A Tethered Antenna System for High Data Rate UUV Communications

In this SBIR Phase I program, NanoSonic would work with a major research university and a large DoD prime contractor to investigate the application of tethered antennas to UUVs. Through this program, NanoSonic’s team would perform system design and feasibility studies as well as produce designs and limited hardware prototypes for use in tethered communication systems for UUVs. NanoSonic’s PI is an antenna engineer with familiarity in RF electronics and fiber optic systems. He would lead the design and construction of the required antennas and electronics. NanoSonic’s President, Dr. R.O.Claus has specific experience in fiber optic system design, fiber fabrication and fiber optic cable deployment and would assist with the tether dynamics. NanoSonic also has significant experience in the construction of structural composites with radome qualities for RF and microwave transmission. Other value-added features would include hydrophobic coatings and printed antennas. The university partner brings a long history of UUV development and system construction as well as hydrodynamics and buoy construction. This partner would provide a convenient and useful platform for feasibility and proof-of-concept design, development and testing. Finally, the NanoSonic group can support restrictions applied to this program.