On the right course with Anschütz autopilots
It all started over a hundred years ago with the Iron Helmsman, one of the early innovations from Anschütz, and it continued with the introduction of the world’s first autopilot. Since then, Anschütz autopilots have set the standard for high-precision heading and course control, combined with useful functions and simple, safe operation at all times.
Anschütz autopilots are based on widely proven steering algorithms. These algorithms ensure smooth steering behaviour and high accuracy when navigation requires it, such as in narrow sea areas, between islands or archipelagos, and even when travelling at low speeds.
With its graduated range of functions, Anschütz offers cost-effective solutions for every budget. Anschütz has sold more than 8,000 autopilots of the current generation across all market segments:
With the PilotStar NX, Anschütz offers an agile controller that is ideal for small- to medium-sized vessels operating in highly disturbed conditions, with poor course-keeping capability or under asymmetric loads. Customised functions, for example for research vessels and workboats, always ensure a safe and comfortable operation with the autopilot.
In addition to safety and precision, the NautoPilot 5000 NX stands out for offering a unique combination of functions that lead to lower fuel consumption and, therefore, lower emissions, as well as an improved Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) rating. Depending on the prevailing situation, the autopilot can reduce fuel costs and emissions or, if necessary, ensure safe navigation by maximising precision.
Outstanding features: Significant fuel savings and reduced emissions
The NautoPilot 5000 NX significantly contributes to reducing fuel consumption and emissions. As a result, it provides a return on investment in just a few months.
For years, Anschütz has led the way with intelligent features such as the self-adapting ECO Mode and Course Control, which ensure less rudder movements, smaller rudder angles, minimum overswing and minimal resistance. Field tests and studies show potential fuel savings of 1–4%, depending on factors such as weather, speed, load condition and draft.
Significant fuel and emission savings are also possible on twin-rudder vessels. The so-called ‘Toe Angle’ function optimises the individual rudder angles on dual-rudder vessels to reduce the rudder resistance in the wake field. In other words, less power and fuel are needed to maintain the same speed than with parallel rudders. A good reference is a test on board an 85,000-dwt cruise oil tanker under various conditions which showed a maximum saving of 4.7%, with an average saving of just under 2% across all variants tested.
Anschütz autopilots are easy and safe to use
Anschütz autopilots are equipped with a state-of-the-art and easy-to-operate user interface. Monitoring and operation are performed via a large 7" colour touch screen and a clearly structured menu with direct access to relevant functions and parameters. A ‘Simplified Mode’ displays all relevant data at a glance, making it easy to read even from larger distances.
A unique feature of Anschütz autopilots is the ‘Integrated Heading and Rudder Plot’, which provides an intuitive visualisation of steering accuracy and efficiency, and facilitates making necessary adjustments of parameter settings. Optimised parameters along with an efficient steering performance are key to reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
The autopilot hardware is made in Germany and produced according to the highest quality standards for maximum robustness and durability. It offers a multitude of interfaces, including Ethernet communication standard in accordance with IEC 61162-450, among others. The autopilot also allows the connection of tillers to form a compact and efficient steering gear control system.