Expendable fiber optic microcable. A mature technology to support communications with advanced undersea platforms

Abstract

A miniature fiber optic cable design which is so tiny (0.8 mm diameter) that it has been designated Fiber Optic Microcable (FOMC) was developed by the Naval Command Control Ocean Surveillance Center (NCCOSC) to replace the expendable metallic wireguides employed to communicate with underwater weapons. The technology has found broad application as an expendable tether for unmanned underwater vehicles and has the potential for numerous civilian uses. FOMC is an excellent example of a military-developed, dual-use technology which is available for civilian applications via technology transfer from a Navy Laboratory.<>