Since the first days of military aviation, the mission has depended on maximum situational awareness so aircrews can “see first, strike first” or take evasive action. Today, that superior awareness depends on unprecedented amounts of data delivered and exchanged between aircraft systems in real time.
Fiber optic networks provide the bandwidth that makes those massive real-time data transfers possible, in fighter jets flying at supersonic speed or as well as aircraft in supporting roles.
With data rates currently up to 10 gigabits/second, optical fiber provides transmission capabilities that accommodates today’s bandwidth-intensive applications. New generations of avionics and flight control systems depend on fiber optic networks to deliver real-time data. Cockpit technologies such as high-resolution imaging systems (visual, thermal and infrared), heads-up displays and enhanced vision systems all plug into fiber optic networks to help pilots make split-second decisions.
The benefits of optical fiber in military aircraft were recognized as early as 1976, in a test project that rewired an A-7 Corsair fighter with 13 optical fiber cables in place of 300 copper wired circuits. The use of fiber optic cables and connector assemblies in military aircraft has been growing ever since. New generations of fighter aircraft as well as other platforms have fiber networks installed throughout their airframes to support all aspects of aircraft operations.
Looking Ahead
Providers of fiber networks and cable assemblies are helping military planners meet the ongoing need for new capabilities and increased performance to retain the advantage over potential adversaries. These fiber networks and components are becoming increasingly advanced to support new generations of avionics, advanced vision systems and other emerging technologies. Network upgrades from copper to fiber are also helping extend the service life of legacy fighter jets and other military aircraft by supporting state-of-the-art cockpit displays and vision systems that enhance situational awareness.
Optical Fiber Solutions from kSARIA
kSARIA provides state-of-the-art fiber optical cables and assemblies for mission-critical military aircraft applications. Our capabilities span all aspects of fiber optic connectivity, from design to assembly, fabrication, installation and logistics management. We offer the resources, the technology and the experience to deliver cabling solutions that meet the unique needs of our customers, with the performance and quality they demand and expect.
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