Tailoring lightwave technologies for the avionics and military environment

The issues associated with adapting commercial lightwave components for use in military avionics applications are addressed. It is noted that the deployment of lightwave components in military avionics systems evolved using commercial lightwave products and an add-on replacement approach to existing electrical networks. This evolution has resulted in packaging incompatibilities, compromises in system performance, and questionable benefits over their electrical counterparts. Since it is clear that the development of military lightwave subsystems will continue to evolve from commercial products, it is imperative that industry and the military work together to militarize commercial components. A good starting point would be the development of joint standards, manufacturing, and qualification procedures. Several programs are underway to address packaging problems, but programs are also needed to address system functional requirements, training, integration, and manufacture. It is pointed out that a workable master plan for integrating lightwave technology into production programs is critical. This plan must focus on improving system performance and reliability rather than introducing a new technology. Programs are needed to solve mundane, but critical, problems such as connectors and harnesses