Lightweight cables for deep tethered vehicles

Two high strength, low weight, prototype, electromechanical cables have been developed for use in remote control of undersea systems operating to depths of 20,000 feet. Both cables incorporate tension members of KEVLAR-49 as the load-bearing section. Other cable physical properties include: Cable One Cable Two Diameter (in) 1.20 0.86 Weight in Air (lb/l000') 802 254 Weight in Seawater (lb/1000') 351 -4.5 Design Strength (lb) 77,000 5200 Design details are given for each cable. Recommendations are made of the most effective ways to utilize KEVLAR-49 in undersea cables, as well as hazards to be avoided with this new material.