Autopilot

An autopilot is a mechanical, electrical, or hydraulic system used to guide a vehicle without assistance from a human being. Most people understand an autopilot to refer specifically to aircraft, but self-steering gear for ships and boats is sometimes also called by this term.

Below are the main components of autopilot systems:

Main Display Controller

Processing Unit

Heading Sensor

Rudder Feedback

Navigation Interface

Motor or Solenoid Drive

 

 

 

 

 

Patrol / Rescue vessels

High speed vessels require a performance autopilot capable of withstanding tough conditions. The Simrad AP50 is easy to operate under difficult conditions and will maintain an accurate course.

A typical system solution might consist of:

 

• AP50
• J50
• HS50
• RF300
• RPU80

Workboats

With the Work mode, the AP50 is ideally suited for the variation in steering characteristics experienced on a tug or workboat. This provides the best auto-steering when either towing or steaming.

A typical system solution might consist of:

• AP50
• J50
• GC80
• RF300
• SOLENOID

Ferries

Automatic navsteering reduces passage distance and time. Interface to bow and stern thrusters for accurate slow speed heading control. Simple reverse direction mode for use on RO-RO ferries.

A typical system solution might consist of:

• AP9 MK3
• 3 D90
• GC80 DUAL
• RF14XU
• SOLENOID
• THRUSTER

 

High speed craft

 

The Simrad AP9MK3 autopilot and the GC85 Gyrocompass are both approved for use on High Speed Craft, providing stable and accurate autosteering.

A typical system solution might consist of:

• AP9 MK3
• D90
• GC85 DUAL
• RF45X
• SOLENOID

 

Cargo vessels

The Simrad AP9 MK3 autopilot operates with all types of steering systems, simple to retrofit onto existing vessels. Significant savings in time and fuel can be made when using automatic NAV steering.

 

A typical system solution might consist of:

• AP3 MK3
• 3 D91
• GC80
• RF14XU
• SOLENOID
• THRUSTER

 

Megayacht

A reliable autopilot, the Simrad AP50 will keep the vessel on course even in the roughest conditions. Using the bow thruster interface the heading can be maintained even when the vessel has little or no speed.

A typical system solution might consist of:

• AP50
• J50
• RGC50
• RF300

 

 

SIMRAD AP50