Swedish defense giant Saab has introduced its latest innovation, the “Autonomous Ocean Core,” a sophisticated control system engineered for both military and civilian naval platforms. This breakthrough software integration enables a range of surface and subsurface vessels to operate autonomously across a variety of maritime missions. These missions encompass critical operations such as mine detection and clearance, intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, electronic warfare, and rescue missions in isolated areas.
The Autonomous Ocean Core is designed for seamless integration, allowing operators to easily input the vessel’s parameters into the motion control function to facilitate uncrewed operation. This system can be managed from a remote control center located on land, at sea, or in the air, offering unparalleled operational flexibility.
Compatibility is a key feature of Saab’s new system, which can be employed across various types of vessels from multiple manufacturers, including ships, submarines, and uncrewed underwater vehicles. The system boasts an open architecture and baseline autonomy, enabling essential vessel controls to be executed autonomously right from the start. Furthermore, the design allows operators to customize features to meet specific mission needs while maintaining the integrity of built-in safety functions.
Mats Wicksell, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s Business Area Kockums, commented on the importance of this development, emphasizing that the advancement of naval unmanned and autonomous units significantly enhances capabilities for maritime security operations. “Autonomous Ocean Core can boost key operational strengths for the dull, dirty, dangerous and dear,” he noted, highlighting the tactical advantages it offers by increasing operational availability and efficiency while reducing dependence on active manpower.
The Autonomous Ocean Core integrates three key subsystems to support its operations. It features four distinct maneuver modes designed to offer precise control and operational flexibility for various missions. The Mission Maneuver mode facilitates departures and returns to port by allowing operators to set multiple mission points with specific instructions for diverse capabilities. The Vector Maneuver mode ensures precise control while maneuvering to and from the quay, and fine-tuning the vessel’s position during missions. Additionally, a Direct Maneuver mode serves as a fallback control mechanism for vessel recovery in the event of a lost connection. Lastly, the Position Hold mode acts as a resting state when no other modes are in active use.
In terms of operational flexibility, the Autonomous Ocean Core allows for three distinct configuration modes. The Local Safety Mode permits the vessel to operate fully under controlled supervision, requiring a crew member or remote supervisor to activate a safety switch onboard for safe and guided training. The External Safety Mode augments safety protocols within designated zones by limiting performance or availability, automatically halting operations if the connection is interrupted. On the other hand, the Assault Mode removes performance restrictions, allowing vessels to operate autonomously without a continuous link, designed specifically for high-risk scenarios that demand maximum operational independence.
As Saab continues to innovate in the field of naval technology, the Autonomous Ocean Core represents a significant advancement in the capabilities of unmanned and autonomous maritime operations, positioning Saab as a leader in the industry and enhancing global maritime security.
