Simrad Autopilot Pumps & Drive Units

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Simrad Autopilot Pumps & Drive Units are designed to work as part of an autopilot system with specific Simrad Autopilot Course Computers.

Hydraulic steering systems are now being used in every category of small vessel. In many ways, hydraulic steering is preferable to mechanical steering. Hydraulic systems normally consist of two main components, steering cylinder(s) and a steering wheel pump. The steering wheel pump can be either a plunger pump or a gear pump. Whichever type is installed, steering is achieved by turning the steering wheel in either direction causing oil from the wheel pump to be supplied to the appropriate side of the cylinder. Oil is returned back to the pump via the opposite side of the cylinder.

The linear motion of the cylinder rod is transformed to a rotary motion by the tiller, which turns the rudder shaft and rudder. Check valves (non-return valves) are usually incorporated to prevent the rudder driving the steering wheel pump. If an autopilot is to be included in such a hydraulic steering system, then the oil flow providing the rudder movement must be controlled by electrical signals from the autopilot.