Posted by John Keller

EAGLEVILLE, Pa., 22 Jan. 2012. U.S. Navy aircraft specialists needed common fiber optic test kits for Navy aviation systems. They found their solution from military electro-optics designers at Clear Align in Eagleville, Pa. Navy officials awarded Clear Align a contract to develop what company officials say is the first common fiber optic test kits naval aviation.

Clear Align’s complex kits integrate test fiber optic inspection equipment and aircraft specific adapters for fiber optic testing capability to naval aircraft operating from aircraft carriers or from remote bases, Clear Align officials say.

As aviation has upgraded to fiber optic systems, the ability to diagnose system failures has become critical. This new capability enables quick assessment of functionality for fast repair and replacement. “Providing essential test capability to our front-line assets is a key mission for Clear Align," says Angelique X. Irvin, president and chief executive officer at Clear Align.

The Clear Align engineering team delivered four testing models to the Navy -- two general-purpose testing and inspection kits, one unit for the E-2 Hawkeye carrier-based maritime patrol aircraft, and one unit for the E-6 Mercury airborne command post and communications relay aircraft.

Clear Align will begin production in mid-2012 after Navy officials perform technical evaluation on initial units. The Common Support Equipment will be applicable to all Navy, Air Force, and Army programs providing front-line assessment and repair of fiber optic systems on aircraft and other fiber optic system applications.

For more information contact Clear Align online at www.clearalign.com.