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Fiber Optic Experience with the Smart Actuation System on the F-18 Systems Research AircraftHigh bandwidth, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and potential weight savings have led to the development of fiber optic technology for future aerospace vehicle systems. This technology has been incorporated in a new smart actuator as the primary communication interface. The use of fiber optics simplified system integration and significantly reduced wire count. Flight test results showed that fiber optics could be used in aircraft systems and identified critical areas of development of fly-by-light technology. This paper documents the fiber optic experience gained as a result of this program, and identifies general design considerations that could be used in a variety of specific applications of fiber optic technology. Environmental sensitivities of fiber optic system components that significantly contribute to optical power variation are discussed. Although a calibration procedure successfully minimized the effect of fiber optic sensitivities, more standardized calibration methods are needed to ensure system operation and reliability in future aerospace vehicle systems.
Document ID
19970035035
Acquisition Source
Armstrong Flight Research Center
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Zavala, Eddie
(NASA Dryden Flight Research Center Edwards, CA United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
October 1, 1997
Subject Category
Aircraft Design, Testing And Performance
Report/Patent Number
H-2205
NAS 1.15:206223
NASA/TM-97-206223
Meeting Information
Meeting: Digital Avionics Systems
Location: Irvine, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: October 26, 1997
End Date: October 30, 1997
Accession Number
97N30251
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 529-31-14-00-36
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.
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