DiCon Secure Switching Unit A Success In The 1st In Flight Test On Board Boeing P-8A

Richmond, CA - DiCon Fiberoptics is excited to announce that their Secure Switching Unit was a successful participant in Boeing's first mission systems test flight of the new P-8A Poseidon aircraft. DiCon's Secure Switching Unit is an all-optical switching solution that allows secure fiber optic signals to be routed as required by utilizing DiCon's proven MEMS optical switches. The P-8A Poseidon is a new anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft that the U.S. Navy plans on using to replace their existing P-3C fleet.

"The successful test flight demonstrates yet again that our leading MEMS optical switch technology is ideal for use on board military aircraft," said Robert Schleicher, DiCon's VP of Product Development. " We have taken our proven COTS fiber optic switch components and integrated these into the SSU in an unique way to offer Boeing a reliable way to route secure fiber optic signals in the P-8A. It is our honor to support our nation and the U.S. Navy and we are privileged to partner with Boeing on this project."

The Secure Switching Unit (SSU) is a complete military spec, common criteria certified, all-optical switching solution. It is a completely passive device able to route secure fiber optic signals as an automated fiber patch panel. The SSU incorporates DiCon's MEMS fiber optic switches, which are the most proven and trusted fiber optic switch in the Telecommunications industry. Hundreds of thousands of DiCon MEMS devices have shipped since the year 2000. Their compact size, low weight, low power consumption and ability to withstand harsh environments make them ideal for use in military applications. In addition, their frictionless design allows them to operate for billions of switch cycles.

Boeing's P-8A Poseidon is an anti-submarine, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft. The U.S. Navy plans on using these to replace the current fleet of P-3C Orion aircraft with initial operational capability planned for 2013. The successful in-flight testing was completed on June 8th, 2010 in the T2 aircraft, one of five test aircraft.

To learn more about DiCon Fiberoptics and their MEMS-based fiber optic switches please visit:
http://www.diconfiberoptics.com/

For more information on Boeing’s P-8A Poseidon’s 1st in-flight test of mission systems, please visit:
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=1251

About DiCon
DiCon Fiberoptics is an established leader in the optical communications industry, specializing in high quality optical components, integrated modules, and test equipment. Founded in 1986, DiCon has built a broad portfolio of cutting-edge products that filter, split, attenuate, switch, combine, and monitor light. An innovator of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), thin-film optical coatings, micro-optic design, and advanced packaging, DiCon's products are used in a broad range of applications including defense, aerospace, industrial manufacturing, and biomedical industries.