Navy Fiber Optic Standards and Specifications

Fiber optics is a new, rapidly developing technology that has the potential for improving the survivability and combat effectiveness of the Navy´s ships and aircraft. Fiber optics is quickly finding potential application in almost every type of military weapon system, and the number of applications is growing daily. The Navy´s requirements for fiber optics cover a wide range of applications, including data transfer, guidance and control, machinery control, damage control, communication, and sensing. This paper will discuss why fiber optics is important to the Navy, how the technology is being used, the status of fiber optic standards, and the mission of the Navy´s new Fiber Optics Standardization Office.