All Optical Tank Level Indicator System

This SBIR Phase II project will combine optically-based measurements of pressure and the mature fiber optic networking technology used by the telecommunication and cable television industries to design and develop an innovative All Optical Tank Level Indicator (OTLI) System for VIRGINIA Class submarines. Current submarine TLI systems are expensive and time consuming to install and maintain due to their complicated design, large number of inventoried parts and their susceptibility to failure in the extreme and varied environments encountered within submarine tanks. PSI will extend the success of the Phase I program to develop and test alpha and beta prototype OTLI systems during the Phase II program. Using follow-on funding PSI and General Dynamics Electric Boat will field test the beta prototype on a VIRGINIA Class submarine to begin technology transfer to the fleet. The proposed innovative OTLI system will be applicable to all tank sizes and geometries, reducing required part inventories and providing a robust, universal measurement solution. The proposed effort leverages PSI’s extensive and successful experience developing and delivering optically based sensor solutions for commercial and Navy Mil-Spec applications.