Abstract

Fly-by-light aircraft require high-precision, high-speed actuator position measurements. The cost and weight associated with shielding fly-by-wire systems from electromagnetic interference is the primary driver. Previous attempts have focused on digital and analog encoder technologies in which the sensor head varies the optical power.¹ The result is a complex, bulky sensor head requiring one or more fibers (and associated connectors) between each remotely located sensor and the flight-control computer. Fly-by-light aircraft require high-precision, high-speed actuator position measurements. The cost and weight associated with shielding fly-by-wire systems from electromagnetic interference is the primary driver. Previous attempts have focused on digital and analog encoder technologies in which the sensor head varies the optical power.¹ The result is a complex, bulky sensor head requiring one or more fibers (and associated connectors) between each remotely located sensor and the flight-control computer.

© 1991 Optical Society of America