Thruster Tech: Capturing Performance Data for Design of Unmanned Vehicles
![Image courtesy Hydrocomp](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/image-courtesy-hydrocomp-124970.jpg)
Conducting a sea trial is a necessary step upon delivery of a ship. This activity not only documents and validates anticipated ship speed and power, but if done correctly also provides performance data that can be useful for design purposes. The same holds true for underwater vehicles in general and thrusters in particular. However, while gathering data may seem easy, extracting useful trial data for typical UVs can often be pretty challenging.We should start with an understanding of the system – the Vehicle-Propulsor-Drive system.
AT 80: ZF Debuts New Thruster Range
![The new thruster model range AT 80 from ZF can be adapted to customer requests in various configurations – such as when used as Z-Drive. Photo: ZF](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/the-new-thruster-model-range-119965.jpg)
ZF launched its new ZF AT 80 thruster model range today via the SMM Digital maritime trade fair. The range is available as a 360-degree steerable thruster and as a retractable propulsion system, or as a bow thruster, effectively broadening its appeal among ship owners, shipbuilders and naval architects."With this model range, we have created a new generation of environmentally friendly, powerful and efficient propulsion solutions. This way, naval architects, shipyards and fleet…
Holvik joins Thrustmaster
![Jon Holvik was named Thrustmaster's Executive Vice President for Business Development of Dynamic Positioning Systems.](https://images.marinelink.com/images/maritime/w200h200c/jon-holvik-was-named-thrustmasters-107036.jpg)
Thrustmaster of Texas acquired the ICON Dynamic Positioning business from Rolls Royce earlier this year, a DP product addition to the Thrustmaster product portfolio. In addition to the rights to produce and sell future units of the DP products, Thrustmaster also has responsibility for the maintenance, service and upgrades of existing DP systems presently in operation. To support this addition, Thrustmaster has added Jon Holvik to the Thrustmaster team as the Executive Vice President for Business Development of Dynamic Positioning Systems.