Fat Line Tow Cable Navy SBIR FY2015.1 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2015.1 Topic No.: N151-037 Topic Title: Fat Line Tow Cable Proposal No.: N151-037-0793 Firm: Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc. 9063 Bee Caves Road Austin, Texas 78733 Contact: Rock Rushing Phone: (512) 263-2101 Abstract: The Navy's TB-16 array consists of an acoustic detector array that is towed by a cable that serves a direct towing function and also contains sensor communication lines. Strength members are employed within the cable to carry tension loads. High performance polymeric fiber reinforcement is used for the Light Weight Tow Cable (LWTC) that has significant advantages over the alternative heavy weight steel cable. The LWTC enhances capabilities in shallow towing and long scope lengths for ideal performance in littoral waters. While the LWTC provides these advantages, it suffers from significant durability issues. The LWTC performs well in tension but compression loads encountered during deployment and recovery can cause buckling and damage to the sensitive data transmission lines. TRI/Austin will be teaming with a cable manufacturer that currently produces tow cables for the U.S. Navy to develop and demonstrate new designs for the LWTC that will increase axial compression resistance. An ancillary benefit of the approach is that it will provide a means to also improve the puncture and tear resistance of the cable jacket. Benefits: The new cable design will lower ownership costs for submarine fat line towed array systems. Lower costs can be realized for other Navy towed array assets with this technology. Commercial areas for the products will include offshore oil production and seismic exploration applications which could benefit from the innovative construction technique to improve control of depth towing profiles for a wider range of geographic locations. Return