USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Science Applications International Corporation

John D Hightower

Jack E Holzschuh

George R Beaman

Paul A Hanson

Jay A Eggert

George A Wilkins

Donald K Moore

Craig W Graham, Jr

Alvah T Strickland

Steven W Braun

Roy L Eyman

Douglas W Murphy

A continuous optical data path is provided through an optical fiber exteng from a launch platform to a missile. The launch platform, a surface craft, submarine or aircraft, has a tether cable connected at one end with a length of the optical fiber extending to a dynamically designed body. The dynamically designed body prevents damage of the length of optical fiber by pulling it and the tether cable beyond the structure and propulsors of the launch platform. A body spool of the optical fiber provided on the dynamically designed body pays out optical fiber as the dynamically designed body is pulled along by the launch platform and a canister spool of optical fiber on a missile canister for the missile provides the continuous optical data path as the canister is deployed from the dynamically designed body. A missile spool of the optical fiber may be included on the missile to provide the continuous data path if it is desired to launch the missile from the missile canister. The concatenated spools of optical fiber assure that failure inducing stresses are avoided as the missile and launch platform each continue on their way.

Towed fiber optic data link payout system

A system and method for data communications using a multiplicity of modulators, each of which accept a data input signal and modulate an optical carrier generated by a single optical energy source and propagated along a fiber optic waveguide. The carrier is modulated by the use of a doped polymer contained in the modulators and maintained in contact with the fiber optic waveguide.

Fiber optic data communication system

A high data rate over-the-horizon communications capability is provided been two or more platforms at rest or in motion, in the air or on the surface. An RF transmitter/receiver-optical fiber interface unit is launched from a launch platform and is supported via a deployed parachute or balloon to provide a bidirectional RF data link with the launch platform and a bidirectional optical data link over an optical fiber extending to an autonomous vehicle platform, such as a missile.

Hybrid data link

A method for deploying towed instrumentation arrays from vessels having miple submerged hulls is disclosed. The method significantly reduces the possibility of the array abrading or fouling upon any submerged structure or part of the vessel.

Method for deployment of a towed array from a swath ship

An acoustic coupler is provided for extending the listening and signal garing capabilities of an existing cable connected hydrophone system. The acoustic coupler includes a sensor, such as an additional hydrophone, an acoustic projector, and a cable which electrically connects the acoustic projector to the additional hydrophone. A modulator is interconnected in the cable between the projector and the additional hydrophone for modulating signals received by the additional hydrophone on a carrier wave which is within the bandpass of the existing hydrophone. With this arrangement the acoustic projector can be placed in water within listening distance of the existing hydrophone so that signals from the additional hydrophone can be transmitted over the existing hydrophone and its cable system.

Acoustic coupler

A tethered underwater work system comprises a primary lift module attached o a support vehicle by means of a primary tether. A submarine work vehicle is removably attached to said primary lift module and connected thereto by means of a secondary tether. Additionally, the lift module contains electrical distribution systems to permit an extensive control and instrumentation linkage with the submarine work vehicle and remotely controlled manipulators mounted thereon.

Growing community of inventors

San Diego, CA, United States of America

John D Hightower