Rugged CD-ROM optical Disk Drive

CD-ROM technology has,tremendous potential in military applications for shipboard, airborne and ground forces data distribution of very large, stable databases and maps. Portability, durability, and availability of the commercial CD-ROM data disks are factors dictating the use of the CD-ROM technology for these applications. However, most military applications occur in harsh or extended environments and require equipment and products designed to withstand and perform under these conditions. Use of ruggedized CD-ROM drives would permit the military to safely take advantage of CD-ROM technology. Commercial applications in other than office environments could also benefit by using rugged CD-ROM technology. This SBIR will survey commercial CD-ROM drive manufacturers, review and confirm product performance specifications, and determine interest of manufacturers in supporting development of a rugged product. This SBIR will determine the requirements for a severe environment CD-ROM disk drive suitable for aircraft, shipboard and mobile applications and test the robustness and ruggedizability of the CD-ROM oonstruction and-servo systems. The deliverable will be a report of the testing, a plan for,developing a rugged CD-ROM drive and a proposal with costing for a Phase II SBIR for the COTS development.