SBIR-STTR Award

Fiber optic towed arrays offer the Navy the ability to deploy larger channel count arrays that support a much wider frequency bandwidth with higher reliability. Without the need for wet end electronics, these arrays also offer lower unit costs and immunity to many electrical and magnetic noise sources. Multiple fiber optic transmission paths are needed in the tow cable to support fiber optic arrays. This SBIR will determine optimum design and placement of the optical fibers within the cable and provide solutions to protect them from the effects of tow cable elongation and strain, thereby ensuring a long working life for the fibers. We will also develop methods to isolate the optical fibers from tow cable vibrations to eliminate phase noise from coupling into the optical telemetry signals. Naval operations in littoral environments dictate the need for lightweight or even neutrally buoyant tow cables, therefore, we will investigate alternative synthetic strength members and select a high performance jacketing material to support handling through compression seals and stowage equipment. Tow cable terminations will also be investigated with emphasis on reliability and low cost. One or more cable designs will be developed that are lightweight, torque balanced, and support electro-optical transmission paths

Fiber optic towed arrays offer the Navy the ability to deploy larger channel count arrays that can have a much wider frequency bandwidth. They also offer a wet end cost reduction and an immunity for many electrical and magnetic noise sources. During Phase I, several electro-optical tow cables were identified that satisfy the E/O signal path, mechanical strength, and optical fiber reliability requirements. The candidate cables are a Dual Function TB-33/TB-29A tow cable and a small diameter E/O Vector Sensor Array tow cable for UUV/USV applications. During the 2-year Phase II basic contract effort, these cable designs will be developed further to determine the optimum arrangement for the optical fiber paths so that tow cable elongation does not excessively strain the optical fibers nor affect the fibers long-term life. Prototype versions of these cables will be procured and tested along with their terminations. A Source Control Document will then be prepared for each cable. During the 6-month Option Phase, 1st Article production versions of these cables will be procured, tested and delivered to the Navy.

Keywords:
Towed Array, Tow Cable, Towed Array Seismic, Streamer Tow Cable, Fiber Optic Towed Array