Development of an advanced ship simulation & control system using neural networks

Initial efforts in a three-year program to develop an advanced simulation & control system for surface ships are described. The system employs a recursive neural network to simulate the motion of the vehicle in the presence of wind and waves. The faster-than-real-time response of the trained network will permit the use of advanced control techniques such as model-reference control or predictive control and the implementation of path planning for improved performance in the presence of adverse environmental conditions. Early results showing accurate simulation of a U.S. Navy ship conducting overshoot (zig-zag) maneuvers in the presence of wind are shown.