Simrad AP70 Mk2 Autopilot - Control Head Only
Simrad AP70 Mk2 Autopilot - Control Head Only — Product description
Why Choose the Simrad AP70 Mk2 for Professional Marine Operations?
Professional mariners demand equipment that delivers unwavering reliability in the harshest sea conditions. The Simrad AP70 Mk2 autopilot control head steps up as the go-to solution for commercial vessels, from rugged workboats to massive tankers. Building on proven legacies, it introduces a sharper display and intuitive software that slashes response times during critical maneuvers. Imagine seamless handling of complex setups with up to six drives or thrusters—perfect for dual-rudder ships or those needing fore-and-aft redundancy.
Its precision rotary dial and quick-access buttons make mode switches instinctive, whether battling crosswinds or threading tight channels. This isn't just gear; it's a trusted partner that enhances safety, cuts fuel waste through efficient steering, and frees crew for higher-value tasks.
Core Capabilities Tailored for Demanding Fleets
- SOLAS Wheelmark Certification: Fully compliant for IMO/MED-B regulated vessels, ensuring peace of mind on life-critical voyages.
- Versatile Drive Integration: Handles everything from traditional rudders and hydraulic pumps to azipods, water jets, and Voith-Schneider props—up to six units for ultimate redundancy.
- Heavy-Duty Feedback Resilience: Pairs with robust rudder sensors built for pounding waves and constant vibration, maintaining pinpoint accuracy.
- Customizable Steering Modes: Dial in low-speed precision for harbor work, high-speed stability for open ocean runs, or bespoke work modes for laden barges or dynamic towing ops.
- No-Drift Technology: GPS-fueled course holding that laughs off wind and current drifts, keeping your track straight without constant tweaks.
- Smart Navigation Sync: Follows routes from multifunction displays or ECDIS systems, automating long-haul efficiency.
- Multi-Station Command Control: Effortless handoffs between bridge wings, aft stations, or remotes—approve or deny transfers to stay in charge.
Real-World Performance Across Vessel Types
On a supply vessel dodging oil rig traffic, the AP70 Mk2's work modes adapt instantly to thruster-assisted docking, minimizing prop wash and collision risks. Tanker captains appreciate its no-drift mode during cargo ops, holding position amid tidal surges without anchor drops. For fishing fleets, low/high-speed duality means nimble turns in chum lines or steady cruising to distant grounds.
Retrofits shine too—its broad compatibility breathes new life into aging hulls, often outperforming legacy systems in fuel savings and crew comfort. Mariners report fewer helm corrections, translating to less fatigue on extended watches.
Streamlined Setup for Minimal Downtime
Designed with pros in mind, integration is straightforward across NMEA 2000/0183 networks. Match it to existing Simrad autopilots or expand with junction boxes for multi-head ops. Tune parameters on-site to match your hull's dynamics—rudder gain, counter-rudder, and gain limits fine-tune for everything from lightweight catamarans to heavy displacement ships. Pro tip: Calibrate in calm waters first, then stress-test in swells to lock in optimal responses.
Maximizing Longevity and Efficiency
To keep it humming through seasons of salt spray, routine checks on rotary dial smoothness and display clarity pay dividends. Pair with Simrad's heavy-duty feedbacks for unmatched feedback loop stability. In multi-station setups, leverage command transfer logs to audit steering handoffs, bolstering safety audits.
Owners often highlight how its responsive interface reduces oversteer incidents, indirectly trimming insurance premiums and maintenance calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Simrad AP70 Mk2 suitable for SOLAS-compliant vessels?
Yes, it carries the SOLAS wheelmark (IMO/MED-B) certification, making it ideal for commercial ships under international safety regulations.
How many drives or thrusters can the AP70 Mk2 handle?
It supports up to six rudders or thrusters, enabling complex setups like dual rudders with fore/aft redundancy.
What types of propulsion systems is it compatible with?
Compatible with rudders, azipods, water jets, Voith-Schneider props, outboards, hydraulic pumps, and solenoids.
Does it feature no-drift steering?
Absolutely, using GPS data to maintain course over ground against wind and tide influences.
Can it integrate with navigation systems?
Yes, it follows routes from Simrad MFDs, ECDIS, or third-party chartplotters for automated navigation.
What are work modes and how do they help?
User-configurable modes optimize steering for specific scenarios like heavy loads, low-speed maneuvering, or high-speed transits.
Is command transfer supported for multiple stations?
Yes, allowing secure handoffs between control heads on bridge wings, aft stations, or remotes.
The AP70 Mk2 is a dedicated autopilot controller designed to meet the needs of professional mariners aboard a variety of commercial vessels. Replacing both the AP70 and AP80 as our IMO/SOLAS autopilot controller, the AP70 Mk2 retains much of the well-reputed platform of its predecessors, but with a brilliant new display and modernized software interface. The AP70 Mk2 accommodates installations with up to six drives. Previously only available with the AP80, this premium feature is now a standard in the AP70 Mk2. Engineered for responsiveness, robustness and ease of use, the AP70Mk2 pairs a precision rotary control dial with dedicated buttons for instant access to steering modes, several custom-configurable work modes and multiple rudder/thruster integration.
Simrad 0014958001 Attributes
- Compatibility: Replaces AP70 And AP80 Control Heads
- Function: Accommodates Up To Six Drives/Thrusters, Heavy Duty Feedback Support, Work Modes, Low-Hi Speed Modes
Simrad 0014958001 Features & Benefits
- Wheelmarked For Use On Board SOLAS Vessels
- Advanced Configuration And Tuning Options To Suit All Ships
- Compatible With All Common Rudder/Drive Types
- Up To 6 Rudders/Thrusters Integration
- Heavy-Duty Rudder Feedback Support
- Configurable Work Modes And Low/High Speed Modes
- No Drift Steering Holds Course Against Wind And Tide
- Navigation Steering, Route Following
- Command Transfer And Multiple Control Stations Support
- Limited 2 Year Warranty
Simrad 0014958001 Installation Instructions
- AP70-MK2_IM_EN_988-12374-002_w.pdf
- AP70-MK2_OM_EN_988-12375-002_w.pdf
- AP70-MK2_QG_EN_988-12376-002_w.pdf
Simrad 0014958001 Warranties
Simrad 0014958001 Technical Bulletins
AP70 Mk2 Autopilot - Control Head Only
The AP70 Mk2 is a dedicated autopilot controller designed to meet the needs of professional mariners aboard a variety of commercial vessels.
Replacing both the AP70 and AP80 as our IMO/SOLAS autopilot controller, the AP70 Mk2 retains much of the well-reputed platform of its predecessors, but with a brilliant new display and modernised software interface.
Engineered for responsiveness, robustness and ease of use, the AP70Mk2 pairs a precision rotary control dial with dedicated buttons for instant access to steering modes, several custom-configurable work modes and multiple rudder/thruster integration.
Wheelmarked for use on SOLAS vessels
The AP70 Mk2 builds on, and continues the legacy of the SIMRAD Pro autopilot product portfolio. Its performance, robustness and quality are proven and recognised with the wheelmark symbol, making it suitable for all vessels ranging from small work- boats to large tankers.
Advanced configuration and tuning options to suit all ships
Parameters ranges and tuning options to support vessel dynamics. Adjustable for all weather conditions, hull types, work situations. Suitable for retro-fit on old ships as well as modern new-builds.
Compatible with all common rudder/drive types
Water jet, Azi-pods, Voith-Schneider, Rudder, outboard. Control signals to control, hydraulic pumps, solenoids, analog current/voltage, control/handshake signals.
Up to 6 rudders/thrusters integration
Dual rudders, fore and aft thrusters supports large and complex installations and redundancy.
Heavy-duty rudder feedback support
Simrad heavy-duty rudder feedbacks are supported.
Configurable Work Mode and Low/High Speed Modes
Autopilot settings can be tuned for optimal performance in separate low-speed, high-speed, and Work modes. The user-configurable Work mode allows the autopilot system to be configured for optimal response in a specific situation, such as a fully laden vessel, configurable thruster usage.
No Drift Steering
No Drift mode integrates GPS navigation with auto-steering, using position data to counteract the effects of wind and tide. This allows the AP70 Mk2 to maintain a straight track over ground on the current course, without the need to manually set a waypoint or route.
Navigation steering, route following
Navigation steering controls the ship on a pre-planned route from a Simrad MFD, Simrad ECDIS or third party MFD and ECDIS.
Command transfer and multiple control stations support
Command transfer is a mechanism useful in multi-controller installations. It enables the officer on watch to allow, deny the transfer of autopilot control to control devices such as a secondary AP70 Mk2 or a remote controller on a bridge wing station, above deck, or aft bridge depending on the work scenario. The AP70 Mk2 can also be used in an open configuration, where control flow is unrestricted.
Features:
- Wheelmarked for use on board SOLAS vessels (IMO, MED-B)
- Advanced configuration and tuning options to suit all ships
- Compatible with all common rudder/drive types
- Up to 6 rudders/thrusters integration
- Heavy-duty rudder feedback support
- Configurable work modes and low/high speed modes
- No Drift steering holds course against wind and tide
- Navigation steering, route following
- Command transfer and multiple control stations support
"TheAP70Mk2buildson, andcontinuesthelegacyoftheSIMRADProautopilotproductportfolio. Itsperformance, robustnessandqualityareprovenandrecognisedwiththewheelmarksymbol, makingitsuitableforallvesselsrangingfromsmallwork- boatstolargetankers."
SKU: NVN-87977
MPN: 000-14958-001
UPC: 09420024178720
Technical specifications
| Brand | Simrad |
| Model | Simrad AP70 Mk2 Autopilot - Control Head Only |
| SKU / MFR# | 87977 |
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Frequently asked questions
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