CircuitDigest recently launched LiteWing on Kickstarter, a Wi-Fi-controlled mini drone powered by the ESP32 microcontroller. Designed for hobbyists and engineers, LiteWing offers a fully programmable DIY platform, providing an affordable entry into drone technology for both beginners and advanced users.

The drone’s design features a minimalistic PCB-based frame, making it lightweight and cost-effective. It uses the ESP32-WROOM-32E-N4, a dual-core 32-bit LX6 microprocessor that handles Wi-Fi connectivity and flight control. Operating on the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi range, LiteWing’s effective control distance is about 60 meters.

   
LiteWing overview
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LiteWing is powered by four coreless motors, controlled by an H-bridge circuit for speed and directional control. Combined with the MPU6050 inertial measurement unit, which includes a 3-axis gyroscope and accelerometer, the drone ensures stable flight with accurate orientation.

The drone runs on open-source firmware based on the Crazyflie platform, allowing users to experiment with modifications and customizations. While it works out of the box for casual flyers, more advanced users can expand its capabilities by adding sensors or customizing the firmware.

   
LiteWing pinout
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LiteWing is suited for basic flight maneuvers but lacks support for advanced features like high-frame-rate video streaming or autonomous flight modes due to processor limitations. However, its open-source nature makes it possible to add features such as height-hold or position-hold through further development.

The accompanying mobile app provides an intuitive interface for smartphone control, removing the need for a traditional remote, as highlighted in the Kickstarter campaign.

   
LiteWing + smartphone app
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Further information

The LiteWing DIY Kit is priced at $50, while the fully assembled Ready-to-Fly version will be available for $60. Please refer to the Kickstarter campaign for more details and options.