COTSWORKS’ mission is to help our customers move from copper networks to fiber optic ones in military, aerospace, and other rugged markets. This process takes years and lots of work but its worth it for the weight savings fiber optic technology provides. The copper cables are 7x the weight of fiber optic ones and require heavy shielding as it runs thru the plane. And since copper cabling carries electricity, the possibility of sparks and even fiber exist so those wires (ones with power) can only be run in specific places. Fiber optic cable is totally passive so installation takes place in any areas of the plane.
When I see airplanes like the Anatov 225 carrying compressors the size of my house, I realize that weight savings don’t matter to everyone. You can see pictures of the airplanes visit to buffalo, NY here.
The cockpit looks like a cold war relic and I doubt there are any strain sensors in wings. They even carry their own replacement wheels on board. But, who knows, maybe there is a crewmember in the back watching HD TV movies…
