BAE Systems is a leading global defence, aerospace, and security company, headquartered in the UK, that develops advanced technology-led solutions for air, land, sea, cyber, and space. It is the UK’s largest defence contractor, producing major systems like the F-35 fighter, Eurofighter Typhoon, and submarines, employing over 110,000 people globally.
BAE Systems use their advanced defence technology to protect people and national security, keeping critical information and infrastructure secure.
The existing multi pin connectors were made of copper and fibre making them difficult to clean effectively due to the vulnerability of the parts.
The Typhoons usage in harsh environments also meant they were vulnerable to dirt and contamination spreading to the end of the ferrule, and when mating and un-mating, the end face of the fibres were getting dirty which could cover the diameter of the fibre optic, reducing or stopping transmission.
We identified that BAE Systems required a fibre optic harness repair alongside an armoured solution to protect the asset while used within the Typhoon fighter jet program.
We dismantled the existing harness using 95% of the fibre optics and connectors and started re-building the harness within a flexible double interlocked stainless steel outer jacket.
This solution transformed the original, ensured reliability and improved performance. The armoured solution was also designed to ensure the asset can be repaired many times.
To design an inspection and cleaning kit for all fibre optics used within the Typhoon Fighter jet.
Education and training were provided to ensure onsite personnel could inspect and clean the end face of the fibres each time connectors were mated and un-mated.
