The Autonomous Navigation and Command System from Anschütz creates multiple new advantages in naval operations
Anschütz has designed a unique, integrated Autonomous Navigation and Command System for naval vessels. Using proven, readily available and type-approved components, it provides navies with enhanced safety and sustainable capability for unmanned systems, all the while retaining full technological sovereignty.
Scalable from assistance systems to highly automated solutions, and from the monitoring and control of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) to automation solutions for large combatants, the system adds new value in various application scenarios.
As part of a dynamic system, the integrated navigation and command system from Anschütz ensures precise and safe autonomous navigation, control and operation of unmanned vessels, as well as remote monitoring and control from shore stations, operations centres on mother ships, or mobile, containerised solutions.
In addition to autonomous navigation, the system enables highly flexible, autonomous execution of different missions, as well as data transmission and fusion into a common operational picture. By integrating different units into a network of autonomous systems, the speed and effectiveness of maritime operations can be significantly increased.
- Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
The system enables highly effective autonomous ISR operations, particularly by combining multiple units. Through the integration of advanced electro-optical and other sensors, the tactical mission modules identify and classify contacts and anomalies, integrating them in real-time into a clear, precise and operational maritime picture.
- Mine Countermeasures – Underwater Detection
The system integrates a sonar system, providing comprehensive capabilities for identifying, classifying and documenting mines and other anomalies in a common tactical picture. This enables large areas (e.g., harbour approaches, shipping lanes, anchorages) to be searched autonomously and efficiently for potential underwater threats, establishing a safe operating area.
- Escort / Shadowing
To protect high-value targets, the autonomous system can be seamlessly integrated into existing operational concepts and comprehensive point defence approaches. It dynamically detects threats and responds effectively. The system autonomously guides the unmanned vessel in a rule-based manner (e.g., following pre-defined routes, considering rendezvous points, formations and compliance with COLREG regulations), ensuring continuous monitoring of the environment and early identification and reporting of potential threats.
The Autonomous Navigation and Command System extends the commercially available, proven and certified SYNAPSIS integrated navigation system. The extended system integrates additional optical sensors and surveillance systems to provide a comprehensive maritime situational picture, featuring enhanced tactical target management, automatic collision avoidance, and dynamic motion control. Additional software modules manage the automatic execution of certain tactical functions, enable data exchange in the autonomous system network and are prepared for future collaboration and integration with maritime C4ISR systems.
The Autonomous Navigation and Command System has undergone extensive testing in autonomous operation, including two years of testing in the Kiel Fjord with over 200 collision avoidance scenarios under real-life conditions. Most recently, a comprehensive high-speed demonstration with CMN Naval and German Naval Yards in Cherbourgh, France has proven the capability of the Anschütz Autonomous Navigation and Command System.
