High Speed (15 kts) Long-Length Fiber Optic Deployment System Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.1 Topic No.: N05-075 Topic Title: High Speed (15 kts) Long-Length Fiber Optic Deployment System Proposal No.: N051-075-1727 Firm: Tethers Unlimited, Inc. d.b.a. ScienceOps 11807 N. Creek Pkwy S., Suite B102 Bothell, Washington 98011-8804 Contact: Jeffrey Slostad Phone: (425) 486-0100 Web Site: www.tethers.com Abstract: Tethers Unlimited, Inc. (TUI) proposes to develop a compact Underwater Tether Deployment (UTD) System designed to provide an optical fiber link for two-way communication between a submarine and a communication buoy. To minimize tension forces on the fiber optic, the UTD System will utilize two deployment spools, one at each end of the cable, thus enabling long lengths to be deployed at high velocities. In developing the UTD, TUI will draw upon its prior experience in the design, development and testing of tether deployment systems for space and terrestrial applications. Additionally, we will utilize our unique computerized pirn-winding machine to wind fiber optic packages that deploy at very low tensions and with zero residual twist. These design approaches will minimizes the impact that the high-speed underwater deployment has upon the integrity of a fiber optic link. The deployer will be compatible with the three-inch submarine launcher and will be designed to maximize the length of fiber that can be stored on the payout spools. The prototypes will be tested first in a water tank and then in an open water marine environment to validate the design and demonstrate its performance. Benefits: In addition to providing a high-bandwidth communications link for rapidly moving submarines, the Underwater Tether Deployer will provide an effective means for rapidly deploying distributed arrays of sensors for applications such as passive accoustic surveillance systems. It will provide a new, low-cost capability for deploying sensors from moving underwater and floating platforms for scientific and commercial research applications such as resource exploration and environmental testing. Return