Fiber Optic Towed Array Connectors

"During Phase I SEACON developed a new series of miniatureunderwater fiber optic connectors for use in the TB-29 FiberOptic Towed Array. These Modular Multi-Fiber/Contact (MMFC)connectors fit within the 0.625 by 2.64 inch envelope of theFiber Optic TB-29, and carry up to 12 channels of fiber orelctrical contacts in any mix. The Phase I pre-prototype insertpassed preliminary testing in optical insertion loss, backreflection, and survival pressure exposure. In Phase I Optionthe pre-prototype will be completed by adding a shell designed tointerface with the TB-29 Fiber Optic Towed Array. The pre-prototype will then undergo testing in Phase I Option and PhaseII in order to qualify for inclusion in the upcoming Fiber OpticTB-29 test program. Eight MMFC connectors wil be supplied forthe tests, along with installation tooling and engineeringservices to support the test. 10 complete prototypes will thenbe designed and fabricated for final qualification testing. Thisdesign will include a number of changes resulting from the PhaseI and Phase II pre-prototype efforts. The Phase IIcommericalization effort centers on a mix of Navy and oilindustry markets, and includes a major SEA CON connector seriesintroduction of the MMFC design. Phase II Option provides aproduction set-up and limited production run of TB-29 Fiber OpticTowed Array MMFC connectors for Fleet field evaluation.BENEFITS: Both offshore and downhole technology are becoming mor