The Simrad AP70 and AP80 are the culmination of over 60 years of experience in the autosteering market. Simrad built the world’s first autopilot in 1951 (the AP1) and we now bring you the next generation in autopilot systems.
View the Simrad AP70 and AP80 comparison table and specifications here
The AP70 and AP80 are cost effective, reliable and user-friendly heading control systems for all vessel types. These include work boats, fishing vessels, patrol vessels, short sea vessels, passenger ferries and super yachts, in both white sea and deep sea applications.
The AP70 and AP80 are the most reliable heading control system on the market today proven by the 1000’s of Simrad Autopilots that are in service today.
AP70
The AP70 is a state of the art type approved autopilot*. It can be used as a standalone autopilot control unit, or is perfect as a second station in an AP80 system.
With its completely new and unique colour user interface and intuitive graphics, ability to store up to 3 individual scenario profiles, and self-learning software, this modular system makes installation and operation so easy. You won’t find another pilot on the market that boasts the same performance, durability and versatility without the high cost.
Both the AP70 and AP80 systems are made from ruggedized aluminium, have a 5inch bonded high sunlight viewable screen, and can be panel (flush) or bracket mounted.
Like all our products, Simrad's autopilot systems are backed by a full two-year warranty that is supported by a global service network.
AP80
With 6 individual scenario profiles, networking with NMEA2000 cabling, a special work mode, and triple support of independent rudders and multiple thrusters, the Simrad AP80 is a one stop shop for vessels from 20 feet to supertankers.
The AP80 offers one of the smartest autopilot solutions on the market today. It will adapt to your individual load characteristics, and wind and wave conditions, to help lower operating costs and reduce risk. The USB plug in the front makes loading and storing these settings so simple. Like the AP70, the slightly larger AP80 is totally modular in nature, so installation and operation are effortless. Both control units share common autopilot computers and accessories making them the most flexible autopilot systems available.
The ruggedized AP80 is supported by our dedicated service engineers located in over 50 ports worldwide. Captains choose Simrad's AP70 and AP80 because they work hard when you depend on them most.
The products are also HCS, HSC, Track, Wheelmark, US Coastguard, and CCS approved depending on autopilot computer.
System Components
Remote Controls
The AP70 and AP80 integrate with 3 different full function remotes: Follow-Up Control, Non Follow-Up Control, and the Quick Stick™. Each has a 35mm x 25mm (approximately 1inch) display, are type approved, and can be desktop or panel (flush) mounted. Each remote is also backward compatible with Simrad’s AP24, AP28, NSS, NSE, and NSO.
- The FU80 (a manoeuvre controller) is a Follow Up remote which means that the rudder, when hand steering, moves to the commanded angle set by turning the knob to port or starboard.
- The NF80 (a drive controller) is a Non Follow Up remote which means that the rudder, when hand steering, moves as long as the steering lever is kept at maximum port/starboard position. It can also be used for course change when autosteering. The lever has spring return to mid-position.
- The QS80 (Quick Stick controller) operates the same way as NF80 when the joystick is kept to port or starboard. When the joystick is moved forward and released, the autopilot goes into automatic mode. When the joystick is moved backwards when automatic steering is active, the autopilot goes to standby. If the joystick is moved backwards when standby, the rudder moves to mid-position. The joystick has spring return to center position.
Autopilot Computers
The Simrad AP70 and AP80 bring with them a range of 7 new autopilot computers. Their main job is to receive events from the various control units and remotes on SimNet, transmit the chosen mode back to the control units, and steer the vessel according to current mode.
*products are HCS, HSC, Track, Wheelmark, US Coastguard, and CCS approved depending on autopilot computer.
