Fiber optics reliability

Evaluations which provide key insight into fiber optic supportability issues are discussed. Part selection guidelines and maintenance practices which will prevent potentially major supportability problems from occurring were identified. The test program´s findings are as follows: microfod contamination of MIL-T-29504 fiber-optic interfaces is a real problem. Fiber link insertion loss increases with time. Termini from various manufacturers should be intermixed without a thorough test program. Training programs for maintenance and assembly workers must be established which emphasize cleaning, handling, and maintenance procedures. Dimensional and manufacturing tolerances must be reduced to minimize connector insertion loss variances. Termini must be cleaned every time a fiber is connected. If fibers are to be disconnected for any length of time longer than that necessary to remove and replace a piece of avionics, the interface must be capped. Technical publications must alert maintenance personnel that fiber optics are present and identify the special handling and maintenance precautions applicable to fiber optics