The new system includes "patrol" and "kamikaze" modes, as well as the ability to control the backup anywhere in the world.
Russia has developed a control system for unmanned boats (BEC) with autopilot. It includes the possibility of moving along the route at different speeds, an automatic fire extinguishing system, patrol and kamikaze modes, as well as a number of other functions. At the same time, the range of the boat with the new system is limited only by the fuel supply on board. Experts note that such devices are becoming a universal strike and reconnaissance vehicle capable of conducting surveillance and potentially hitting targets at a considerable distance.
What is autopilot for?
The new ground control station with autopilot allows you to control unmanned boats from almost anywhere in the world. It fits in a small suitcase weighing about 5 kg. The main task of the autopilot is to deliver the boat to the target without human intervention or with minimal participation, Igor Lapin, CEO of the Aviron development company, told Izvestia.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Izvestia Archive
Image source: iz.ru
— For this purpose, various functions are built into the autopilot algorithms: movement along a route with different speeds of passing sections, speed and course retention, self-diagnosis of backup systems, automatic fire extinguishing system, patrol or kamikaze modes. Such functions allow you to perform tasks autonomously," he explained.
Information about all systems is displayed on the NSO screen: fuel level, speed and course of the boat, route traveled and other parameters. This allows the operator to control everything that happens to the device.
Autopilot greatly facilitates the work of operators, freeing them from routine operations when operating a boat over long distances. The main advantage of such a scheme is the reduction of risks to human life, the developers note.
— It is enough for the operator to enter the backup route from a comfortable, secure location and start the autopilot. Then he will do everything himself and bring the boat to a given point," said Igor Lapin.
Photo: RIA Novosti/Sergey Bobylev
Image source: iz.ru
The operator is only required to monitor the stages of the route using the instruments on the NSO screen and make adjustments if necessary.
— The range of a surface drone is limited only by the range of communication and the capacity of the fuel tank, — notes Igor Lapin. — In the case of space communications and refueling during movement, the product can operate around the globe.
Unmanned boats with a new control system are already used in the Russian Army and Navy.
— Due to the fact that Ukraine does not have its own fleet, its use in the zone has been minimized so far, — said Igor Lapin.
Only on the domestic code
All the software of the complex is developed in Russia. This made it possible to abandon open source solutions created abroad.
"The code is completely written from scratch and allows us to scale and refine it without looking at Western systems in exactly the format we need," said the CEO.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Korotaev
Image source: iz.ru
Several types of channels are used for communication between the control station and the boat: ultrashortwave radio, LTE mobile networks and satellite systems.
"Due to the fact that we have our own software, we can add support for any new communication channel based on any physical principles: optical fiber, radio communications, and the like," the developers explained.
All electronic systems are housed in sealed, moisture-proof enclosures. The mechanical controls — rudders, trim, reverse and water cannon — are also protected from water ingress.
The autopilot is compatible with various domestic and foreign engines, both outboard and water—jet.
Photo: RIA Novosti/Alexey Danichev
Image source: iz.ru
According to the developers, the new technology may be in demand in the civilian market.
— With minor modifications, it will be suitable for managing barges, yachts and other civilian vessels, which will be good enough to unload the crew of a civilian vessel, — said Igor Lapin. — Autopilot patrol mode will allow you to monitor the coastline, detecting fires and illegal activities. For example, this is how you can control the state border.
The development has become an example of import substitution both at the hardware and software levels of an unmanned vessel, Andrey Bezrukov, Chairman of the Management Board of the Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies, told Izvestia.
— Of fundamental importance is the fact that developers have moved away from Western open source. And that the development has a dual purpose," Bezrukov explained. — On the one hand, the solutions developed in the interests of the Navy and within the framework of a special military operation prove their resistance to difficult conditions of communication and electronic warfare. On the other hand, we see huge potential for the civil sector.
Photo: IZVESTIA/Dmitry Korotaev
Image source: iz.ru
The new control system will allow the tanks to strike and conduct reconnaissance anywhere in the world's oceans, military expert Dmitry Boltenkov told Izvestia.
"Satellite channel control will allow Sevastopol to conduct backup operations in the Indian or Pacific Ocean," he noted. "Drones will need to be delivered there directly, and operators will conduct reconnaissance or attack remotely. It is no longer necessary to move highly qualified specialists to the other side of the world.
The use of a fiber-optic communication channel when working at relatively short distances can significantly reduce the vulnerability of boats to electronic warfare, experts say.
As a result, new weapons, which were viewed with skepticism a few years ago, will play an increasingly prominent role in the development of naval technologies.
Bogdan Stepovoy
