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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.: |
N151-037-0787 |
| Firm: |
METSS Corporation
300 Westdale Avenue
Westerville, Ohio 43082-8962 |
| Contact: |
Beau Billet |
| Phone: |
(614) 797-2200 |
| Web Site: |
www.metss.com |
| Abstract: |
The objective of N151-037 is to develop a new medium weight tow cable for the TB-16 Fat Line Array. It will utilize the coaxial core and geometry of the current lightweight tow cable, while incurring a small weight increase to obtain improved axial compressional strength as well as resist damage caused by fish hooks. The new cable must possess a continuous outer surface that provides the necessary strength and cut resistance. Surface modification of the current HDPE jacket with UHMWPE, TiC, and SiC will result in a rugged cable able to withstand the 220 lb pushing force imparted by the OK-276A handling system. The increase in material strength will not affect storage on the 12 inch diameter of the Reel Unit. The improved surface of the cable jacket will make the cable impervious to damage caused by fish hooks or other sharp objects. Te proposed system will outperform the current constructions, operating in the handling system more smoothly, eliminating equipment down time. Overall the properties of the more rugged tow cable will be less prone to wear, leading to a longer lifetime. Computational simulation will thoroughly demonstrate the performance of the new medium weight tow cable. |
| Benefits: |
The enhanced ruggedness of the new tow cable allows for successful deployment of the TB-16 Fat Line Array, a mission critical device. From an operations standpoint, and given the significance of the towed array, a new medium weight tow cable will eliminate concern for proper function of the handling system. The new materials in the construction of the tow cable, a rugged one not prone to damage, results in longer use of the cable. Additionally, the improved properties of the tow cable reduces the number of redundancies needed to be kept on the submarine. Space on a submarine is significantly limited, deeming this simple minimization a success of its own. |
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