Consultancy provides innovative yacht bridge input

An Industrial Design Consultancy (IDC) product story

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Nov 8, 2001

A prototype bridge system for luxury cruisers and yachts has been developed by Kelvin Hughes in conjunction with Industrial Design Consultancy, a company well known for introducing style into projects

A prototype bridge system for luxury cruisers and yachts has been developed by Kelvin Hughes, part of Smiths Aerospace-Marine Systems, using Star Wars creativity to stimulate interest in what is a very traditional area of boat design.

The motivation for the Manta project - management automation navigation telecommunication array - was to stimulate new ideas in bridge design, which traditionally has reflected a very functional approach with little or no styling input.

Kelvin Hughes worked closely on the project with Datchet based Industrial Design Consultancy, a company well known for introducing style into industrial projects.

The prototype bridge system uses flat screen technology and space saving ergonomic design to deliver a multi-functional display system which is very much in keeping with the latest advances in ship design.

The Manta system has already been shown at high profile exhibitions around the world and has created a lot of interest from contract ship designers and owners.

The complete prototype bridge was designed and built in-house at IDC's premises in Datchet within a very short time frame, ensuring that the Manta system could be shipped and launched at a major exhibition in the United States.

The Manta bridge is at the leading edge of design and operation.

It has been designed to operate in two modes; 'At Sea' and 'Harbour'.

Whilst 'At Sea' the five displays operate as a multi-functional, inter-changeable system providing all important information including radar, ECDIS etc etc.

In 'Harbour' mode - and super yachts can spend upwards of 75% of their time in port - the displays can be utilised for general ship's monitoring and control functions.

The Manta also incorporates such facilities as real-time meteorological systems and Chartco automotive chart correction system.

IDC looked carefully at the ergonomics of the bridge system to ensure an efficient and effective and safe working environment.

The displays can, therefore, be rotated and tilted individually to enable the operator to view the screens wherever he positions himself on the bridge.

A unique design feature on Manta is when in autopilot mode, or in harbour, a steering wheel on the bridge is not used.

Instead, the Manta system stows the wheel within the console and automotive access is achieved when manual steering is required.

IDC are an established consultancy whose services include styling, product design, engineering and product innovation, through to model making, prototype development, manufacturing liaison and project management.

The company's objective is always to design products that are successful and profitable for the client.