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Kongsberg Maritime AS

Kongsberg Automatic track and heading control

Name: Kongsberg Maritime AS Kongsberg Automatic track and heading control
Brand: Kongsberg Maritime AS
SKU: OSE-64926

K-Bridge autopilot adaptive heading and track controller provides optimal steering under all weather and load conditions. The K-Bridge Autopilot is aself-adapting, automated trackandheading controllerthat provides optimal steering (under different vessel loads) in all sea and weather conditions. The K-Bridge Autopilot “learns” how the vessel reacts to different rudder commands and adapts its steering commands accordingly to steer the ship as smoothly as possible in the given conditions. The autopilot receives its orders either from an operator panel or from an ECDIS or Radar operator station. (The orders are changes of heading, turn radius or rate of turn.) It then calculates the steering commands required to execute these orders and transmits them directly to the vessel’s steering gear. When installed together with a K-Bridge Sensor Integrator (SINT) and K-Bridge Steering Control System or K-Thrust Thruster Control System, the K-Bridge Autopilot requires virtually no extra cabling. The equipment is designed to conform to the following standards: The K-Bridge Autopilot is approved in accordance with EU MED 96/98/EC annex A.1/4.16 (as a heading control system) and annex A.1/4.33 (as a track control system). The approval includes the operator interface and the use of other K-Bridge components to accomplish automatic track control. GetthetechnicalspecificationsandkeyperformancedetailsoftheK-BridgeAutopilot.Thisdatasheetoffersaclearoverviewofsystemfeatures,integrationoptions,andoperationalparameters. ExplorethepowerfulfeaturesoftheAutopilotM100.Downloadthedatasheettolearnaboutitsprecisionnavigationcapabilities,technicalspecifications,andhowitcanoptimizeyourvessel'sperformanceandsafety.

Inspector Detail

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Common issues

Gyrocompass or heading sensor signal dropout causing loss of automatic steering and fallback to manual/NFU steering
Sensor calibration drift (gyro, magnetic compass, rate-of-turn) causing heading offset errors
Rudder feedback unit wear or misalignment causing steering hunting/oscillation
Poorly tuned adaptive/PID parameters for the vessel's loading condition causing excessive rudder activity in heavy weather
Loss of GPS/track input causing automatic reversion from track-control to heading-control mode
Software/firmware version mismatches after partial system upgrades
Corroded connectors/cabling in the steering gear room affecting signal integrity

Inspection checklist

Carry out a function test including a hard-over turn test and off-course alarm test
Verify rudder feedback unit indication matches actual rudder angle
Check gyrocompass/heading sensor input for drift against a known reference heading
Test automatic changeover to backup steering mode and manual takeover
Inspect control unit, operator panel, and cabling/connectors for corrosion or damage
Verify UPS/backup power supply function and battery condition
Confirm alarm functions (off-course, system fail, sensor fail) operate correctly
Review software/firmware version against the approved configuration

Service intervals

System function/alarm test	typically at each annual survey and before departure per the vessel's steering gear test procedure
Rudder feedback unit check/lubrication	typically per maker's schedule, commonly annually
UPS/backup battery replacement	typically every 3-5 years or per battery manufacturer's guidance
Software/firmware version review	at each planned maintenance/upgrade cycle

Critical spares

Rudder feedback unit
Control unit fuses/power supply module
Operator control panel
Backup battery/UPS unit
Interconnecting cabling/connectors

Safety

Immediate manual steering takeover must always be possible - crew must be drilled on the changeover procedure
Reliance on a single failed sensor (e.g. gyro) without cross-check can cause an undetected heading error in restricted waters
Electrical hazards when working in the control cabinet - isolate power before opening
Loss of steering control during an automatic mode changeover in confined waters is a recognised incident type

Class survey

The heading/track control system is tested as part of the steering gear trials at annual and renewal surveys (hard-over test, changeover to alternative power/control, alarm tests); a track control system used for automatic navigation is subject to IMO performance standards and the officer of the watch must remain able to intervene manually at all times.

Estimated lifetime: Bridge autopilot/track control electronics commonly remain in service 15-20 years before obsolescence, though individual modules (feedback units, control panels, batteries) are replaced well before that on a condition or fixed-interval basis.