Armored Fiber Optic Cable and Connectivity Solutions for Unmanned Systems

Alker is a global specialist provider of fiber optic technologies for a wide range of industries including defense, aerospace and space.

With a state-of-the-art off-the-shelf product line as well as expert services including custom design and manufacture, our fiber optic solutions are ideal for the demanding requirements of UAVs and drones, as well as unmanned underwater vehicles such as ROVs (remotely operated vehicles).

Certified to ISO 9001:2015 and AS 9100D standards, we have worked with a range of leading organizations around the world, including Airbus, BAE Systems and NASA.

Armored Fiber Optic Assemblies

Our armored fiber optic solutions are designed to provide superior performance and reliability even under extremes of temperature and vibration and in the presence of dust and moisture. We continually expand the range of connectors we can successfully armor to withstand the demands faced by UAVs, unmanned vehicles and military systems.

More information: Armored Fiber Optic Assemblies

Stainless Steel Armoring

Our Micro Armoring range is ideal for size- and weight-constrained applications, available in diameters of 1.5mm to 3mm and providing the highest level of protection.

For larger applications, we can provide 4.5mm to 25mm diameters for either single- or multi-fiber assemblies, which can include both fiber and electrical contacts.

More information: Stainless Steel Armoring

Polarisation Maintenance (PM) Armored Optics

With high extinction ratios, rigorous orientation specifications and enhanced protection, our PM fibers provide unprecedented reliability and performance in challenging environments.

Available orientations include fast, slow or custom axis in FLAT, UPC, 8° FLAT or APC polished finish. The range of available connectors includes FC, SC, LC, MU and E2000.

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Armored High-Temperature (HT) Optics

Uses connectors originally designed especially for the power turbine and the jet engine sensor industries. The insulation process protects the entire length of the assembly, providing the ability to operate at extended temperature ranges.

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Retrofit Armoring

We also offer a retrofit armoring service that can help protect and increase the longevity of your existing fiber optic installations. The service is available for all modes of fibers, including single-mode, multimode and polarization-maintaining. 1.5mm to 9mm stainless steel armoring is available as standard, with other specifications, as well as jacketed and CST (corrugated steel taped) armoring, available on request.

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Fiber Optic Splice Enclosures

Our fiber optic splice enclosures provide maximum protection for sensitive fibers exposed by splicing two cables together.

The enclosures’ unique splice organiser simplifies the process, saving valuable time and money during installation and extending the lifetime of fiber optic cables.

These enclosures can be deployed for a variety of applications, including open-air and submarine fiber optic cables. All entry points are sealed against moisture and dust and protect the spliced fibers from environmental stressors as well as mechanical damage.

More information: Fiber Optic Splice Enclosures

Fiber Optic Patch Cords

Our range of fiber optic patch cords (also known as jumpers, jumper cables and patch cables) are terminated at both ends with fiber optic connectors to minimise attenuation.

Standard Patch Cords and Pigtails

Utilising common fiber optic connectors and optical fiber including 9/125 OS1 (OS2) Singlemode, 50/125 OM2, 3 and 4 Multimode and 62.5/125 OM1 Multimode. Available in 1,2,3,5 and 10m configurations.

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Polarisation Maintaining Patch Cords and Pigtails

Manufactured with tight-tolerance keyway fiber optic connectors and bow-tie, panda or elliptical PM fiber, providing excellent extinction ratio and insertion loss.

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Attenuated Patchcords

Reduce the light transmitting through the fiber and thus the insertion loss from anything between 1dB to 20dB, with higher values if required. Fixed attenuators or variable optical attenuators (VOA) are available.

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Angled Connector Patchcords

Provides a 90-degree bend on exit from the connector, shortening overall length. Can be orientated north/south/east/west as required.

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Alker Polishing Tool

Services

Consultancy

With over 30 years of practical experience in the field of fiber optics as well as deep and broad theoretical knowledge, we can provide expert and targeted advice and support tailored to your specific applications.

Our integrated professional approach involves establishing a unique relationship with each one of our clients, developing innovative solutions to address your problems and add value to your products and projects.

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Design & Manufacturing

We design and manufacture world-class bespoke fiber optic solutions, including cables, assemblies, connectors and prototypes.

With a state-of-the-art production facility including in-house fiber optic termination, we can cater to almost any custom requirements, with a wide range of options to suit space, aerospace, defence and harsh environment applications.

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Repair & Support

We provide comprehensive fiber optic repair, support and emergency fault-finding services, with fast turnaround times and a skilled team of experts available onsite.

GoOptics Guaranteed Warranty System

Our GoOptics warranty system guarantees our fiber optic assemblies to continue working for the lifetime of the equipment containing them, minimizing downtime for your mission-critical UAVs and robotics.

Duplicate internal components can be placed within our stock system at the time of manufacture, and should damage occur, the assembly can be returned to Alker for repair or replacement and full testing with a turnaround time of 24 hours.

Various levels of protection are available based on the number of repairs per year and the number of years’ cover required.