BAE Systems’ ‘Through Hull Data Link’ system uses wireless technology to pass data through several inches of solid steel used in submarines.

BAE Systems has unveiled new technology it believes could revolutionise the design and build of submarines and potentially save millions of pounds.

Developed by the company’s Advanced Technology Centre (ATC), the ‘Through Hull Data Link’ system uses wireless technology to pass data through several inches of solid steel.

This removes the need to create holes in the submarine hull, ensuring data can be transmitted to external equipment in a safer and less costly way.

The technology offers a wide band transmission that could also be used for armoured fighting vehicles and civil applications such as nuclear power and petrochemical plant.

Currently, submarines require a series of holes or ‘penetrations’ in the boat’s hull to allow for the passage of cables carrying data from inside the boat. They are expensive to fit and require additional strengthening of the hull to counteract structural weaknesses. They are also prone to stress fatigue associated with repeated dives, substantially increasing through life maintenance costs.

“We’ve developed a number of technology demonstrators and envisage the technology soon being used on submarines and armoured vehicles,” said John Bagshaw, the systems’ principal inventor. “Most recently, we have demonstrated a video camera passing signals through an armoured vehicle hull. This obviously offers significant advantages in increasing the crew’s situational awareness without reducing their protection.”

ATC scientists believe the technology could also be adapted for a range of applications and is currently being considered for use on Armoured Fighting Vehicles (AFVs). Additionally, it may be used in the oil and civil nuclear and gas industries in the future.

By Natasha Piscitelli