Fiber Optic Sonobuoy Tether Module

Triton Systems, Inc will evaluate the feasibility of an innovative design and methods for reliably deploying a low-cost miniaturized robust fiber optic data tether module for U.S. Navy standard size A and miniature sonobuoys. This type of miniaturized tether module will enable more space for sensor arrays. Triton will design two types of tethers modules: Deep Depth Tether module (up to 16,000 ft) and Miniaturized Standard Depth Tether module (up to 1500 ft). Triton’s extractable tether data module will include the upper and lower mechanical, data and power interfaces, tether deployment mechanism, full-duplex communication on a single line, and a compliant suspension mechanism to provide acoustic isolation from surface dynamics. Triton will also identify technological and reliability challenges of the design approach and propose viable risk mitigation strategies. The design effort will culminate with prototype plans to be developed in Phase II.