Design and Implementation of Track Autopilot

The track autopilot system is constructed based on Controller Area Network (CAN) and an industrial control computer. The development supporting facility is constructed first, including a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC)-based ruder angle feedback unit to simulate sophisticated hydraulic steering gear system and a simulator for providing ship course and position data developed based on ship maneuvering mathematical model group (MMG) concept. The system software featuring 6 operation modes, including route planning, online monitoring and alarming, and system setting, is developed in Windows. The software is tasted on the ship Yukun under the real sea conditions. The test result, course steady error less than 3° and track steady error less than 30 m, is a step forward in development of intelligent navigation.