Emtelle’s FiberFlow™ Technology Provides Royal Navy Type 45 Destroyer With Secure And Flexible Datacom Solution

The Type 45 Anti Air Warfare Destroyer is part of the UK Ministry of Defense’s Smart Acquisition programme. It will help form the backbone of the Royal Navy’s air defenses for much of the first half of the 21st century. Forming the backbone of the Type 45’s data-communication system, Emtelle’s advanced FiberFlow™ technology will ensure world-class performance throughout those years. In addition, Emtelle provided the equipment, training and procedures required for the particular challenges of ship-borne systems. Specifically designed for the new destroyer, Emtelle’s blown fiber network provides state-of-the-art data systems today, and allows fast, easy upgrades to ensure that the Type 45 can quickly deploy the most advanced technology in the future. The key features of the FibreFlow™ system for this application are that it is lightweight, flexible, robust and extremely space efficient. A communications network on a warship has to meet special demands in terms of shock, vibration, toxicity and fire performance. Emtelle’s products underwent extreme shock testing, which simulates the system being subject to the ship’s combat environment. Both during and after the test, the system successfully operated with continuous data signal transmission and receipt. In addition, the specially developed, Naval Engineering Standard (NES)-compliant materials in the tube bundles met stringent Naval Medicine safety requirements. Working extensively with the Prime Contractor, BAE Systems and other key technology partners, Emtelle has developed a comprehensive system solution. The key partners are: Splice (UK) Limited, Corning and Millipede. Both BAE Systems and the Ministry of Defense are very excited about this innovative development for current and future ship design. In recognition of its work on this project, Emtelle will be awarded a prestigious BAE Innovation Award, Bronze Category, in October 2004.