Fiber Optic/Electrical Lightweight Tow Cable for Optical Towed Arrays

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.