A history of avionic fiber optic cable development and future requirements

In mid 1980's General Cable worked with Boeing (formerly the McDonnell Douglas Corporation) to develop one of the first optical fiber cable for avionic systems for the AV-8B Harrier. An innovative micro loose tube cable construction was chosen for these fiber types. The specific designs that resulted from this early work have been employed on several aircraft. The fiber used in this design is a polyimide coated 100/140 micrometers graded index fiber. The desired long term operating temperature range of the cable (-65C to +200C) required the use of a material with appropriate thermal and mechanical stability. The final design included a braided layer of high strength PTFE impregnated fiberglass between the FEP microtube extruded over the fiber and the outer FEP jacket. The cable is color coded purple to suit the Boeing aircraft wiring requirements. Different versions of this design have been produced including a new mid-temperature (-55C to +125C) version using new "high-temp" acrylate coated fibers and ETFE polymers. This new version offers the compatibility with standard optical terminus and connector technology.