Wireless Power and Communications Umbilical for Weapons Systems

This proposal describes a robust wireless communications and power transfer link between submarine combat control systems and weapons encapsulated in submarine launch tubes. Our approach is based on electromagnetic induction. We propose a Phase I SBIRproject that will use finite element modeling, communications modeling, and an engineering design study to analyze the feasibility of our wireless umbilical approach. We will extend our previous work on wireless torpedo umbilicals to this appliation. Ourfocus will be on a link that is safe, effective, and highly reliable. Commercial applications are numerous. One example is an electrical plug that has no exposed conductor elements. In addition to shock reduction this would eliminate fires and would beideal for explosive environments where making/breaking an electrical power connection often leads to an arc that could cause an explosive ignition. Electric cars could recharge immediately next to gas pumps. Such connections would also be ideal forunderwater connectors and connectors in highly corrosive environments.