Through-Hull Underwater Distressed Submarine Communications

The Navy requires a method to communicate with distressed submarines (DISSUBs) using minimum additional hardware inside and outside a DISSUB. An objective is to obtain a number of different sensor measurements inside the submarine, and to communicate that information to outside the submarine, which will then be relayed to the surface. Toyon’s proposed solution has three components: an internal submarine sensor suite using COTS or modified COTS sensors; an internal means of communications within the submarine; a means of communicating through-the-hull; and external communications with the surface. No new hull penetrations are required. The COTS Powerline Ethernet standard, which uses powerlines to transmit information, similar to an Ethernet cable, is proposed for internal communication within the submarine. The Powerline Ethernet approach will convey sensor measurements to the appropriate location that hosts the through-the-hull transceiver, which will then transmit that information to outside the sub. For the through-the-hull communication mechanism, Toyon proposes to study and then select from one of three different alternatives. The selected approach will be demonstrated during the Phase I effort. At the conclusion of the Phase I effort a prototype design will be prepared for fabrication and demonstration during the Phase II effort.