A machine for winding, in a selected and consistent manner, a fiber optic filament on a compliant elastomeric mandrel, which assembly responds to acoustic waves by producing variations in diameter and light transmission characteristics of the fiber optic means. A motor rotates the mandrel at a selectable speed. A timing belt couples the mandrel rotation to a traversing mechanism supporting an optical fiber carrying reel and is adjustable to variably convert the rotary to linear motion. The shaft supporting the reel has brake means for adjusting the tension on the fiber. The fiber feeds over an idler roll which operates to count the number of meters of fiber wound on the mandrel, and then passes under a tension sensing roll. By varying mandrel rotation speed, traversing speed and reel drag, compliant hydrophone mandrels can have optical fibers wrapped therearound having many different fiber lay angles and fiber tensions, thus permitting production of hydrophones of desired characteristics.
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