Optical avionic networks

Deployment of fibre optic networks in aircraft is driven by the need for broadband and high density video to each passenger seat and the requirements for high bandwidth taxiing aids and all weather flying visibility for enhanced pilot observation. The need for a greener aircraft is putting pressure on aircraft manufacturers to reduce the weight and complexity of existing copper cables. A fibre optic network is an obvious solution, but the environment and maintenance issues present some tough challenges. This symposium brings together academics and industrial companies who are working to solve these challenges. The design of optical networks that form a backbone in the aircraft onto which multiple services can be connected is discussed in several papers. Aircraft operate over wider temperature ranges than terrestrial telecommunications equipment; therefore the standard optical components must be re-designed with more robust materials. Fibre optics offers real advantages for sensor systems that operate in parts of the aircraft that preclude the use of electrical signals.