Read the build package
Start with the latest stable hardware release and inspect the manuals, drawings, manufacturing files, and parts lists before buying material.
Builder orientation
Start with the release, then join the community.
OpenHornet is a serious fabrication project. The fastest way to make progress is to read the package, understand your tooling, and ask early when something is unclear.
First steps
A practical route into the build.
These steps compress the current Start Here guidance into a buildable sequence for new and returning builders.
Join Discord
The community is the best place for clarifying questions, builder examples, troubleshooting, and current caveats.
Plan your workspace
Prepare clean work surfaces, lighting, ventilation, storage, and a safe plan for cutting, printing, soldering, and assembly.
Pick a first assembly
Start small. Do not try to build everything in one rush. Choose a manageable cockpit section and validate fit, finish, and wiring habits.
Track known issues
Review v0.3.0 release notices before committing to Pro Micro/ALE, ABSIS power, RS485, UFC, or throttle work.
Contribute back
When you find a bug, document it. When you can fix it, open a GitHub issue, talk in Discord, or apply as a contributor.
Minimum tooling assumptions
The project assumes a capable shop.
OpenHornet can be built by dedicated hobbyists, but it is not a weekend desktop kit. The current guidance assumes CNC routing, laser cutting or engraving, 3D printing, electronics assembly, and careful measuring. Note that these are minimum assumptions, and builders without this tooling may need to seek out local maker spaces, authorized vendors, or custom fabrication services to fill gaps.
CNC router
A X-Carve 1000 x 1000 (750x750mm work area) router for MDF, acrylic, ABS, and thin aluminum work.
Laser cutter
A K40+ laser with LightBurn-capable control and air assist for for acrylic and Rowmark.
3D printers
FDM printing in PETG and resin printing are both part of the documented fabrication approach. (Prusa i3 MK3 & Anycubic Photon, minimum.)
Electrical bench
Expect basic SMD/PTH soldering, inspection, rework, ESD care, measurement, and cable assembly tasks.
Download paths
Hardware is released; software is tracked separately.
Use the stable release for manufacturing, and follow the separate software repository as it develops.
Hardware build package
Latest stable package: v0.3.0: Advancing the Airframe.
Software repository
OpenHornet software lives in its own GitHub repository.
Issues and feedback
Use GitHub issues for bugs, enhancements, obsolescence reports, and traceable technical discussion.
Need a shortcut?
Authorized vendors can help with hard-to-fabricate parts.
OpenHornet plans stay freely accessible, while authorized vendors provide a commercial path for parts, kits, panels, PCBs, and other build support under OpenHornet oversight.