Comparison of wire and fiber optics data transfer systems for large military aircraft

Abstract

Methods for comparing the life-cycle cost of fiber optics and wire data transfer systems on large military aircraft are established. Using the B-1 as an example, the applicability of fiber optics to avionics/electrical systems on large aircraft is identified. Conceptual fiber optics data transfer systems are described. The present wire and the conceptual fiber optics designs form a basis for computerized lifecycle cost comparisons. Sensitivity analyses and cost trade-offs to determine cost drivers in the application of fiber optics are described. Results show that significant cost benefits can be gained by the implementation of fiber optics in newly designed data transfer subsystems having data rates in excess of 2–3 Mbits/sec.