Optical Fiber Technologies Development and Military Use

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Optical Fiber Products
Military Applications
Optical Fiber Technologies
Optical Fiber Technology’s Future
Conclusion
Reference List

Introduction

The demand for solid, lightweight, reduced-power electronics intensified by the rising need for enhanced data output and transmission is influencing the application of optical expertise in aerospace and military operations. Optical elements and systems are progressively being examined, in addition to adoption by aerospace and military engineers, for diverse air, land, space, and sea operations. Clients are progressively requiring more optical advances in the mil-aero sector, and the concern is characteristically propelled by optics’ benefits over copper. There are numerous advantages to optical computing encompassing decreased size, power, and weight, in addition to electromagnetic interference resistance. These are some of the reasons behind fiber optics providing a safe communication system where any tapping might be discovered with the effortlessness of installation and information frequency over distance. Most of the gains from fiber optics are inter-reliant, for example, attributable to its being immune to electromagnetic interference, it is not essential to shield the cables. Petrescu (2019) has established that shielding is difficult, increases size, and generates installation and operation issues. In some airplanes, distinct provisions are necessary to ensure that shields bond to assigned grounds and for the fortification of shielding in relation to lightning. Optical fiber technologies tackle nearly all the underlying military operation problems successfully.

Optical Fiber Products

Apart from enabling enhanced computer networks and high-speed internet, fiber-optics products play a fundamental role in military engagements across the globe. The application of fiber-optics technology in military operations is set to progressively increase with continued technological advancements. The international optical fiber market is projected to reach a value of more than 10 million US dollars by 2027, which represents a compound yearly development rate of over 5% (Hecht, 2018). Moreover, military and aerospace segments have been listed among the vital market sectors of the optical fiber cable. Optical fiber technology has occurred in fast progress and may be employed in numerous practices that vary from video to broadband.

In the recent past, the application of optical fiber cable expertise in the Australian military has rapidly risen. The Australian military initially had a committed optical fiber support team and many others have kept on and will continue to come up, particularly attributable to the usage of optical fiber technology becoming more fundamental in martial operations. Governments across the globe have been incredibly supportive in the development of optical fiber technologies for military operations (Campbell, 2018). Such advancements will enable the military personnel to fight using aircraft, tanks, and ships with enhanced security and communication facilitated by the incorporation of Information Technology.

Military Applications

Since optical fiber technologies are being highly employed for practices such as internet and phone communication, the military has been employing such products in their land-based establishments. Even more considerably, there are numerous military-specific engagements for which optical fiber cables are preferably suited (Yao et al., 2018). For instance, some practices for which optical fiber products may offer unparalleled stability and safety encompass shipboard, deployable strategic, and ship to seashore communications. The enhanced rate of data transmissions enabled by optical fiber products is a fundamental aspect that leads to their application for military operations. Since every second in military engagements is crucial, all the available information is helpful.

It is essential to employ equipment that allows the fastest, consistent, and convenient degree of performance; and concerning the transmission of data, that effectiveness may only be offered by optical fiber technology. In addition, optical fiber cables have in many cases been established to be tougher than other options besides being highly resistant to the numerous hazards and traffic that are prevalent in the military space. The benefits of optical fiber technology are the reasons that made the military sector to become an early adopter, and its usage is gradually becoming fundamental even in other fields (Campbell, 2018). Some optical fiber products are particularly made for military operations.

Attributable to the numerous gains provided by optical fiber products, they have become perfect for military roles. An instance of a product that is particularly made for military operations is the MIL-PRF-28876 shipboard optical fiber connector, an invention that has become critical for Navy roles. The MIL-PRF-28876 has been commended for the provision of excellent performance devoid of ever faltering (Yao et al., 2018). The provision of accurate optical arrangements and environmental conditions that support connectivity regardless of the situation is a vital practice in the military sector (Hecht, 2018). Over and above supporting such practices, optical fiber technology offers corrosion resistance, which results in functionality becoming consistent.

The rare degree of steadiness is a vital aspect behind military sectors, both locally and internationally, adopting optical fiber technologies as crucial components. With military operations continuing to advance and evolve, their use of optical fiber cables is only probable of continued increase (Yao et al., 2018). Intensification in the optical fiber cable markets for aerospace and military engagements may be attributed to the rising commercial implementation of the technology and improvement of platforms such as satellites, space launch machines, and remote-controlled systems. The MIL-DTL-3899 has provided another valuable product that has been tailored for military tasks since it has been generated with an exceedingly broad scope of customizable alternatives. Currently, the MIL-DTL-3899 is available in numerous models with many options occurring in the form of materials (for example, aluminum alloy) and finishes (for instance, cadmium) (Yao et al., 2018). A broad range of customization alternatives has been made to make sure that optical fiber products are suitable for nearly all military roles (Campbell, 2018). Interconnected networks have an extensive role in the military and aerospace sectors. They have eased the creation of outfits for machines, ships, and equipment with optical fiber products.

Optical Fiber Technologies

Optical fiber elements and structures are remarkable for airborne operations, varying from a sensor linkage to video or flight-vital databus considering the need for the decreased size, weight, and power, easiness of connection, and electromagnetic interference immunity. In ground-anchored operations such as safe bunker-to-bunker operations, electro-optic detector mast-to-regulator station connections, or radio over fiber antennae systems, the technology has been fundamental. The benefits of optics in line with distance is usually the determining aspect, followed by safety, electromagnetic interference immunity, and decreased weight. A major factor that is evident in major aircraft is the need for decreased weight. Fiber has a lesser weight when compared to copper, which offers the benefit of easy operation of fiber-optic systems (Hecht, 2018). In telecommunication and military operations, the application of fiber optics began with the longest links where the expertise was deemed cost-efficient. Over time, the development of optical fiber expertise has become extensive and its application is evident even in minor networks, in addition to local and international systems, office connections, and linkages within airplanes, vehicles, and ships.

Farther and Quicker

Optical fiber technologies have the possibility for improved application, a striking quality reliant on the quantity of information being developed and transmitted on the digital battleground. Optical interconnections permit quick data exchange thus improved processing speeds. With transceivers that are employed on airplanes being quicker, designers are seeking increased data rates, which has been provided by the optical technology (Petrescu, 2019). The technology provides switches that are all-optical without the provision of optical-electrical-optical conversion, and this ensures that it can successfully handle extensive data rates.

Optical expertise allows the capacity for the transportation of high volumes of information over considerably long distances. Copper backplanes, in addition to cable networks, are employed throughout the mil-aero environment and are length sensitive. The longer the distance, the greater the diminution, which results in a low rate of data. The development of optical fiber expertise has provided decreased attenuation hence disregarding distance as a fundamental design limitation. Computerized networks that ease communication may be thousands of meters apart but still enable clear interaction as if both parties were communicating from the same room (Petrescu, 2019). The degrees of transmission in fiber optics technologies have reached more than 10 gigabits per input/output pin hence improving all forms of digital interconnects anchored in copper (Hecht, 2018). This has led to the optical computing approach being more striking for use not only in aerospace but also in the military sector. The input/output system may be a short link that holds a couple of plug-in modules under a single chassis or longer, for example, from the detector in a shipboard mast to the processor and information storage site. There are several data-extensive practices, but optical fiber technologies surpass them all attributable to their payment of dividends, the inclusion of radar installations, electro-optic sensor suites, insistent broad area surveillance, and signals intellect, to mention a few.

Design Superiority

Most processing operations in optical fiber technology occurs in an electronic chip and provides the possibility of its conversion to light. Following the electro-optic alteration, the light may be directed in circuit boards in the form of a waveguide that is characteristically being developed in modern applications. The moment that light is initiated in fiber, the fiber can be used from anyplace. One can take a fast stream of data and use it in a daughter component via the backplane to an input/output link and make it remain within the framework or be transmitted over a kilometer away. Optical fiber technologies do not ensure distance sensitivity like the case of copper. For a person who is concerned with a large platform such as a C5 or 747 airplane or military base boundary network, they could have the cards in nearly any place where they prefer (Petrescu, 2019). Assuming that it was occurring in an airplane, one may set such boxes where they seem sensible in spreading of weight or heat, over and above protection concerns. In the case of copper, one should co-detect the items attributable to the length sensitivity. This has been among the strengths of fiber optics technology: position-independent system. It liberates the planners of distance limitations.

Safety and Security

Enhanced safety has a great benefit in military-aero operations. Optical fiber technologies, characteristically, are insusceptible to electronic countermeasures and explorations since there are no electromagnetic discharges. Optical fiber technologies such as networking, communications, and computing evade transient electromagnetic pulse standard problems thus improving safety (Yao et al., 2018). Transient electromagnetic pulse standards are associated with copper cable emissions that convey indicators, which may be snuffled or discovered by some means. The moment that data gets into the fiber, there is no electromagnetic radioactivity through which information may be transmitted and received by even the people who were not meant to get it. One is required to acquire the fiber physically to obtain the data.

In military operations that employ data communications using copper wire, the bombardment of emissions checking to demonstrate the safety of the information path is characteristically called transient electromagnetic pulse standard. The application of optical fiber communication may considerably decrease all forms of data safety problems (Hecht, 2018). The transient electromagnetic pulse standard is of great consideration for product developers and clients. There is a need to make sure that information does not leak to the wrong individuals. Enhanced data security is a vital benefit in fiber optics technology and particularly optical networks (Campbell, 2018). Optical fiber expertise also improves physical security, for instance, intrusion recognition technology from Future Fiber Technologies in California safeguards incredibly sensitive data at a military base in the United States.

The application of optical fiber technology systems as an alarmed conveyer Protective Distribution System safeguards Secret Internet Protocol Router Network information connections between establishments against unlawful intrusion, data tapping, and illegal physical meddling. The Secret Internet Protocol Router Network is an enhanced security system of interconnected computer linkage employed by the United States Department of Defense to convey classified data (Murphy, 2017). The Future Fiber Technology solution acts as a seamless application for military systems that entail real-time recognition of interference attempts. A safe connection is a cost-efficient option for undertaking periodic visual checks and offering real-time detection of the actual point of interference attempt.

Boeing P-8A Poseidon

The Boeing P-8A Poseidon is an airplane designed for military purposes and generated for defense and security operations. The P-8 model was developed for the American Navy and is used in the anti-submarine war, anti-surface combat, delivery, and interdiction tasks. Rising interest from defense plans over time resorted to the establishment of optical fiber switches for the American Navy. The optical Secure Switching Unit, a technological device that enhances fiber-optic security was employed in the initial testing of the aircraft (Petrescu, 2019). The American Navy representatives have made plans for the replacement of the P-3C aircraft with the P-8A Poseidon model. The commercial off-the-shelf optical fiber technology gadget has been incorporated in the Secure Switching Unit to give Boeing a reliable means of routing safe indicators in the P-8A aircraft (Hecht, 2018). The military-spec, common criteria-certified, all-optical Secure Switching Unit ensures compact size, minimal weight, reduced power usage, the capacity to endure harsh conditions, and a frictionless plan that permits proper application for millions of switch sequences.

Fiber-Optic Gyros

Fiber-optic gyros that enhance the scope of performance from tactical to premediated uses in military-aero operations are a priority in the application of optical technology. Optical fiber gyros are unparalleled with respect to performance in challenging conditions, encompassing varied operating temperature and increased vibration. The increased-performance optical fiber gyros are utilized in the Javelin Basic Skills Trainer undertaken by the American Army to enable soldiers to use the anti-tank projectile system (Murphy, 2017). Optical fiber gyros are employed in the assessment of shoulder-fired basic skills training practices and the computerized system coordinates all approaches with digital images that are portrayed on the finder of the simulator. In the Javelin Basic Skills Training, optical fiber gyros examine angular gyration accurately prior to the delivery of swift data to the computerized simulator system that enables the practice to give the trainee a perfect and realistic user experience. Precision optical fiber gyros are highly suited to an increasing rate of visual and image stabilization operations, encompassing mobile plotting, dynamic review, gimbaled photographic cameras, self-directed vehicles, and subsurface remote-propelled machines (Hecht, 2018). Optical fiber gyros also provide military equipment for air, maritime, land, and unmanned applications.

UAV Fiber-Optic Gyros

The Rafael Advanced Defense Systems located in Israel are implementing the dual-axis fiber-optic gyros for incorporation in its armament station. Optical fiber gyros offer crucial visual and armament stabilization ability to enhance Remote Weapon Station precision and success (Hecht, 2018). Remote armament bases such as the ones created by the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems have a significant role on the battleground because they facilitate soldiers in the acquisition of victory upon targets, over and above protecting them from the dangerous fire in the armored body of the vehicle. The Rafael Advanced Defense Systems employ a superior model of the militarized, dual-axis optical fiber gyro that ensures decreased noise, increased bandwidth, enhanced resolution, balance, and tracking capacities for antenna, tower, visualization, and armament stabilization practices. The Tamam Navigation optical fiber gyro based in Israel represents airborne steering and posture heading reference approach for unmanned aerial machines, target drones, helicopters, small airplanes, and precise aiming applications in set electro-optic systems (Petrescu, 2019). It connects an optical fiber gyro-anchored inertial assessment component in the Tamam Division to the Space Group and a Global Positioning System receiver.

Testing

Carrying out tests is a significant approach in the application of optical fiber technology and equipment in military-aero situations. Without a testing method and practice, an operator might be disconnecting and rejoining a fiber each time that they seek to assess a different streak. Every time that there is a disconnection and rejoining, the operator is at great risk (Murphy, 2017). If the connector is not careful and fails to clean it, it could become detrimental. If there is some dust on the fiber and it is reconnected without awareness of the dirt, problems could be initiated and negatively affect the flow of data. Nevertheless, optical fiber technology employed by defense workers assists in the automation of the testing approach using software. Enhanced technology offers a portfolio of assessment and measurement equipment and networks for the planning and setting of machines for optical computing (Petrescu, 2019). With the help of fiber-optics technology in military testing, clients acquire increased assurance in the readiness of structures thus making them center on the fulfillment of different missions and management of transitions to different operations.

Optical Fiber Technology’s Future

Optical fiber technologies and elements have the likelihood of enjoying a bright future in military-aerospace operations. Technology companies are seeking to establish rapid optical improvements to numerous practices in defense and aerospace environments. Over time, there is a possibility of witnessing the increased presence of wavelength-aspect multiplexing to realize increased bandwidth from fiber-optics infrastructure (Yao et al., 2018). Although optical fiber technology has been used in telecommunication and military operations for some time, it seems to be changing from fixed dense wavelength-division multiplexing applications to others that can be reconfigured in real-time. In military-aerospace practices, the next approach could perhaps lead to the enhancement of reconfigurable fiber-optics networks (Hecht, 2018). Modification of infrastructure to the adjustment of information patterns, inclusion, elimination of service connections, and reconfiguring of networks hold implausible promise for military-aerospace uses.

Conclusion

The requirement of a solid, lightweight, low-power electronics strengthened by the rising need for enhanced data output and transmission is swaying the application of optical proficiency in aerospace and martial operations. There are many advantages to optical computing encompassing reduced size, power, and weight, as well as electromagnetic interference resistance. These are part of the reasons behind fiber optics offering a safe communication structure where any tapping might be revealed with ease of installation and information rate over distance. Optical fiber technologies address almost all the fundamental military operation problems effectively. Since each second in military operations is vital, every available information is supportive. It is important to employ equipment that allows the quickest, reliable, and convenient degree of performance; and regarding the transmission of data, that efficiency might only be provided by optical fiber technology. The Boeing P-8A Poseidon is an aircraft designed for military roles and created for defense and security processes. The commercial off-the-shelf optical fiber device has been merged with the Secure Switching Unit to give Boeing a consistent means of routing safe indicators in the military aircraft. Fiber-optic gyros that improve the scope of performance from strategic to premeditated application in military-aerospace operations are a precedence in the use of optical fiber technology.

Reference List

Campbell, P. (2018) ‘Generals in cyberspace: military insights for defending cyberspace’, Orbis, 62(2), pp. 262-277.

Hecht, J. (2018) ‘High-power fiber lasers’, Optics and Photonics News, 29(10), pp. 30-37.

Murphy, J. (2017) ‘Optics: form, function and the future’, Photonics Spectra, 51(10), pp. 65-67.

Petrescu, R. V. (2019) ‘Boeing’s autonomous military aircraft’, Journal of Aircraft and Spacecraft Technology, 3(1), pp. 138-153.

Yao, H. et al. (2018) ‘The space-terrestrial integrated network: an overview’, IEEE Communications Magazine, 56(9), pp. 178-185.

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