Low-Cost Field-Installable Fiber Optic Cable Restoration (post splicing) Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2005.2 Topic No.: N05-116 Topic Title: Low-Cost Field-Installable Fiber Optic Cable Restoration (post splicing) Proposal No.: N052-116-0557 Firm: kSARIA Corporation 200 Reseach Drive Wilmington, Massachusetts 01887-4432 Contact: Anthony Christopher Phone: (978) 933-0006 Web Site: www.ksaria.com Abstract: Splicing of fiber optic cable in military platforms as a means of repair is highly desirable to eliminate the expensive and time-consuming task of cable replacement. Since no qualified splicing device or technique exists today, development activities are ongoing for a field installable fiber optic splice for DoD applications to solve this growing maintenance problem. However, the splice device is only half the solution. Military applications utilize robust cable constructions with multi layers and strong embedded tensile members, such as Kevlar, to protect the fragile fiber. In order to install any splice device, the cable construction is breached and must be repaired. This proposal address a means to restore the fiber cable to an almost virgin state with minimal degradation is it mechanical integrity and at the same time protect the delicate splice. Furthermore, a tool set for installation is proposed such that installation by servicemen is quick and easy to perform in adverse conditions that exist in the field. Benefits: Anticipated benefits of the program allow in-situ repair of broken fiber optic cables used in harsh military environments through splicing, instead of cable remove and replacement. This capability saves time and cost of the repair, as well as increases the readiness of any platform with installed fiber optic technology. In addition, this technology has direct application in any commercial installation of fiber optic cable that is exposed to harsh environments, which include commercial aircraft, automobiles, and mass transit vehicles. Return