Ec-135 Fiber Optic Technology Review

Jan R . Schultz; Harry N. Hodges

doi:10.1117/12.944906

15 October 1984 Ec-135 Fiber Optic Technology Review

Jan R . Schultz, Harry N. Hodges

Proceedings Volume 0506, Fiber Optics in Adverse Environments II; (1984) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.944906
Event: 28th Annual Technical Symposium, 1984, San Diego, United States

Abstract

Fiber optic technology offers many advantages for upgrading nuclear survivability in systems such as the Airborne Command Post EC-135 aircraft, including weight and cost savings, EMI and EMC immunity, high data rates. The greatest advantage seen for nuclear survivable systems, however, is that a fiber optic system's EMP hardness can be maintained more easily with the use of fiber optics than with shielded cables or other protective methods. TRW recently completed a study to determine the feasibility of using fiber optic technology in an EC-135 aircraft environment. Since this study was conducted for a USAF Logistics Command Agency, a feasible system had to be one which could be realistically priced by an integrating contractor. Thus, any fiber optic approach would have to be well developed before it could be considered feasible. During the course of the study problem areas were encountered which are associated with the readiness of the technology for use rather than with the technology itself. These included connectors, standards, fiber radiation resistance, busing, maintenance, and logistics. Because these problems areas have not been resolved, it was concluded that fiber optic technology, despite its advantages, is not ready for directed procurement (i.e., included as a requirement in a prime mission equipment specification). However, offers by a manufacturer to use fiber optic technology in lieu of conventional technology should be considered. This paper treats these problems in more detail, addresses the areas which need further development, and discusses the hardness maintenance advantages of using fiber optic technology.

Citation Download Citation

Jan R . Schultz and Harry N. Hodges "Ec-135 Fiber Optic Technology Review", Proc. SPIE 0506, Fiber Optics in Adverse Environments II, (15 October 1984); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.944906

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