Fiber optic test in the life cycle of commercial aircraft

This paper considers the application of optical fibres in aircraft industry. The degree of success in deploying fiber based systems in commercial aircraft can be directly measured against the preparation for test support infrastructure, through all phases of the product life cycle. Opportunities to reduce cost and complexity exist in areas of: LRU design (connector selection, Built-in Test capabilities); simplification in test adapter interfaces to aircraft connections; early exposure and training on fiber optic awareness and test methodologies.