FLIR Systems, Inc.
Adaptive autopilot control systems and methods

Abstract:

Autopilot systems and related techniques are provided to improve the ability of mobile structures to maintain a desired reference path (e.g., to keep a desired track and/or to follow a desired contour). In various embodiments, a high quality turn rate signal and GPS based signals are used to generate high bandwidth cross track/contour errors and other associated signals. An adaptive controller uses the generated cross track/contour signals to provide robust track keeping and/or contour following in the directional control of a mobile structure. Techniques are also provided for systems and methods to provide directional control for mobile structures.