Introduction
Understand what ESPFlight is, how the platform is divided, and which path to follow first.
This page establishes the platform and the four parts you will use throughout the build.
If this is your first ESPFlight build, use the Beginner Learning Path to move through the existing guides in order with completion checkpoints.
# What ESPFlight is
ESPFlight is an open platform for learning, building, experimenting with, and developing ESP-based drones. It combines open-source flight firmware, an open hardware reference, documentation, and the ESPFlight Application into one practical foundation.
A known open hardware starting point you can build, inspect, modify, and adapt.
The flight-control core for stabilization, safety state, networking, telemetry, and configuration.
The companion Android interface for discovery, monitoring, configuration, tuning, and control.
Task-oriented guides for building, validating, flying, understanding, and extending the platform.
# ESPFlight v1 baseline
For the current documented path, use the validated v1 components together.
| Component | Version |
|---|---|
| Firmware | v1.0.0 |
| Hardware Reference | v1.0 |
| Application | v1.0.0 |
| Communication | Protocol 2 |
If this is your first ESPFlight build, read Safety , then What You Need , and continue with the Quick Start .
# Platform, not a finished kit
ESPFlight provides reusable building blocks rather than a closed finished drone. The reference hardware is a starting point, not the only allowed implementation. Independent builders can study it, change it, and create their own compatible hardware under the applicable licenses.