Deployable optical fiber spool for marine applications
The innovative concept of our disposable fiber optic spool for ROV, lies in the fact that it is directly mounted onto the underwater drone. This way, the fiber optic does not suffer any constraint since it deploys while the drone moves.
Indeed, the deployable side of the spool of fiber optic 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 up to 2 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 naval 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.
Another advantage of the RBOB-ROV is that it is a disposable system based on the concept: 1 mission = 1 spool. Indeed, the fiber optic can be easily detached and dumped in the sea, which prevents from rewinding the optical cable and thus allows saving time and shortening the missions. Also, the fiber can be easily reconnected on the field with a simple field connectorization kit.