Self-Reference Fiber Optic Oxygen Sensor System for Real-time Monitoring of Ullage Inerting Operations in Tactical Aircraft

ABSTRACT: Redondo Optics Inc. (ROI proposes to develop, ground and fly test, and deliver to the Air Force a low-cost next generation, aircraft ready, self-reference (T & P compensated) multi-point fiber optic oxygen sensor (FOxSense) network system for the real-time in-situ monitoring of the oxygen ullage environment for the closed-loop fuel tank inerting lightning protection warning system of tactical aircraft. The proposed next generation FOxSense system is based on the integration of ROI"s proven and previously demonstrated state-of-the-art technologies: 1) the use of self-reference, temperature and pressure compensated, fuel inert fiber optic oxygen sensors 2) the use of fluorescence lifetime signal processing electronics; and 3) the use of advanced sensor calibration algorithms. In Phase I, ROI will assemble, and demonstrate the performance of a next generation FOxSense system for the safety in-situ monitoring of the oxygen environment of a fuel tank that will comply with all target performance specification. In Phase II, the MIL-SPEC aircraft ready FOxSense oxygen network system will be qualified on a relevant tactical aircraft platform. In Phase III the FOxSense system will be transitioned to the Air Force for integration to the closed-loop OBIGS system of a tactical aircraft, and to the commercial avionics sector. BENEFIT: The self-reference multi-point FOxSense oxygen network system represents a new, innovative, and reliable solution for the in-situ measurement of the oxygen ullage fuel-tank environment of tactical jet fighter aircraft. Its aircraft ready compact package, lightweight, and power efficient multi-point FOxSense network system with build-in intrinsic T & P self-referencing, on-board embedded calibration, state-of-the-art data transmission, compatibility with existing fiber optic aircraft networks and cost affordable price makes it a very attractive solution for a large number of fuel-tank, cryogenic fuel-tanks, and cargo compartment fire prevention oxygen monitoring applications in aircraft, rotorcraft, space craft, submarines, and ships, as well as in the commercial medical, bio-tech, bio-remediation, nuclear, oil and gas, chemical and environment control industry.