilot have an API?
No public API is recorded for Micropilot.
What industry is Micropilot in?
Micropilot's product category is UAV Autopilots. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMABAFAA, Flight Control Computers & Autopilot Systems, with a secondary code of IMABAFAO, Autonomous Flight Control & Guidance Systems (UAS/Urban Air Mobility). Its NAICS code is 334511 and its SIC code is 3812.