A Tethered Antenna System for High Data Rate UUV Communications Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.2 Topic No.: N08-194 Topic Title: A Tethered Antenna System for High Data Rate UUV Communications Proposal No.: N082-194-0597 Firm: NanoSonic, Inc. P.O. Box 618 Christiansburg, Virginia 24068 Contact: Bradley Davis Phone: (540) 953-1785 Web Site: http://www.nanosonic.com Abstract: In this SBIR Phase I program, NanoSonic would work with a major research university and a large DoD prime contractor to investigate the application of tethered antennas to UUVs. Through this program, NanoSonic's team would perform system design and feasibility studies as well as produce designs and limited hardware prototypes for use in tethered communication systems for UUVs. NanoSonic's PI is an antenna engineer with familiarity in RF electronics and fiber optic systems. He would lead the design and construction of the required antennas and electronics. NanoSonic's President, Dr. R.O.Claus has specific experience in fiber optic system design, fiber fabrication and fiber optic cable deployment and would assist with the tether dynamics. NanoSonic also has significant experience in the construction of structural composites with radome qualities for RF and microwave transmission. Other value-added features would include hydrophobic coatings and printed antennas. The university partner brings a long history of UUV development and system construction as well as hydrodynamics and buoy construction. This partner would provide a convenient and useful platform for feasibility and proof-of-concept design, development and testing. Finally, the NanoSonic group can support restrictions applied to this program. Benefits: GPS and printed antennas have multiple DoD and commercial applications as low-cost and low-weight replacements communication and telemetry platforms. Multiple DoD applications for conformal antennas are possible. In addition, there are major commercial applications; these include low-cost, low-weight replacements in consumer electronics, as augmented flex circuits, and in displays, computers, prosthetic actuators and sensors, and even toys. The commercial wireless market is also untapped for inexpensive and lightweight conformal antennas. These can be used in both communication and wireless networking. Return