Routers & Switches for Aerospace & Defense Applications

Today’s aircraft, spacecraft and ground combat vehicles are being updated with more advanced electronic systems and subsystems, all of which are connected via a robust network — namely Ethernet or fiber optics. Any aircraft router or military router is an integral part of the networking backbone, but they’re not the simple routers and switches installed in offices and homes. Over the years, these rugged routers have progressed into intelligent devices able to control almost every electronic system and subsystem in a spacecraft, fighter jet, commercial aircraft and mobile military application.

Today’s larger, faster networks mean more traffic gets generated between systems and subsystems, causing congestion, unacceptable signal degradation and slower transmission speeds. These issues can severely impact real-time data transferred to pilots and soldiers or secure communication sent to and from astronauts. There’s no margin of error here because success, survivability and safety depend on network routers, switches and systems functioning at full capacity.

But that’s not the whole story. The wires and cables attached to these routers and switches also play an essential role. Faster networks require higher-speed wires and cables to transmit signals and data instantly without delay. At Gore, we offer an extensive portfolio of wire and cable router solutions across many aerospace and defense applications.

GORE^® Ethernet Cables for airborne use are known to transfer high-speed data and video up to 10 gigabits per second (Gb/s) over longer lengths without failure on networks. Our 4-pair Cat6a version offers router-to-router cable color coding in a compact, flexible design that’s easy to connect to a router and rugged Ethernet switch. This Cat6a version is also compatible with a variety of leading Ethernet router cable connector systems.

Our Ethernet cables and other designs like shielded twisted pair, quadrax, fiber optics and hybrid cables deliver unfailing high data rate transmission at various speeds and lengths to accommodate many aviation and ground defense applications.

For space routers, we offer a wide portfolio of wires and cables for low, medium and geostationary Earth orbit, plus deep space exploration. One example is GORE^® Shielded Twisted Pair Cables engineered specifically for balanced datalines in NewSpace applications, like high-speed subsystem interconnections, digital signal processors and more. In a low-profile construction, these cables perform reliably connected to high-speed aircraft and military routers and switches.

The 1.8 mm Simplex of GORE^® Fiber Optic Cables delivers complete reliability connected to a ruggedized router for airborne and mobile military networks at speeds from 10+ up to 100 Gb/s. Small and lightweight, this rugged version also meets new stringent industry standards intended for larger, more robust cable designs.

Any router connecting electronic devices to data and communication networks almost always runs into harsh environmental factors and demanding operational conditions that can comprise functionality. Some examples include repeated shock and vibration, hazardous chemicals, tough terrain, wide temperatures and radiation exposure.

Leading companies like OnTime Networks, Amphenol and Collins purposely design mil-spec routers and switches to meet durability and connectivity requirements for applications operating under challenging environments. At the same time, a rugged router with military-grade switches requires an equally durable router cable wire that performs reliably on networks while withstanding typical airborne and ground combat surroundings.

Gore’s full line of aerospace and defense products have been proven over decades to tolerate any maintenance and operational conditions they encounter — from the time they’re installed until the end of application life. Our durable solutions meet, some even exceed, the most rigorous industry standards for wires and cables operating in extreme air, space and land environments.

Since 1958, Gore has been a long-trusted partner to the aerospace and defense industry delivering wires, cables and sealants. Leading OEMs and suppliers rely on our proven, long-lasting solutions for mission-critical success, survivability and safety. We’re proud that our products have won industry awards and have been used in many applications — including every major aircraft, like the latest fifth-generation F-35 fighter jet.

We’ve also provided microwave/RF cable assemblies to the aerospace industry since 1976. We offer award-winning solutions capable of operating reliably from DC to 110 GHz in the most demanding aircraft and spacecraft environments.