Whether for satellites in orbit or along the ocean floor, the demand for connections to enable the transmission of data, signals or electrical power increases every year. In aeronautics, the on-board equipment and materials of an aircraft must be able to withstand extreme climatic and mechanical conditions, because at an altitude of 10,000 meters, a small failure can have critical consequences. In this kind of application, failure is not an option.
The environment to which aircraft and aeronautical equipment are exposed is harsh and subject to extreme mechanical and climatic conditions. Depending on the location of the equipment in the aircraft, at an altitude of 10,000 m, the outside temperature can drop to -50°C, while the internal temperature of the engines can exceed 1000°C and the temperature close to the engines can reach 200°C. Equipment therefore must be capable of operating correctly in these temperature ranges, which is a challenge for electrical components as well as materials such as plastics and polymers.
Fabrice Durand, product marketing manager, comments, “We are known for the quality and reliability of our connectors and the efficiency of our supply chain. But as well as our existing solutions, our teams are committed to working with our customers on a daily basis to design and develop the interconnection systems of tomorrow. Let's take the example of fibre-optic solutions, for which SOURIAU has demonstrated its technological leadership for many years. Here, new areas of application are emerging. This gives us the opportunity to develop innovative solutions which simplify implementation or adapt our solutions to increasingly harsh environments. Also, to support this innovation and keep pace with the dynamism of the aeronautics market, SOURIAU has set up collaborative spaces in its sites. Employees can meet there to share and work on new ideas.”
