Fiber Deployment Module

The US Navy requires a Reliable Acoustic Path A-sized sonobuoy system. Major challenges include providing duplex data telemetry between a sensor payload deployed several miles deep and a surface unit, and providing for reliable deployment and suspension of that sensor payload.Progeny Systems Corporation proposes to design, fabricate, and test an innovative Fiber Deployment Module (FDM) containing a precision-wound cable pack of single channel strengthened fiber optic cable. Uplink and downlink communications are multiplexed on a single channel. Pressure tolerant optic components and electronics allow for a compact form without need for a bulky deep submergence pressure vessel, and provide a simple wired data and power interface to the sensor payload and the surface unit. The FDM’s very-low power consumption supports long sonobuoy life, with the FDM assembly normally in deep sleep mode and active only for short intermittent intervals to support communications. The Phase II Base focuses on fiber deployment reliability culminating in a deep ocean demonstration of the strengthened fiber deployment. Option 1 develops the pressure tolerant components with lab testing. Option 2 develops the FDM prototype and concludes with a deep ocean demonstration of the integrated FDM assembly.