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Click on one of the images above for more information on the project...
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The SPECTRE remote control autopilot is the only system currently approved
for unmanned operation in UK coastal waters by the UK Maritime Coastguard
Agency. Based on the proven Spectre Processor
Board autopilot board, it is available as a turnkey system suitable
for fitment to a wide range vessels. The installation shown above is a
target-towing RHIB operated by QinetiQ. Based on the proven SPECTRE processor
board, the SPECTRE Remote Control Autopilot System is a turnkey system
designed to control an unmanned surface craft. The SPECTRE autopilot board
provides:
- Advanced self-tuning autopilot control modes, track and hover,
- Remote controlled operation,
- Auto heading, for minimum operator workload,
- Fully autonomous operation,
- Autonomous with capability for operator intervention,
- Covert mode - zero command link transmissions
Typical applications are vehicles between 1 meter and 15 meters in length, at speeds ranging from less than 1 knot to over 50 kts. Performance is limited primarily by the ability of the vehicle's own navigational sensors to operate correctly at high speeds, and the performance of the vehicle itself. To facilitate the operation of unmanned vehicles, SPECTRE processor has the ability to communicate, using a remote control protocol, across a radio link or some other remote signaling system. The SPECTRE system provides the additional circuitry for controlling the hydraulic steering pumps and electronic throttle, as well as the navigational sensor suite and the ignition and starter circuitry. Remote control of additional channels, for example cameras, is provided. Safety cut-outs and fail-safe operation are included. Potential applications include:
- Surveillance: the autopilot controls the vessel to follow a pre-defined track within the survey area, while payload instruments are employed, for instance, side-scan sonar, visual/infrared imagery. The SPECTRE autopilot autonomously navigates the craft, while the command link is used to communicate with the payload sensors or the autopilot may be pre-programmed to switch on instruments at specific waypoints. The system provides command and control channels for remote control and monitoring the payload.
- Remote controlled minehunting: the SPECTRE autopilot is ideally suited to control the vessel at low speeds and in hover maneuvers while payload instruments are deployed. A special mode controls the vehicle to stay on a fixed station relative to the host ship and can be used to scan the area ahead of a warship under way.
- Target and target towing: the autopilot can be fitted either to the target itself or to a towing vessel. The proven SPECTRE technology can control a light craft at towing speeds, and the compass stabilisation technology allows the autopilot to maintain heading even in significant sea states.
For more information, please download the brochure or flyer or use the Inquiries form.
Weighing in at just over 1kg, including the radio modem, the airship autopilot comprises the Spectre Processor Board together with GPS, airspeed, height, attitude and heading instrumentation. Additional relay circuitry allows the control to be switched between the full manual remote control ("Futaba" type handset) and the autopilot.
As with all H Scientific remote control systems, the remote control workstation comprises a PC or laptop PC, running the remote control and monitoring software, and may be supplemented with a handheld remote control unit.
The airship autopilot program was funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), under a SMART award.
For more information, please use the Inquiries form.
The AUV autopilot is based on the Spectre Processor Board and has been installed on submersible vehicles. The system is equally suited taking over any level of control in:
- A manned submersible,
- An ROV with a physical data link to the operator workstation,
- An autonomous vehicle in contact with a support ship,
- A completely autonomous vehicle operating ‘fire and forget’ missions .
The operator, located on land or on a support ship, can track the progress of the vehicle visually on screen and control the vehicle, by communicating with the controller on board the vehicle. Data from the navigational instruments on board the vehicle may be sent back to the remote control workstation and used to display the progress of the vehicle on screen (see RCW software).
The proprietary, low bandwidth communication protocol, allows efficient two-way communication between the remote control computer and the vehicle. This is particularly important with submersible systems operating with no umblical cable. The commands may be sent as actuator demands, from sliders, external console or joystick panel, or as high-level mission commands. High-level commands are combined with the navigation information from onboard instruments, such as the velocity sensor and inertial navigation system, and converted into control signals for the actuators and control surfaces. The controller parameters can be configured ‘on the fly’ by downloading parameters over the link from the remote control workstation.
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The SPECTRE controller is integrated on Talisman, the AUV developed by BAE Systems. This vehicle is highly maneuvrable, being fitted with six vectorable thruster pods and two movable fins, which allow it to maneuver very accurately, hover and turn 360 within its own length. When fitted in the vehicle, SPECTRE orders a series of maneuver from which it learns vehicle dynamics, allowing it to control Talisman accurately and efficiently. As well as speed, heading and track control, trials have shown demonstrated hovering and low speed maneuvering. More information on www.h-scientific.co.uk. |
The use
of unmanned semi-submersible vehicles as AUV support vehicles combines
the advantages of being able to receive radio transmission, including
GPS, with better stability due to being submerged. The vehicle positions
itself above the AUV and communicates through acoustic transmission with
the AUV, while the AUV locates itself acoustically relative to the vehicle.
One essential component for this application is the ability to control
the height below the surface and to maintain the required attitude.
The AUV autopilot was installed on a semi-submersible vehicle. Based on the Spectre Processor Board, this included additional circuitry to measure depth below the surface, position and speed over ground (GPS), and attitude (roll, pitch and heading). The autopilot controlled the speed, heading and maintained the constant depth below the surface in a range of sea conditions.
The unit demonstrates the Spectre Processor
Board autopilot and algorithms, and the integration with the onboard
sensors. The autopilot responds to the movement of the system, controlling
the fins to maintain a level flight and constant heading. If the unit
is tipped to introduce roll, for instance, the autopilot responds by driving
the front fins, one downwards, and the other upwards. The autopilot board
is located below the sensor board, behind the servo motors for the front
fins. The unit can be connected to a computer to demonstrate the remote
control and monitoring modes.