ArduPilot ArduRemoteID

⚠ Disclaimer: This entry may be incomplete, out of date, or inaccurate. It is AI-maintained on a best-effort basis. Do not rely on it as a sole source — verify claims independently using the sources listed below.

Summary

ArduRemoteID is the official ArduPilot implementation of the Remote ID transmitter. It runs on a companion microcontroller attached to any ArduPilot flight controller (Pixhawk and derivatives) and broadcasts ASTM F3411 Broadcast Remote ID over Wi-Fi NAN and Bluetooth 5 LR. Relevant to the critical infrastructure detection use case as context: custom or hobbyist ArduPilot drones are a significant threat vector (used in DIY FPV attack drones), and ArduRemoteID is what makes those drones detectable via the OpenDroneID receiver stack if the operator installs it.

Key Facts

  • Repository: github.com/ArduPilot/ArduRemoteID
  • Purpose: Transmitter (on-drone side); relevant to detection in that it enables OpenDroneID receivers to detect ArduPilot drones
  • Protocol: ASTM F3411 / OpenDroneID; MAVLink interface to flight controller
  • Hardware: ESP32-based module; runs on widely available development boards

Relevance to Threat Modeling

ArduPilot is the most widely used open-source autopilot in the world, used in:

  • DIY multi-rotors and fixed-wing aircraft
  • Commercial agricultural drones
  • Academic research platforms
  • Modified consumer drones

An ArduPilot drone without ArduRemoteID installed will not broadcast Remote ID and will be invisible to Remote ID receivers. This is the default state for most DIY/custom builds. The threat actor building a custom surveillance or attack drone based on ArduPilot will not install Remote ID — making RF and radar detection modalities the only effective approaches.

Sources