Stirling Dynamics - Full Authority Submarine Control Concept Development
Lead Participant:
STIRLING DYNAMICS LIMITED
Abstract
Full Authority Submarine Control (FASC) is a new concept for submarine steering and diving
systems, and combines Stirling’s proven Active Control Technology from the fly-by-wire
aircraft industry with extensive experience in producing submarine autopilot and hover
control software. This results in an integrated method of control which covers all steering and
diving control requirements for the entire speed range of the submarine. Achieving this aim of
bringing all the control surfaces together in a single system with full authority over the
submarine will be a world first in operation.
Stirling’s research into new concepts for submarine platform control has been prompted by a
number of factors. Technology ‘push’ factors and industry ‘pull’ factors have now created an
environment where the concept could be developed to become a viable production solution.
Firstly, it was recognised that accepted issues with conventional methods of steering and
diving control could be solved through the deployment of a cohesive control strategy.
Secondly, future submarines will be required to operate in an increasing number of ever
changing roles through the life of the submarine. Stirling’s customers are now placing
requirements for more manoeuvres and operations to be performed under automatic control,
in more challenging environments with performance criteria becoming more exacting and
wide ranging. Performance requirements are being extended in the areas of setpoint following,
disturbance rejection, and minimisation of control effort. Thirdly, there is an increasing desire
to reduce through life costs which translate into requirements to minimise integration effort,
manning, training and maintenance costs. All these have been combined in the system design
approach for FASC.
The project aims to develop a concept demonstrator that will enable the control strategy to be
proven and provide a real-time environment for customer evaluation that will inform the next
stage of development
systems, and combines Stirling’s proven Active Control Technology from the fly-by-wire
aircraft industry with extensive experience in producing submarine autopilot and hover
control software. This results in an integrated method of control which covers all steering and
diving control requirements for the entire speed range of the submarine. Achieving this aim of
bringing all the control surfaces together in a single system with full authority over the
submarine will be a world first in operation.
Stirling’s research into new concepts for submarine platform control has been prompted by a
number of factors. Technology ‘push’ factors and industry ‘pull’ factors have now created an
environment where the concept could be developed to become a viable production solution.
Firstly, it was recognised that accepted issues with conventional methods of steering and
diving control could be solved through the deployment of a cohesive control strategy.
Secondly, future submarines will be required to operate in an increasing number of ever
changing roles through the life of the submarine. Stirling’s customers are now placing
requirements for more manoeuvres and operations to be performed under automatic control,
in more challenging environments with performance criteria becoming more exacting and
wide ranging. Performance requirements are being extended in the areas of setpoint following,
disturbance rejection, and minimisation of control effort. Thirdly, there is an increasing desire
to reduce through life costs which translate into requirements to minimise integration effort,
manning, training and maintenance costs. All these have been combined in the system design
approach for FASC.
The project aims to develop a concept demonstrator that will enable the control strategy to be
proven and provide a real-time environment for customer evaluation that will inform the next
stage of development
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| STIRLING DYNAMICS LIMITED | £162,051 | £ 82,970 |
Participant |
||
| THE TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY BOARD |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Ian Gambon (Project Manager) |