Continuing with the impetus for indigenisation, ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and with aim to harness cutting edge technologies for maritime capabilities, an Autonomous Fast Interceptor Boat (A-FIB), capable of autonomous operation in dense maritime traffic, has been jointly developed by Indian Navy’s Weapons and Electronics Systems Engineering Establishment (WESEE) and M/s BEL(Bg) under Technology Incubation Forum (TIF).
The 15.65 metre boat with a displacement of 13.5T can go upto speeds of 35 knots. The boat can undertake manual controlled navigation (MCN) from a remote station or follow Way-point-navigation (WPN) or manuver in Software Driven Autonomous Navigation (SDAN) mode.
The A-FIB is powered by an indigenously developed Advanced Autonomous Navigation and Control Software (A2NCS) suite with State of the art algorithms for mission planning, optimal trajectory selection, navigation guidance and propulsion control. The navigation decisions are taken by fusing the data from various sensors such as radar, AIS, gyroscope, GPS and the engine.
The A-FIB has undergone several trials with varied levels of autonomy in Goa and Karwar harbour over the last few months. The development of an indigenous A-FIB (capable of ocean sailing) with static and dynamic collision avoidance features is the first of its kind in the country. The A-FIB is planned to be inducted into the navy for various roles.
Towards furtherance of the operational utility of the A-FIB a maiden endurance sea trials from Goa to Mumbai are planned from 18-22 May 23. The endurance trials are a watershed moment towards ‘Make in India’ initiative which will demonstrate India’s indigenous capability in autonomous technologies and would put India amongst the select few countries having indigenous capability for development of seaworthy autonomous Surface Vessel.
