Jane Edwards
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has awarded LGS Innovations a potential 15-month, $1.9 million contract to provide a neutrally buoyant cable for an underwater-based fiber optic network as part of the Tactical Undersea Network Architectures initiative.
DARPA’s TUNA program aims to develop optical fiber-based systems in an effort to temporarily reinstate network connectivity between tactical data systems in disputed areas, LGS said Tuesday.
“The goal of the program is to ensure that our armed forces retain an information advantage even in contested environments where potential adversaries may attempt to disrupt other communication channels,†said Kevin Kelly, CEO of LGS Innovations.
The Herndon, Va.-based company will collaborate with Tethers Unlimited and Linden Photonics to carry out design, model simulation, scaled development, analysis and demonstration work for the undersea cable.
The first phase of the program focuses on concept development and technology creation in the field of buoy nodes, small fiber optical cable platforms and system design.
DARPA plans to deploy an end-to-end network platform through the second phase of the TUNA program.
