UAV Navigation has extensive experience in the UAV sector, providing flight control solutions for manufacturers of Fixed Wing Platforms, Rotary Wing Platforms and Target Drones since 2004.
The experience acquired in this field has allowed the company to develop also an advanced solution for unmanned or autonomous surface vehicles (USV or ASV).
UAV Navigation's autopilots have been designed to comply with IP66, meaning that they are suitable for work in humid conditions, including salt spray and saline environments.
The autopilot is able to control a USV mission completely autonomously from start to finish. The same advanced features that are available for aerial vehicles can be used by USV operators: multiple waypoints, multiple onboard mission plans (including intelligent 'return to base' via chosen routes in order to avoid particular areas), no-go zones, actions on waypoints, etc. A particularly useful feature is 'relative routes': the ability to install the Ground Control Station (GCS) on a moving ship, and then to fix a mission plan relative to the moving vessel.
Despite its small size and weight UAV Navigation's product is a complete autopilot, meaning that the unit contains all of the sensors required to control the USV; only servos and an external datalink to communicate with the GCS are required. Additionally, the GCS can be readily integrated with range telemetry facilities so that range personnel can be kept aware of the USV's and GCS' locations at all times.
It is important to note that the autopilot is fully autonomous. Unlike other control systems which rely on a datalink to work, the autopilot is able to execute a complete mission even if the datalink between the Ground Control Station and the USV fails.
Special Features for Unmanned Surface Vehicles:
- Algorithms to minimize the effect of the waves on vessel performance.
- Compact unit. No Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) or Mission Management Computer are required - they are integrated within the same box.
- Turn over protection. The autopilot will detects if the USV capsizes and is able to carry out immediate safety procedures (e.g. engine kill).
- Sail, No-Sail Zones. Configure restricted zones. In the event of sailing into a zone, the operator will receive a warning.
