Aeroduel merges cutting-edge software engineering with RC model aircraft to create an advanced aerial combat system for RC aircraft.
We're equipping high-performance RC fighter jets with camera systems that automatically detect targets equipped with Aeroduel detection lights. This allows aircraft to use advanced computer vision to lock onto targets and simulate aerial combat, keeping score via a Wi-Fi connection to the host server back on the ground. Add FPV cameras and pilots can get a true cockpit experience and aim like a pro.
Our mobile app will allow users to register their planes equipped with Aeroduel equipment and enter dogfights by scanning a QR code or entering a game pin displayed on the host computer. This requires at least one player to have our desktop app installed and all players to have our mobile app installed, as well as the proper Aeroduel equipment installed on their plane of choice.
One person installs the Aeroduel Server desktop app, available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. This user connects to a WiFi network (may be a mobile hotspot) and creates a new match.
Participating players register for the match with the Aeroduel mobile app just by clicking a button. When all players have joined, the host may start the match with a single click.
Onboard each plane is a computer vision camera, several LED lights, a LoRa WiFi receiver, and an ESP32 arduino. When the camera detects the color pattern of a participating plane, it locks on for several seconds. If it can maintain that lock for several seconds, it registers a hit, sending a signal to the server, which then sends an updated score to the mobile app.
The planes, server, and mobile apps communicate with each other via a WebSocket connection, allowing for low-latency communication between the entire system during the match.
The match timer begins when all planes have taken off. Pilots then attempt to lock on to other planes by keeping them within view of the cockpit. When a solid lock is initiated, the game simulates a shot and logs a hit, giving the pilot 1 point. Though no physical shots are fired, accidents happen, even in normal every day flights. If a participating plane crashes, they are disqualified from the match, though this currently cannot be detected automatically, and that is up to the players to handle.
When the timer ends, all pilots must take turns landing. The pilot with the most points wins the match.
We are a team of four students from Atlas School, Tulsa. We are currently working on our promotional website, desktop server app, and mobile app, in addition to building and testing our RC fighter jets.
An exact date of completion is not yet known, however, a demo will be available by Thursday, December 11th, 2025.
The dedicated game server for the Aeroduel experience.
The mobile app for joining matches
- Do the planes fly autonomously?
No. Humans have to pilot the planes. This requires skill and should not be attempted by someone who has never flown an RC plane before.
- How do you plan to profit from this?
Our main goal is to build something cool that others can expand on or enjoy out of the box. While we are less focused on profit and haven't decided if/how to market Aeroduel, we may sell kits for users to 3D print planes and install required hardware on them. We may also simply provide a free list of the parts and 3D jet model we used and leave it up to the users to customize and buy their parts.
- Does this have to work with planes, or can it work on RC cars
and other vehicles too?
While the goal is to work with RC planes, it should just as easily work on RC cars and other remote-controlled vehicles. You can even build your own equipment to improve on ours and, for example, simulate surface to air combat with custom-built turrets. The possibilities are endless.
Click here to view everything we used for our project in one cart.
For more information, visit our website at aeroduel.com