£8M Eurofighter contract
Equipment
£8M Eurofighter contract
Keywords: Aircraft, Microelectronics
C-MAC MicroTechnology reports that it has won a major contract, expected to be worth around £8 million (e11.6 million) over the next 5 years, from Galileo Avionica to supply high-speed microelectronic and electro-optical modules for the Eurofighter Typhoon military aircraft, as well as the NATO NH90 and AgustaWestland EH101 Merlin helicopters.
C-MAC components based on the Stanag 3910 optical data bus specification will provide the interface between critical components of Typhoon's advanced “fly-by-light”control system, including radio communications, altimeter, cockpit control and munitions computers. This optical system safeguards against jamming and other electromagnetic interference that can adversely affect the electrical data bus of conventional “fly-by-wire” systems.
While fly-by-wire typically operates over a 1Mbit/s data bus based on Mil-Std-1553, the Stanag 3910 optical system used in Typhoon is designed for transfer rates 20 times as fast. Implementing the electro-optical interface in an application where tolerance to extremes of temperature and shock and elimination of electromagnetic interference within the system are of critical importance placed great demands even on C-MAC's experienced manufacturing team.
Marino Diani, Strategic Procurement Director with Galileo Avionica,commented: “The requirements of military and aerospace electronics are extremely tough – especially at 20Mbit/ s”. Consistency in adhering to the precise specifications is vital. C-MAC is a world-class partner for the manufacture of fibre optics and hybrid microcircuits. Having worked with them since 1988, we could trust them to deliver.
“Our technical teams worked together well to iron out the inevitable teething problems, and we are more than happy with C-MAC's performance. We now know the right people to approach when the time comes to take our relationship further”.
Details available from C-MAC MicroTechnology, Tel: +44 (0)1493 743100,Fax: þ44 (0) 1493 858536, e-mail: mssinfo@cmac.com;web site: www.cmac.com
