The document discusses the lessons learned from the integration of fibre optics in aerospace, highlighting the historical context, current barriers, and advancements in technology. Key areas of focus include the differences between avionics and space systems, the challenges faced in adoption, and the evolving state of fibre optic applications used for communication and sensing in aircraft. The document also emphasizes the need for standardization and training within the industry to enhance the reliability and implementation of fibre optic technologies.

1. Powerpoint Template V2
Lessons learnt from fibre optics
in aircraft
Andrew Lee
AVoptics Ltd
ESTEC 10/12/15

2. Powerpoint Template V2
Introduction
• Todays Presentation:
– History
– Differences seen between space and aero
– Previous barriers
– Current State of the Art
– Learning from Aerospace

3. Powerpoint Template V2
Who are we?
AS9100 certified company formed in 2005
Specialise in research, designing, developing and
manufacturing Fibre Optics in Harsh
Environments
• Harsh Environment Fibre Optics
• Free Space Optical Communications
• Fibre Optic Sensing and Structural Health
Monitoring
• Hyper-Spectral Imaging
• Electronic Design and Prototyping
• Tuneable IR Laser Systems

4. Powerpoint Template V2
History of Fibre in Aerospace
• Fibre optics first flew over 30 years ago
• Adoption and standardisation however has taken a
long time
• It is still an ongoing process
• Driver for adoption was security and EMI
• Data has only become more prevalent as adoption of
more commercial technologies has become possible
and digital video requirement has grown.
• It is still seen by many as a new and ‘risky’ technology.

5. Powerpoint Template V2
Aircraft Using Standardised Fibre
Optic Components
Boeing-Lockheed Martin
F-22 Lightning
BAE SYSTEMS
TYPHOON
AW -101 MERLIN HC.3
AIRBUS A340-600
A380-800
AIRBUS A400M LMCO F-35
Boeing 787
A350 - XWB
BOEING CHINOOK HC.3 AW -159 WILDCAT
V0415

6. Powerpoint Template V2
What is the Gap between
Aviation and Space
• Main requirements differences:
– Military avionics requirements are similar or harsher
than a typical LEO (SP2) system
– SP3 however considerably colder
– Radiation and outgassing requirements remain the
two main fundamental differences.
– However, this is changing with a big push towards the
next generation of military UAV’s
• High altitudes and harsher radiation requirements
• A lot of the information regarding radiation requirements of
UAV is difficult to show publicly.

7. Powerpoint Template V2
Previous barriers to adoption
in aerospace
• Perception
• Supportability
• Training and knowledge
• Real requirement
– Only implemented recently for bandwidth
– Security and EMI historically
• Cost
• Previously poor technology selection and practices
selections has, in cases, discouraged adoption

8. Powerpoint Template V2
Current State of Aerospace
• Still predominantly mission systems and not flight
critical
• Majority of systems are 2.5Gbps or less.
• Applications:
– Data communications
– Secure communications
– Fibre optics sensing
• Impact detection (growing with composites)
• Stress, strain and temperature

9. Powerpoint Template V2
Databuses
• Avionics Full-DupleX Switched Ethernet (AFDX)
• GBE and Fibre Channel (Mainly in video systems)
• ARINC818 etc…
• Majority of systems are point to point
• Custom Passive Optical Network Systems
• Long term trend is towards 10 GB Ethernet
• Components are mainly:
– Multimode OM3 / OM4
– VCSEL Systems (850nm or 1300nm)

10. Powerpoint Template V2
Databuses
• Research work on:
– CWDM systems
– Ring networks
– PON systems
– Legacy Conversion
• Adoption & Conclusions
– Avoid external media converts where
possible
– Multi-Mode and VCSEL’s
– Ribbon fibre rapidly gaining ground
• Less components to qualify and lower
risk compared to other systems.
– Inside the box free space optics shows
promise

11. Powerpoint Template V2
Sensing
With the rise in composites interest in load sensing and
monitoring has risen:
• Almost entirely single mode
-600
-400
-200
0
200
400
600
18:40:19 18:40:36 18:40:54 18:41:11 18:41:28 18:41:46 18:42:03 18:42:20 18:42:37
Strain
(microstrain)
Time (HH:MM:SS)
Sensor 1
Sensor 2
Sensor 3
Sensor 21
Sensor 22
Sensor 25
Sensor 26
Sensor 27
Sensor 41
Sensor 42
Sensor 43
Sensor 44
Sensor 45
Sensor 46
Sea-Trial 1: Tack 1

12. Powerpoint Template V2
Sensing
Damage detection
• Acoustic Emissions detection
Third flight - sustained vibration
-200
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500
Time (s)
Sustained
vibration
Acoustic emission events from the third flight
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500
Time (s)
Event
amplitude
.
acoustic guard
s1
s2

13. Powerpoint Template V2
Standards Roadmap
ISO
TC20/SC1
Electrical
NATIONAL STANDARDS BODIES
ANSI
American National
Standards Institute
BSI
British Standards
Institute
CEN
European
Standards Committee
DIN
Deutsches Institut
für Normung e.V.
(Germany)
NOTE: The SAE Aerospace Council serves as the US
sponsor for the US Technical Advisory Committee for
ISO/TC20 providing a focal point for co-ordinating the
needs of the US aerospace industry within ISO/TC20.
SBAC
(UK)
ASD-STAN
(Europe)
EIA/TIA
(USA)
SAE
(USA)
TRADE ASSOCIATIONS
ARINC
(USA)
AFNOR
(France)
ISO TC20
Aerospace
V0415

14. Powerpoint Template V2
ARINC Standards
• ARINC801 – Termini / Connectors
• ARINC802 – Cable
• ARINC803 – Design Guidelines
• ARINC804 – Active devices
• ARINC805 – Repair and Maintenance
• ARINC806 - Testing
• ARINC807 - Training

15. Powerpoint Template V2
Learning from Aerospace
• Multiple standards means no standard
• DAPHNE & FONDA programmes showed:
– Optics aren’t always cheaper and lighter.
• Qualification cost, end system costs, power requirements for
MIA’s.
– Multimode can do most things, sensing or RF is the
driver for single mode.
• Training and understanding of the technology is
key, from designer to manufacturer.
• Easy supportability makes adoption easier

16. Powerpoint Template V2
Learning from Aerospace
• UAV requirements will be driving some aerospace
components in the space direction
• Try to move optics into end systems
• Route optics and electrical harnesses together
• Interest in ribbon fibre is growing rapidly
• Smart structures are coming
– How to interface to structure is a challenge
• Fibre is highly reliable
• Telecoms can mean high obsolesce risk as well
• RF optics and sensing will drive single mode

17. Powerpoint Template V2
Thank you
Andrew Lee
Call: +44 (0) 1935 471 606
Email: Andrew.lee@avoptics.com