Simulated Lightning Test on the Navy Airborne Light Optical Fiber Technology (ALOFT) A-7 Aircraft
Abstract
A simulated lightning test was conducted on the Navy A-7 Airborne Light Optical Fiber Technology (ALOFT) aircraft for the purpose of determining the advantage gained in the substitution of fiber optics data links within the Navigation and Weapons Delivery System over conventional wiring in reducing lightning-induced transients experienced by the Navigation and Weapons Delivery Computer (NWDC). A 1.6 x 50 microsecond double-exponentional pulse of 2000 amperes peak current was used for the lightning simulation. Transients on three data circuits, one power supply circuit, and two electro-optical circuits were monitored in seven system configurations. The substitution of fiber optics for the signal wiring reduced the induced transients in the data circuits by 85 to 90 per cent over those observed with the hard-wiring in place. Direct electromagnetic coupling of transient energy into the NWDC was found to be only 9 to 16 per cent as great as the combined effects of coupling due to the signal and power wiring. The relative magnitudes of the signal-wiring and power-wiring induced transients were found to vary among the three data circuits.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA046370
Entities
People
- Jerome T. Dijak
Organizations
- Flight Dynamics Laboratory