 |  |  |  |
 |  |
Click on one of the images above for more
information on the project...
 |   |
The SPECTRE remote control autopilot for surface craft 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 metre and 15 metres 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 signalling 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 manoeuvres 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.
High speed operations: SPECTRE is equipped with advanced sensor datafusion and adaptive autopilot algorithms which aid stability at high speed. Agile craft such as RHIBs have a tendency to begin "snaking" whenthe autopilot is engaged at high speed, especially when following waypoints. SPECTRE's advanced adaptive algorithms are able to overcome these issues, resulting in a straight track with no significant oscillation.
The SPECTRE system is powerful and versatile. As well as handling the basic autopilot functions, SPECTRE supports the following:
- Engine monitoring,
- Ignition control (remote start/stop),
- Control of auxiliary systems (PTZ camera, transponders etc) including gyrostabilisation control for IR/visible camera systems,
- Single or twin engines,
- Single or twin waterjets.
For more information, please download the brochure or flyer or use the Enquiries form.
See also:
|
Weighing
in at under 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 includes a built-in pitot/static pressure sensor for measuring altitude and airspeed. The absolute pressure sensor is measured using a low noise 16-bit ADC. Comparison between two such sensors is shown in these plots. The two sensors were tested side by side over several hours during which the ambient pressure varied by some 10 metres or so equivalent altitude; the two sensors tracked each other to within less than 1 metre. The airship autopilot programme was funded by the UK Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), under a SMART award. For more information, please use the Enquiries form. See also:
|
 |
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:
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.
|
| The SPECTRE controller is integrated on Talisman, the AUV developed by BAE Systems. This vehicle is highly manoeuvrable, being fitted with six vectorable thruster pods and two movable fins, which allow it to manoeuvre very accurately, hover and turn 360 within its own length. When fitted in the vehicle, SPECTRE orders a series of manoeuvre 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 manoeuvring. For more information see the Press Release in News. See also: |
|
| 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. See also: |
For more information, please use the Enquiries form.