An open-source, modular quadcopter platform for developers and operators.
Project Quiver is a 25 kg MTOW drone with 5-8 kg payload capacity, three hot-swappable attachment interfaces, and a distributed electronics architecture. Built for reliability, field serviceability, and customization.
Developed by Arrow Air and released under the CERN Open Hardware Licence.
- Modular payload system — Three quick-release interfaces (bottom, left, right) for mission equipment
- Dual GNSS with RTK — Centimeter-level positioning with backup redundancy
- Distributed PCB architecture — Four custom boards that can be individually serviced
- 25-31 min hover endurance — Tattu 14S 30Ah smart battery with Hobbywing X6 Plus propulsion
- ArduPilot firmware — Standard QGroundControl/Mission Planner compatibility
- Weatherproof design — Sealed cockpit with rain canopies and drip-proof geometry
📖 Full Documentation — Platform overview, capabilities, and roadmap
The docs/ folder is hosted on the Arrow website.
| Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Assembly Guides | Step-by-step build instructions |
| Engineering Reports | Technical details for each prototype |
| Meeting Notes | Engineering call notes |
project-quiver/
├── docs/ # Documentation (hosted at arrowair.com/docs/quiver)
├── src/
│ ├── quiver/ # CAD assembly — build123d Python package
│ ├── pcb/ # KiCad PCB designs (4 custom boards)
│ ├── printing/ # 3D print profiles and settings
│ └── manufacturing/ # DXFs and cut sheets for CNC/laser
├── flight-test/ # Historical flight test logs
└── task-grant-bounty/ # Bounty and grant task specifications
The CAD source is a build123d Python package that composes STEP files into the full drone assembly. This enables programmatic CAD generation and version-controlled mechanical design. See src/quiver/ for details.
Want to build one? Start with the Assembly Guides.
Want to develop attachments? Check out:
Want a dev-kit? Dev-kit drones are available for loan to developers with promising projects. Join the Arrow Discord to learn more.
We welcome contributions across:
- Attachments — Design new payloads for the modular interfaces
- Electronics — PCB improvements and new sensor integrations
- Mechanical — Structural design and manufacturing optimization
- Software — ArduPilot configs, companion computer features, tooling
- Documentation — Guides, tutorials, and translations
See CONTRIBUTING.md for guidelines.
- Discord — discord.gg/arrow
- DAO Forum — dao.arrowair.com
- Flight Tracking — project-flight-tracking.vercel.app
CERN Open Hardware Licence Version 2 - Strongly Reciprocal (CERN-OHL-S)