Low-Cost Field-Installable Fiber Optic Cable Restoration (post splicing)

Splicing of fiber optic cable in military platforms as a means of repair is highly desirable to eliminate the expensive and time-consuming task of cable replacement. Since no qualified splicing device or technique exists today, development activities are ongoing for a field installable fiber optic splice for DoD applications to solve this growing maintenance problem. However, the splice device is only half the solution. Military applications utilize robust cable constructions with multi layers and strong embedded tensile members, such as Kevlar, to protect the fragile fiber. In order to install any splice device, the cable construction is breached and must be repaired. This proposal address a means to restore the fiber cable to an almost virgin state with minimal degradation is it mechanical integrity and at the same time protect the delicate splice. Furthermore, a tool set for installation is proposed such that installation by servicemen is quick and easy to perform in adverse conditions that exist in the field.