Objective The aim of this project is the evaluation of the optical approach for data transmission onboard aircraft which in the future, due to their decentralized systems, will require high integrity, high speed and above all electromagnetically passive data transmission systems.The ODT program provided a broad field of information about the state of art of optronics. It appears that the selection of an optimum architecture is very difficult for a general hypothetical system. The design guidelines established during ODT program could be efficiently applied once a system was precisely defined. This program has identified open problems which are mainly due to the weak experience of optic in avionics. The results about the feasibility of optical systems allow optimism about the maturity of the optical technology. Good experience was gained with the practical aspects of fibre optics concerning handling with, and installation in, aircraft. The flight test demonstration showed good functioning (error free) of optical data transmission in aircraft environment. A lot of useful experience was gained during the whole project, in working together with the team of European partners. The number of data required by the on board systems increases rapidly (doubles every 3 to 4 years), the network complexity grows, at the same time stronger real time requirements take place. Therefore high data transmission speed and shorter access time will be inevitable. The answer to this challenge is the introduction of optical data transmission networks in the next generation of aircraft. Wide bandwidth, very high immunity against electromagnetic interference (EMI), perfect disconnection of electrical potential and low weight are outstanding properties of optical fibre.After determination of the characteristics of existing and envisaged sensors, processors and terminals, data rate requirements, system topologies and protocols will be derived. Furthermore available hardware will be assessed, needs for improvement identified and standardization at the European level will be initiated with the aim of more efficient component development and enhanced competitiveness of European suppliers. On this basis implementation guidelines for optical data bus systems will be issued and test methods for components and systems for production as well as for operational systems will be specified. Laboratory and flight test with ODT demonstration systems will be carried out in order to verify the concepts and identify areas for further development. Finally specifications will be written as the prerequisite for the development of a fully operational ODT system. Fields of science natural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicselectromagnetismengineering and technologymechanical engineeringvehicle engineeringaerospace engineeringaircraftnatural sciencesmathematicspure mathematicstopologyengineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsnatural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsfibre optics Programme(s) FP2-AERO 0C - Specific research and technological development programme (EEC) in the field of industrial manufacturing technologies and advanced materials applications (BRITE/EURAM) - Specific activities relating to aeronautics -, 1989-1992 Topic(s) Data not available Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm GmbH (MBB) EU contribution No data Address Haidgraben 81611 München Germany See on map Total cost No data Participants (12) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all Alenia Aerospazio - Un'Azienda Finmeccanica SpA Italy EU contribution No data Address Viale dell'Aeronautica 80038 Pomigliano d'Arco - Napoli See on map Total cost No data Aérospatiale Société Nationale Industrielle SA France EU contribution No data Address 37 boulevard de Montmorency 75781 Paris See on map Total cost No data British Aerospace Plc United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address Warwick House GU14 6YU Farnborough See on map Total cost No data DASSAULT AVIATION SA France EU contribution No data Address Rond-Point des Champs-Elysees - Marcel Dassault 9 PARIS See on map Links Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Farran Technology Ltd. Ireland EU contribution No data Address 30 Cork See on map Total cost No data Fokker Aircraft BV Netherlands EU contribution No data Address 15,Hoogoorddreef 1100 AE Amsterdam See on map Total cost No data Hellenic Aerospace Industry Ltd Greece EU contribution No data Address 2-4,Messaghion 15342 Athens See on map Total cost No data NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS Greece EU contribution No data Address Iroon Polytechnioy 5 15780 ATHENS See on map Total cost No data Office National d'Études et de Recherches Aérospatiales (ONERA) France EU contribution No data Address 29 avenue de la Division Leclerc 92322 Châtillon See on map Total cost No data SMITHS AEROSPACE LTD. United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address Bishops Cleeve GL52 4SF Cheltenham See on map Total cost No data STC Defence Systems United Kingdom EU contribution No data Address Brixham Road TQ4 7BE Paignton See on map Total cost No data Stichting Nationaal Lucht- en Ruimtevaart Laboratorium Netherlands EU contribution No data Address 8300 AD Emmeloord See on map Total cost No data