Disposable fiber-optic spool for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles [UUV-ROV]

The deployable side of the fiber-optic spool is connected by an ST connector to the control station on a support vessel or on land. The stationary fiber is connected to the ROV with a hermetically sealed interface to withstand deep water pressure. Also, our optical fiber is resistant to sea salt corrosion.

Besides, the fiber-optic spool system offers high-speed deployment over long distances of up to 10 km.

This solution with venting holes on the box is very compact and lightweight. We offer different packages in size depending on the required spool capacity. Boxes with neutral buoyancy can be made upon request.

This concept has the potential for both civil and defense applications. Indeed, this technology allows real-time transmission of huge data flows from onboard high-resolution cameras and sensors. In addition, it allows drone guidance in deep water.

Potential applications range from the inspection of wrecks to mine action missions. Please note that both the ROV and the control station must be equipped with an optoelectronic device.

Another advantage of the RBOB-UUV spool is that it is a disposable system based on the concept: 1 mission = 1 spool. The fiber optic can be easily detached, which prevents rewinding the optical cable, saves time, and shortens the mission. Anything left on the field will quickly deteriorate. The pollution generated is extremely low: the optical fiber is made of silica and epoxy acrylate coating. Silica is nothing more than sand, and the epoxy acrylate coating represents only a small volume: 0.14 dm³ for 1 km of fiber.

Also, the fiber can be easily reconnected on the field with a simple field connectorization kit.