Our Connected World: Advanced Fiber Optic Applications in Aviation Aircraft

 

Aircraft are becoming more advanced in their use of technology. Still, it’s difficult to know how they’re advancing when much of the technology is internal to aircraft. Mark Benton, Rugged Fiber Optics Engineering Manager and Product Manager at TE Connectivity, joined Our Connected World host Tyler Kern to discuss one aspect of advancing air technology—rugged fiber air optic applications for urban air mobility.

Weight, space, bandwidth, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) drive current aviation applications. While emerging eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) applications are electro-powered and enable weight reduction and EMI immunity advantages rather than high-speed needs.

One product TE manufactures that support eVTOL applications is fiber optic cable assemblies. Compared to traditional Ethernet cables, a duplex fiber optic cable offers 25% space savings and 50% weight savings. It’s also immune to electrical noise and eliminates the need for shielded copper cables, decreasing size and weight. This translates into longer flight time and range or increased passenger capacity.

Optical flex circuit assemblies include thousands of fibers positioned on flexible routing, creating versatility in applying crossovers and minimizing stress. The materials that protect the fibers allow bending and twisting in any direction.

TE takes a systems approach to engage early with customer design teams and create solutions that meet their requirements. “TE in general tries to develop products and capabilities that align with the standards that are emerging. We can then offer the entire market access to these solutions, which ultimately lowers the cost to everyone due to the scale,” Benton declared.

To learn more about TE fiber air optic applications, reach out to Benton on LinkedIn or email him at mbenton@te.com.

Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!

Image

Latest

DXpedition
Icom Powers 3Y0K : Ham Radio’s Most Ambitious DXpedition to Remote Bouvet Island Part 1
July 11, 2025

Bouvet Island sits at the edge of the world. It is frozen, uninhabited, and almost impossible to access. Fewer people have set foot there than in space. That level of remoteness is exactly what makes it so valuable to amateur radio operators. The island ranks tenth on ClubLog’s list of Most Wanted DXCC entities,…

Read More
entrepreneurial success
The Hidden Key to Entrepreneurial Success: Build Momentum Through Personal Branding and Authentic Networking
July 10, 2025

What if the biggest pivot of your career started with a conversation?  In this episode of Professional Quotient, host Jason Winningham welcomes Fanny Dunagan, CEO and Content Strategist of PathLynks, LLC. Fanny shares her journey from high-pressure consulting in Singapore to founding her own media and branding company — and why learning to network…

Read More
Q2 2025
RM Q2 2025 Wrap Up
July 9, 2025

Rogue Marketing continues to lead with intention in a space often driven by noise. Q2 2025 reflected a strategic focus on substance, where each initiative supported long-term brand growth. The team transformed internal recognition efforts into enduring brand assets and refined event strategies through immersive, results-driven experiences. Website launches during the quarter balanced visual…

Read More
amateur radios
Hamvention Spotlight: Emergency Preparedness Led PrepHam Paul to Amateur Radios and a Rising Voice in the Field
July 9, 2025

PrepHam Paul (K5VLP) celebrated his first visit to Dayton Hamvention by marking a major channel milestone. He hosted a giveaway of the  IC-2370B mobile radio from Icom to thank viewers for helping him reach 10,000 subscribers. His passion for emergency preparedness, rooted in his experience as an Eagle Scout and later studies in emergency management,…

Read More