SITL

SITL (Software In The Loop) runs autopilot firmware on your dev machine so you can test missions without airframe hardware.

Source

• YouTube: SITL basics

What SITL gives you

• ArduPilot (or compatible stacks) built for desktop — physics simulated
• Test DroneKit, MAVLink tools, and mission scripts from your IDE
• Reproduce failsafes, RTL, and waypoint logic before flying

Typical workflow

1. Install ArduPilot SITL dependencies for your OS
2. Launch a simulated vehicle (copter/plane/rover profile)
3. Connect GCS (Mission Planner, QGroundControl) or Python via MAVLink on UDP/TCP
4. Iterate on code against the simulated MAV

Related

• SITL section
• Simulated Vehicle (SITL)
• Robotics