Newest Airbus A340-600 uses fibre optic interconnection solution

Citation

(2003), "Newest Airbus A340-600 uses fibre optic interconnection solution", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 75 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2003.12775aad.001

Newest Airbus A340-600 uses fibre optic interconnection solution

Newest Airbus A340-600 uses fibre optic interconnection solution

Keywords: Airbus, Aircraft, Connectors

Deutsch connectors are forming a significant part of the new Airbus A340-600 taxi aid camera system (TACS). The company is supplying connectors from its fibre optic range to Airbus, and has been involved since the very start of the project (Plate 1).

Deutsch Ltd was chosen to supply Airbus due to previous experience with the company, and the fact that the Ruggedised Singleway Connector (RSC) to be used on the aircraft has already been proven on numerous aerospace projects including the Eurofighter.

Plate 1 Newest Airbus A340-600 uses fibre optic interconnection solution from Deutsch

The world’s newest commercial airliner, Airbus’ A340-600, can carry 380 passengers over a range of up to 13,900 km (7,500 nautical miles) in a typical three-class layout. The TACS optical link provides the pilot with visual contact of the runway from underneath and behind the aircraft, and uses digital video and high bandwidth fibre optic technology to ensure visual reliability.

The cameras, one mounted in the tail fin and the other in the belly of the aircraft close to the front landing wheels, are connected to the visual display in the cockpit using fibre optic links. Due to the harsh environment in which the system has to perform the Deutsch RSC was selected to provide high integrity connections across the full range of operational parameters.

An extensive qualification programme was undertaken to prove reliability of the link which included temperature cycling between −55°C and +125°C, altitude immersion, vibration testing, water proofness and ice resistance.

Following the successful qualification programme the RSC has now been designated Airbus Standard ABS0929 and has been adopted for additional applications including In Flight 4 Entertainment Systems (IFES).

Deutsch’s RSC range of high performance fibre optic connectors are manufactured from Arcap for corrosion resistance, and feature a rugged construction, incorporating environmental sealing and an anti-vibration coupling mechanism. The optical contact is sprung loaded and common to both plug and receptacle to maintain physical contact even under severe shock or vibration.

The RSC range is said to be suitable for both single-mode and multi-mode applications, and features easily accessible fibre faces for cleaning purposes. Typical applications include aircraft, military vehicles, naval systems, motorsport, industrial machinery and other harsh environments where reliable optical performance is critical.

The RSC range features a choice of six alternative shell keyway orientations, providing protection from inadvertent mis-mating. A full range of connector accessories is also available.

Deutsch Ltd is also offering the DMC-M series, a new range of rectangular modular connectors, which are said to provide a flexible and lightweight alternative to traditional circular connector technology (Plate 2).

The modular composition of the connectors reportedly allows individual requirements to be easily met and facilitates most types of application. In addition, DMC-M Concept connectors can weigh up to 50 per cent less and make significant space savings when compared to circular connectors and is available in standard and shielded versions.

Plate 2 The DMC-M connector series from Deutsch

DMC-M connectors are constructed from aluminium shells and are available in two standard sizes that can receive up to several modules and therefore gives the user a greater flexibility in the design of the connector to match his own connection system. Removable contacts are available in a variety of sizes as well as the option of PCB contacts.

“The DMC-M Concept range of modular connectors has proved extremely successful on civil and military programmes due to its versatility,” comments Colin Williamson, strategic marketing manager for Mil/Aero at Deutsch.

Details available from: Deutsch Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1424 852721; Fax: +44 (0) 1424 851532; E-mail: m.western@deutsch.co.uk