Linux-based quadrocopter gains flight recorder

Parrot has updated its Linux-based AR.Drone 2.0 quadrocopter with an optional 18-minute battery, as well as a “black box” Flight Recorder option for saving GPS data. The company has also released an updated smartphone piloting app that offers a Director Mode function for controlling the quadrocopter’s video camera. …The Flight Recorder also enables a new Click & Go piloting mode on the Android and iOS AR.FreeFlight 2.4 piloting app for the AR.Drone. Users can now select a location on a map, and the AR.Drone 2.0 will automatically pilot toward it. They can then send the quadrocopter back to its original location… …The AR.Drone 2.0 is primarily used by aerial hobbyists, but is also being used for educational purposes, thanks to the device’s open source API…