CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - Litton Marine Systems has introduced a new adaptive autopilot system with self-tuning software.

The new auto-tuning software has been extensively tested in sea trials over the last nine months, and is available in the Sperry Marine ADG 3000 autopilot system.

Thomas M. Woolfolk, manager of commercial products at Litton Marine Systems, explained, "The software performs dynamic tuning of the autopilot during a modest series of initial maneuvers, then automatically continues to refine the tuning throughout the voyage in response to the ship's behavior. "

Woolfolk noted that the system maintains two separate tunings, one for light and another for loaded conditions, permitting the operator to switch between the two settings for significant loading changes.

The upgraded ADG 3000 system underwent extensive sea trials on the 46,000-dwt products tanker HMI Nantucket Shoals. The ship's master observed, "We have now had extensive experience in its use and I find it a significant improvement. All course changes at sea (large or small) are made while remaining in autopilot, and the system performs smoothly and accurately with minimum use of rudder and no over-shooting of the new course."

Beta and sea trials were also conducted on a number of other vessels, including two Great Lakes iron ore carriers, a RoPax ferry, a survey vessel and a tugboat, with similar results. "The users reported an important improvement in handling, especially when maneuvering," said Woolfolk. "One captain stated that his confidence was such that he now regularly maneuvers in confined waters at reduced speeds by autopilot."

The new software can be retrofitted to existing ADG 3000 installations, permitting field upgrade of the more than 600 ships currently fitted with the ADG 3000 system.

Litton Marine Systems Inc. (LMS) is a subsidiary of Litton Industries Inc. LMS was formed from the consolidation of Sperry Marine (Charlottesville, Virginia, USA), Decca Marine (New Malden, UK) and C. Plath (Hamburg, Germany). LMS manufactures and markets products under the Sperry, Decca and C. Plath brand names. With offices in 19 countries and authorized service depots in more than 300 locations worldwide, LMS provides "One Source" for marine navigation, communication and information systems, products and service.

Litton Industries, headquartered in Woodland Hills, California, is a $4.4 billion diversified technology company with over 40,000 employees worldwide. The company is a leader in navigation; guidance and control; electronic warfare; command, control and communications systems; information technology and shipbuilding and overhaul for government and commercial markets worldwide. Litton's Ingalls and Avondale shipyards together make up the largest builder of non-nuclear ships for the U.S. Navy and other customers.