Towed Array Communications Link (TACL)

The explosive growth in information technology has led to a commensurate explosion in data transfer requirements. As components which satisfy these requirement emerge, the military must be poised to leverage these new communications technologies. There currently exists a need to dramatically increase the information bandwidth between a towed array and the tow ship over an existing uplink and downlink communication/connection path. The existing bandwidth is presently limited by a single coaxial cable link that carries 6-12 MBps. The objective of the proposed effort is to provide an uplink and downlink bandwidth of 25.6 MBps with a goal of 155 MBps over the single existing coaxial able and slip ring connection path presently deployed on Navy submarine and surface ships. The objective of the Phase I effort is to develop, define, and describe the concept for a prototype high bandwidth communication link . Phase II would include the complete design, fabrication, and demonstration of a high bandwidth communication link prototype subsystem compatible with existing Navy acoustic towed line arrays. Phase III would involve fabrication, test, and evaluation of additional high bandwidth communication link subsystems. The commercial potential includes various telecommunication applications as well as acoustic arrays used in oceanographic and oil exploration.