AN/BRT-6
The AN/BRT-6 is a submarine UHF Satellite communications buoy. One of the most successful NRL Code 5550 Transmission Technology Branch research programs took the initial concept of a "remote submarine periscope," and developed a sophisticated, high speed submarine communication buoy. This system, which was installed on three SSN 637 class submarines during the mid 1980's, demonstrated the ability of a submerged submarine at a useful operating depth, to establish relatively high bandwidth communication links with surface ships, aircraft and and land based commands through the Navy's FLTSATCOM UHF satellites.
The initial concept for a submarine towed buoy envisioned a way to observe surface contacts without having to bring the submarine to periscope depth (~60 feet). A small loop antenna, apparently for reception of low frequency broadcast, was also to be mounted on the buoy but the primary emphasis was on remote video.
It was not until some time later that communication became the primary function of the buoy.
Sources and Resources
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/ship/weaps/an-brt-6.htm
Maintained by Robert Sherman
Originally created by John Pike
Updated Wednesday, June 30, 1999 4:31:35 AM
