Military aircraft fiber optics networks: status & direction

Fiber optics is proving to be an essential transmission medium at data rates of 1 Gigabit per second and above because of advantages relative to copper, including increased distance-bandwidth, reduced weight, and reduced cable volume. Whereas implementation in commercial applications is often straightforward, aerospace applications present a number of challenges due to an environment harsher than exists in the commercial world. In order to meet the future needs of military aircraft, designers will have to choose carefully between a number of component and architectural choices now available. This paper examines current trends in aerospace fiber optics and maps future needs for aerospace.