Saab Transpondertech Debuts New DGPS, AIS Family

Last week in Oslo at Nor-Shipping 2005, Saab TransponderTech introduced a new family of integrated DGPS and AIS solutions based on Saab’s highly successful R4 technology.

The redundant DGPS package, aimed at high-end non-SOLAS applications, consists of two R4 control and display units and two DGPS sensors. Waypoints, routes and other navigation information is replicated between the two units.

Receiver Autonomous Integrity Monitoring (RAIM) status is constantly output from each unit, and the second DGPS will take over immediately if the main unit fails or delivers incorrect position information. The combined AIS/DGPS package comprises an R4AIS transponder, R4 DGPS sensor and a shared R4 control and display unit. It is designed to provide a cost-efficient AIS and DGPS functionality in a combined unit.

The AIS with redundant DGPS is designed for applications requiring the highest degree of redundancy and integrity. It consists of an R4 transponder with two DGPS sensors and two displays. Sensor data and other information is shared between the AIS and the DGPS csystems. The R4 system interacts with the ship’s ECDIS and IBS to provide a totally integrated solution.

These packages can be achieved by adding components and upgrading software in existing Saab R4 installations, according to Gunnar Mangs, business director for mobile systems at Saab TransponderTech.