iNav Flight Controllers for Planes and Fixed Wings – Which is the Best for You?

Choosing the right flight controller (FC) for your next FPV RC plane can be daunting with so many options available. Each FC offers unique features and functionalities, it’s essential to find one that meets your specific needs. In this article, we’ll explore all the popular FCs that are compatible with iNav, including the SpeedyBee and the Matek lineup, and disucss their pros and cons to guide you in making an informed decision for your next project.

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FC Comparison Chart

SpeedyBee F405 WING

Get your F045 Wing APP FC from the following vendors:

• Speedybee: https://oscarliang.com/product-4o87
• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DcxxGvb
• GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-lvu5
• Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tpGCUS

The Speedybee F405 Wing is one of the cheapest flight controllers designed for planes. It’s compatible with iNav and Ardupilot and supports almost all the modern features and perform comparably to more expensive alternatives from Matek.

If you’re in search of an affordable wing flight controller that minimizes soldering, provides wireless connection, and is highly customizable, the SpeedyBee F405 Wing might be the perfect fit for you.

SpeedyBee F405 WING Mini

You can get the SpeedyBee F405 Wing Mini FC stack from these vendors:

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DmZZN0p
• RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-ows3
• Amazon: https://amzn.to/3uD7fGx
• Speedybee: https://oscarliang.com/product-l1z4

The Speedybee F405 Wing Mini flight controller is significantly smaller than its sibling, the standard F405 Wing FC. Its small form factor is a huge advantage for builds where space is at a premium. Despite its smaller size, it brings several notable features to the table, and does not compromise its capability to deliver a stable and responsive flight experience.

The Speedybee F405 Wing Mini flight controller stands out for its compact size, comprehensive feature set, and ease of use. Its design caters to both novice and experienced users, providing everything needed for a successful build right out of the box.

Matek F405 VTOL

Get your Matek F405 VTOL from the following vendors:

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DcHZYsp
• GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-bdq8

Designed with VTOL planes in mind as the name suggests.

The Matek F405 VTOL flight controller is a versatile and powerful board capable of handling 2S to 6S power (6.8V to 30V), making it suitable for a wide range of applications, not only VTOL. It features four ESC inputs, each with ground and positive terminals. A notable aspect is its switchable voltage output between 9V and 12V, providing flexibility for various power requirements.

A standout feature is its current sensor, capable of handling 100A continuously and 220A peak. This indicates the board’s ability to manage significant power levels, accommodating large ESCs. Another key highlight of the Matek F405 VTOL is the dual camera inputs, allowing for seamless switching between cameras in flight. This feature is particularly valuable for redundancy or alternative camera angles.

The board also supports ELRS, TBS Crossfire, and other RC protocols, enhancing its versatility. Additionally, it comes with a USB port for easy access and configuration, a buzzer for alerts, and an on/off switch for the beeper.

Impressively, the flight controller supports up to 12 PWM outputs, meaning it can manage 11 servos and additional LEDs, which is more than sufficient for most applications.

Matek F405 WMN

Get your Matek F405 WNN  from the following vendors:

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DE2uowl
• GetFPV: https://oscarliang.com/product-2c91

The Matek F405-WMN flight controller is a compact, feature-rich board designed for advanced builders who require a high degree of customization and control in their builds. Its small size, combined with its high output and UART capabilities, makes it a versatile choice, albeit with some limitations in LED support and onboard storage for blackbox logging.

Pros:

1. Compact Size: The Matek F405-WMN packs the full feature set of the larger F405 flight controllers into the size of current F411 flight controllers, making it ideal for small builds.
2. Plenty of Outputs: Unlike the limited number of outputs of F411 controllers, the F405-WMN boasts up to 12 PWM outputs and five full UART serial connections, catering to complex setups.
3. Advanced Components: It includes a USB breakout board with a buzzer, USB-C connector, and boot button for easy firmware flashing in DFU mode. The layout is similar to the F411 WSE, ensuring user familiarity.
4. Power Versatility: This flight controller can handle a continuous current of 90A, with a peak of 132A, thanks to its robust shunt resistor.
5. Additional Features: Dual camera inputs, built-in inverter for RX SBUS input, and support for various protocols like ELRS and TBS Crossfire.
6. Versatile for Complex Builds: Ideal for advanced setups requiring multiple connections like pan-tilt systems or LED controls.
7. Integrated Buzzer: Convenient for Inav users, eliminating the need for separate installation.

Cons:

1. Limited LED Support: There’s only one LED pad, requiring external power or split wires for multiple LEDs.
2. Restricted Black Box Storage: The onboard flash memory is just 16 MB, which can quickly fill up, lacking an external SD card slot for expanded storage.
3. Buzzer Durability: The onboard buzzer tends to have a shorter lifespan and may produce less reliable beeping sounds over time.
4. Complex Wiring: Lacks intuitive port and wiring diagrams, making setup challenging for visual learners.

Special Features:

• Daughter Board Design: Enhances compactness and functionality, with a USB-C port for easy access.
• Ideal for Advanced Applications: Its capacity for extra UARTs and PWM outputs makes it suitable for sophisticated projects.
• Dual Camera Inputs: The ability to switch between two cameras mid-flight is a standout feature.
• High Servo Support: Accommodates up to 12 servos, making it suitable for larger and more complex crafts.
• Advanced IMU: The inclusion of the ICM 42688P IMU and a barometer with noise reduction foam hints at its capability for precise flight control.
• Servo PDB Compatibility: Matek’s new servo PDB can be directly soldered to the flight controller, allowing for even more servo outputs.
• Compact Yet Powerful: Despite its small size, it equals the capabilities of larger controllers like the F405 Wing but in a much smaller package.

Matek F411-WTE

Get your Matek F411-WTE  from the following vendors:

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBOmk3f

The F411-WTE is upgraded version of the F411-WSE and F411-WING

The Matek F411-WTE is a small and lightweight all-in-one wing flight controller for simple builds. Even 250 gram builds can carry this FC.

Pros:

1. Compact and Familiar Design: Similar layout to the popular F411-WSE, makes transitioning to this model easier for existing users. The board is compact, it’s ideal for small, tight builds, particularly wings.
2. Improved Connectivity: Offers two hardware UARTs, two soft serials, and four PWM connections, providing decent versatility.
3. USB-C Connector: A sturdier and more reliable connection compared to previous models.

Cons:

1. Limited UARTs: With only two hardware UARTs, it’s not suitable for complex builds like those requiring HDZero or Walksnail systems.
2. No Major Upgrades: It’s a safe choice but lacks significant advancements over its predecessor.

Matek F405-WTE

Get your Matek F405 WTE  from the following vendors:

• AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBMtqQd
• RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-cmz1

Matek F405-WTE is the upgraded version of the F405-WING and F405-WSE.

The Matek F405-WTE stands out with its cutting-edge design and features tailored for airplane applications. Its integration of ExpressLRS receiver and Wi-Fi telemetry, combined with its powerful electrical capabilities, make it an excellent choice for advanced airplane builds. However, the lack of diversity in the ExpressLRS receiver are points to consider.

Pros:

1. Innovative Design for RC planes: The F405-WTE is acclaimed as one of the most interesting airplane-oriented flight controllers on the market.
2. Advanced Features: Incorporates ExpressLRS receivers, Wi-Fi telemetry, OSD, black box, and MPU6000.
3. Extensive Power Capabilities: Capable of handling up to 6S with a 132A current sensor, offering robust voltage stabilization and ample power for servos and peripherals.

Cons:

1. No Diversity in ExpressLRS Receiver: Only includes a single antenna for the internal ExpressLRS 2.4 GHz receiver, lacking diversity features.

Special Features:

• Wi-Fi Telemetry: Allows connection to mission planners over Wi-Fi, offering convenient over-air telemetry without the need for USB connections.
• Dual-Antenna System: Includes antennas for both the internal ExpressLRS receiver and Wi-Fi telemetry, enhancing connectivity options.

Matek H743-WLITE

The Matek H743-WLITE is the upgrade version of the F765-WSE.

Matek H743-WINGV3

The Matek H743-WINGV3 is the upgrade version of the H743-WING V2.

Matek H743-SLIMV3

The Matek H743-SLIMV3 is the upgrade version of the H743-SLIMV1.5.

Matek H743-MINI V3

The Matek H743-MINI V3 is the upgrade version of the F743-MINI V1.5

Matek F405-HDTE

The F405-HDTE is the new version of the F722-HD.

Matek F405-miniTE

The F405-miniTE is the new version of the F405-miniSE.

Matek F405-TE

The F405-TE is the new version of the F722-SE and F405-SE.

ATOMRC F405 NAVI

Purchase, AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkMA83J

ATOMRC F405 NAVI Mini

Purchase, AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkwwP3F

Other Supported Boards

Some flight controllers designed for Betaflight are also supported in iNav. Check out the official wiki for a list of supported boards: https://github.com/iNavFlight/inav/wiki/Supported-boards

How to Mount FC?

3M double-sided foam tape:

• Pros: Easy to install, secure, works well on flat surfaces and PCBs.
• Cons: Hard to remove, doesn’t stick well to non-flat surfaces.

3D Print a Tray or FC Holder, and Double-Sided Tape It to the Plane:

• Pros: Easy to remove, secure.
• Cons: Requires a 3D printer.

Hot glue or E6000 glue:

• Pros: Easy to install.
• Cons: Can be messy and needs to be reapplied every time you remove the FC.

Avoid using Velcro as it may cause the FC to move excessively, introducing significant vibrations.

Avoid F411 Flight Controllers?

The reasoning is straightforward. F411 flight controllers are nearing the end of their life cycle. Although they were once a staple in the drone community, especially for those on a budget or working with less complex builds like tiny whoops, their limitations are now too significant to ignore.

Firstly, F411s have always been incompatible with ArduPilot, a leading open-source autopilot software. This immediately limits the scope of what you can achieve with them. While they could still run on iNav – another popular flight control software – this is set to change. With iNav’s 2024 update, F411 support is dropping off the map.

The F411 flight controllers come with inherent issues that cannot be overlooked in today’s more demanding RC models:

• Limited Flash Memory: The storage for firmware codes on an F411 is insufficient for the latest software updates and functionalities.
• Insufficient RAM: With more complex tasks required from flight controllers, the F411’s memory is often found wanting.
• Performance Constraints: The F411s struggle with maintaining fast loop times essential for stable flight, a non-negotiable in modern flying.

As flight technology advances, these limitations become more pronounced. Modern setups require more from a flight controller than what an F411 can provide. Betaflight is trying to address this issue by implementing “Cloud Build” system, where users can select what features they wish to include in the firmware build in order to minimize firmware size, but it still doesn’t fix the following limitations.

Another glaring issue with the F411 flight controllers is the lack of serial ports. For context, modern airplanes often use one port for communication systems like Crossfire or ExpressLRS, another for GPS, and a third for a digital FPV system. With only two available on the F411, you’re immediately at a disadvantage.

Some might suggest using software serial as a workaround, but from my testing and experience, I strongly advise against it. Software serial ports are slow, unreliable, and can overload your MCU if you’re not careful. They’re simply not up to the task for something that is timing critical as receiver and GPS – which, on a software serial, becomes unreliable.

Avoid H7 FC?

H7 flight controllers are essentially overkill – they are expensive but does not give you any benefits in flight performance at the moment. Current flight controller firmware is not really utilizing its extra processing power, and a cheaper F405 will fly exactly the same way, there is absolutely no flight performance difference. Maybe you get one or two extra serial ports or maybe a broken-out SPI, but these are rarely needed anyway. Right now, you will save money by going with F405, and your aircraft will fly just as well.

Conclusion

Selecting the ideal wing flight controller is a critical decision that can greatly influence the performance and capabilities of your plane. From the budget-friendly yet feature-rich SpeedyBee F405 Wing to the advanced and versatile Matek series, each controller has its strengths and limitations. Understanding these nuances will help you tailor your choice to your project’s requirements, ensuring a satisfying and successful flying experience.