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Fiber Optic Threat Net offers Increased Asset Security

NAVSEA Newsroom

Release Date: 6/10/2004

By Naval Surface Warfare Center Public Affairs Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA -- Naval Surface Warfare Center - Philadelphia (NSWC-Philadelphia) is answering the call for better at-sea security measures with the Fiber Optic Threat Detection and Protection Net (FOTDPN), as part of the Force Protection/Homeland Security Initiative. The terrorist bombing of the USS Cole in Yemen in 2000, and more recent attempts to blow up Iraqi oil terminals in the Arabian Gulf brought the need to improve asset protection and move it to the forefront.

Using an integration of fiber optic lines and high-strength fibers such as carbon or aramid, the net provides a warning and denies infiltration to protected areas. The concept, derived from NSWC-Philadelphia's machinery sensor experience, could protect potential targets from threats both on and below the water's surface.

The strength element deters infiltration, while the optical fiber element sounds an early warning when an intruder attempts to cut or otherwise tampers with the net. The net would use an optical time domain reflectometer to determine the exact location of the breach, allowing personnel to react quickly and appropriately.

The net, (patent pending) is still in early development, but as proposed would use fiber optic lines and a light source, pinpointing security breaches for protection of underwater and littoral assets. Steve Mastro, one of the net's developers says it may sound complex but is actually a relatively simple and effective concept.

"The system was displayed in a concept model at the 2004 Sea-Air-Space Expo in Washington, DC. not formally "demonstrated" in place. that's the next step we're trying to get to," said Mastro. "We have designed a technology that provides detection and protection from underwater threats, in a simple and robust way,"

Since terrorists and legitimate adversaries alike can target a wide variety of opportunities, the net's developers foresee great potential for civilian use as well. Cargo ships, cruise vessels, oil rigs, liquefied natural gas terminals and other high-risk targets could benefit from FOTDPN.

"We have to understand that Homeland Security isn't just about protecting our military capabilities. Think about the recent increase in gas prices. If ships delivering crude to refineries were put at risk, imagine what the prices at the pumps would be. Hopefully, that will never come to pass, and with the (FOTDPN) in the hands of these national assets, we take away. or at least reduce...that threat." Mastro said.

NSWC-Philadelphia hopes to make the system available to U.S. Navy assets within the next two years.