Faired Cable Handling Systems.

This study combines a literature review of winching, fairleading and storage mechanisms for cables equipped with streamlined hydrodynamic fairing, as well as an evaluation of several new handling concepts. The handling systems are considered according to the stability of their use with the various classes of cable fairings. Special emphasis is given to the problem of handling a faired cable aboard a submerged vehicle. In this application, trailing fairings lack hydrodynamic efficiency and integrated fairings have not yet been developed to an acceptable level. Fully enclosing fairings are suitable, and it is believed that a reliable, functional submarine handling system can be developed to meet the requirements. Author