Overview

HIGHER BANDWIDTH SIGNALS

Today’s commercial airplanes require higher bandwidth cables to transfer lots of data and video reliably so aircrews can maintain communication and passengers can enjoy in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC). Aviation fiber optic cables must also be smaller and lighter to fit in limited airframe spaces. 

Delivering strong signals, GORE Fiber Optic Cables can easily accommodate bandwidth-intensive speeds to support next-generation data and video architectures. We offer several Simplex versions with single- and multi-mode core types up to OM5 to meet many application needs. Our aircraft fiber optic cables balance strength, small size, less weight and flexibility to maintain fast, reliable signals for secure communication and constant IFEC.

PROVEN ROBUST CONSTRUCTION

We offer a higher level of robustness with a cable protection tube that shields the fiber core. Our cables are proven to guard against complicated routing, crushing force, high-intensity vibration, extreme temperatures, mechanical shock and more. Each version meets and even exceeds stringent aerospace industry standards for durability and optical performance.

Features & Benefits

We manufacture GORE Fiber Optic Cables with robust features that protect against the harshest maintenance activities and flight conditions, including:

  • Impact- and crush-resistant buffering systems
  • chemically inert and temperature-resistant materials
  • space-saving, highly flexible cable diameters

For system architects and engineers, our airborne cables provide a handful of benefits that enhance system performance and longevity, like:

  • secure, high-bandwidth data/video transmission with low optical loss up to 100+ Gb/s
  • proven resistance against high impact, crushing, abrasion, vibration, shock and more
  • proven to exceed new stringent ARINC 802-3 & EN4641-301 durability requirements
  • easier, faster routing with more flexibility and tighter fiber optic bend radius protection
  • weight and space savings with smaller, lighter constructions
  • variety of single-mode & multi-mode core types from OM1 to OM5
  • compatible with a variety of high-speed connector systems and backshells

1.8 mm Simplex

Gore’s aerospace 1.8 mm Simplex layers with an electric fiber optic cable tube.

Gore’s 1.8 mm Simplex version was honored by the Military & Aerospace Electronics Innovators Awards.

Built with a flexible cable protection tube and strong buffer, this version exceeds stringent ARINC 802-3 and EN4641-301 industry standards for more durability in harsh aircraft environments. Our most popular award-winning cable is proven to tolerate high-weight impact, abrasion, crushing, extreme temperatures, high vibration and more compared to the competition. 

Along with a robust construction, our 1.8 mm Simplex is smaller and lighter, offering significant weight savings in commercial aircraft. This version of our fiber optic cables reliably supports next-generation data and video architectures up to 100+ Gb/s without interruption or optical loss on avionics digital networks.

1.2 mm Simplex

The 1.2 mm Simplex version of Gore’s fiber optics in aircraft.

Our standard Simplex version delivers stable optical performance with low loss for transferring high-bandwidth data and video on avionics networks. The rugged, thin buffering system in this cable’s construction is proven to resist harsh conditions that can critically impact avionics and other electronics in planes, like vibration, shock and tension. 

This fiber optic data cable is also smaller and lighter with more flexibility to minimize installation difficulties in very tight cockpits, cabins and other airplane areas.

900 micron (µm)

The 900 micron version of Gore’s fiber optic airborne cables.

Like our other Simplex versions, this cable provides high crush resistance to protect the sensitive fiber core. It also drastically reduces shrink back, along with shortening sample termination times. Without ever failing, these single- and multi-mode cables deliver quality signals with minimal loss during ongoing maintenance and flight conditions. 

Because our 900 micron fiber optic cable is slender, flexible and easy to route, it’s an excellent choice for inside-the-box devices. We also offer fiber options wrapped with GORE® Cable Protection Systems to provide more durability for outside-the-box systems.

Applications & Connectors

Offering higher levels of durability and faster speeds, GORE Fiber Optic Cables are a reliable alternative for many commercial aircraft applications. Each Simplex version can be terminated with a variety of leading aerospace connectors and backshells, like ARINC, MIL-STD-38999, and MIL-PRF-29504.

Application of Fiber Optics in Aircraft1.8 mm Simplex1.2 mm Simplex0.9 mm Simplex 
(900 µm)
Avionics Digital Networks 
Ethernet Backbone 
Cabin/Flight Management Systems 
HD Streaming Camera Systems  
HD Streaming Video Systems 
High Bandwidth in-LRU Data Paths  
Inside-the-Box Devices 
Intercom/Radio Systems 
Laser Pigtails  
Outside-the-Box Systems  
Radar Systems  
Sensor/Processor Connectivity  
Strain-Gauge Systems  
Transceivers
Weather Radar Systems 

Technical Specs & Drawings

These values demonstrate the optical, mechanical and environmental performance of GORE Fiber Optic Cables for civil aircraft. Download our data sheets in the table below for more cable characteristics, performance data, qualifications and part numbers. You can also fill out a short form for instant access to selected drawings.

DRAWINGS

Elec./Mech./ Environ. Property1.8 mm Simplex1.2 mm Simplexb0.9 mm Simplex 
(900 µm)
Signal Transmission Speed Gb/sUp to 100+Up to 10Up to 100
Max Optical Loss dB/km
  850 nm
  1300 nm
  1310 nm

4.0 / ≤ 5.0a
≤ 3.0a
3.0


≤ 1.5

3.0

1.0
Jacket MaterialPFAExtruded FEPPEEK
Jacket ColorViolet or TanBlueTan
Core TypeSM or Multi-Mode, Graded IndexSM or Multi-Mode, Graded IndexSM or Multi-Mode
Coating TypeHigh-Temperature Acrylate
Buffering SystemePTFE / Crush-Resistant Layer

OD: 900 µm (Nominal)
PTFEExpanded PTFE
Temperature Range °C-65 to +135-55 to +125-60 to +135
 Data SheetData SheetData Sheet

a. Based on Gore’s part numbers GSC-13-84943-07.
b. Based on Gore’s part number FON1307.
 

Get Samples or Buy

In robust, lightweight designs, GORE Fiber Optic Cables meet the civil aerospace industry’s bandwidth-intensive requirements with complete reliability for faster, more reliable communication and IFEC. If you’re ready to order our Simplex cables now, visit our list of distributors for in-stock availability. 

We also offer complimentary, pre-qualified samples of selected part numbers for prototyping and evaluation. For more information or help choosing a specific version of our fiber optic cables for your commercial aircraft application, contact a Gore representative today.

samples purchase contact us

Resources

Recent News

Press Release

W. L. Gore & Associates Wins Prestigious Frost & Sullivan Award

Posted December 3, 2024

W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) announced today the company won the 2024 Frost & Sullivan Enabling Technology Leadership Award for their portfolio of aerospace and defense power enablers. The award recognizes the company that applies its technology in new ways to improve existing products and services and elevate the customer experience. Gore was honored for its achievements in the North American electrical wiring industry.

Event

Gore Cables & Assemblies on Display at Space Tech Expo

November 19, 2024 - November 21, 2024

See GORE® Space Cables and Assemblies in Booth W31 at this year’s expo. Our failure-free solutions help guarantee successful launches and missions orbiting Earth and across the galaxy while ensuring astronauts’ safe return. Reserve time at the expo now to meet with a Gore specialist and discuss your latest and upcoming application challenges and requirements.

Event

Discover the Future with Gore Innovations at Farnborough Airshow

July 22, 2024 - July 26, 2024

Come by to see us in Hall 1, Booth 1120G, at this year’s airshow in Farnborough, UK, from July 22-26 to discover how GORE® Cables and Materials can help propel aerospace and defense into the future. See demos to witness firsthand how our solutions outperform many alternatives. Reserve time at the airshow now to meet with a Gore specialist and discuss your latest issues and requirements.

Event

Explore Gore’s Next-Gen Defense Solutions at Eurosatory 2024

June 17, 2024 - June 24, 2024

Visit Hall 5A H215 at this year’s show in Paris, France, from June 17-24 to check out GORE® High Speed Data Cables that ensure mission success, survivability and safety. Reserve time now for a private meeting with a Gore specialist at the show to talk about your latest system design challenges and future needs.

View all News & Events

FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY

Not for use in food, drug, cosmetic or medical device manufacturing, processing, or packaging operations.