New professional autopilot from Simrad

The AP50 is Type Approved and complies with the European Marine Equipment Directive 96/98, the highest level of testing for non-military electronics navigation equipment. Simrad has developed the AP50 to provide fishing and other commercial vessels, together with large yachts and Superyachts, with the highest standards of reliability and the functionality needed in the professional environment.

Simple to operate for the first time user the AP50 can display in 8 languages from a menu selection. With Integrated Intelligent Steering the AP50 will provide dead straight steering, using the least amount of rudder movement necessary to save fuel and wear on steering gear. During everyday operation all the turns performed by the AP50 emulate the turns performed by the captain during the sea trials of the autopilot. The AP50 therefore ensures its own operation is optimised for the particular vessel requiring minimum intervention of the skipper. To achieve this Simrad has integrated features such as Automatic Sea State filter, Automatic rudder offset, Adaptive speed response, second compass for course monitoring and adaptive pump speed. The AP50 is therefore one of the most advanced commercial autopilots currently available, providing a reliable helm function in any weather conditions or sea state, leaving the helmsman free to carry out watch keeping or navigation.

The heart of the system is the Junction Unit and network which allows high speed digital communication and power distribution between the units and sensors in the system. If the vessel is equipped with a bow thruster it can be connected to the AP50 to maintain heading even with little or no steerage way. This means that the AP50 can stay in control at very low speeds previously not possible with an autopilot. This is especially useful for trawling, towing or trolling on one engine.

The AP50 is equipped with Auto Work and Work modes unique to Simrad, allowing operation of the pilot outside the condition the vessel would normally function, providing complete flexibility of the system. When connected to an electronic charting system the AP50 will work towards a waypoint or follow a complete predetermined route.

With space being at a premium on most bridges, Simrad has incorporated a large 5″ screen, which can display a wide range of information such as speed, depth, course, wind direction, graphical compass and many other essential navigation features. A remote control is available with 7m of cable to allow the skipper to operate from other parts of the bridge or fit the remote into the armrest of his seat.

With the background of the highly reliable and much respected AP45, Simrad has worked closely with professional skippers to incorporate additional technology into the AP50 which will allow the commercial operator to work more efficiently, with greater control and greater safety than ever before. The Simrad AP50 is quite literally the next generation of commercial autopilots.