Enhanced AN/PAQ-6 Phone Distance Line Replacement (PDL-R) for UNREP distance measurement and bridge-to-bridge communications

The Phone Distance Line (PDL) aka Telephone and Distance line (T&D line) has been employed and mostly untouched by the Navy since the 1940s (right). This labor-intensive process requires sailors on the approach ship to hold continuous tension on the PDL for accurate readings of the range flags throughout the entire UNREP evolution. A phone line integrated with the PDL connects phone talkers between ships’ bridges with a low fidelity voice communications link. Manning the PDL is a dangerous evolution in which four or more sailors are manning the PDL line ahead of the ship’s forecastle, unprotected and exposed to harsh elements for hours at a time. The DDG program office properly identified the PDL as ‘manpower intense and risky’ as part of Topic N231-041 and sponsored a SBIR to find an innovative means of distance measurement between ships during UNREP with emissions controlled (EMCON) compliant wireless communications. Torrey Pines Logic, Inc (herein known as TPL) developed a Non-RF Free Space Optic (FSO) AN/PAQ-6 Phone and Distance Line replacement (PDL-R) system in conjunction with NAVSEA, OPLOG, and Military Sealift Command (MSC) from 2010 to 2016. This system aligned with the Navy's Concept of Operations (CONOPS) by providing a bridge-to-bridge voice communications and ranging system for use during Underway Replenishment (UNREP). The primary Phase II technical objective is to package the AN/PAQ-6 technology into a system solution which aligns with DDG and greater Navy and MSC program requirements. We will work to transition the AN/PAQ-6 prototype design (TRL4) to a TRL6-7 system ready for at sea testing aboard ships during UNREP evolutions. This includes aligning the system with customer requirements for SWaP, interface, power, etc. 1) Complete preliminary design review (PDR) with customer/stakeholder input to identify system requirements:     o Mounting solutions for LSM and DM, e.g. magnet or rail clamp     o Power source (ship’s power or standalone), cable lengths, and connector types     o Voice end device (e.g. headset, phone)     o Ranging update rate and display characters/type     o Environmental operating specifications (including MIL-STD requirements)     o System weight, finish, any additional input (2) Finalize critical design and complete critical system design review (CDR) with customer(3) Complete TRL6-7 system design:     o Mechanical, electrical, optical, software/firmware, finishes, coatings, and marinization (4) Manufacture and assemble (4) TRL 6-7 systems for customer delivery and demonstrations     o Manufacture and assemble (2) additional systems for internal testing