Rugged fiber optic solutions for defense and harsh environments

Reliable communication is critical in defense, offshore, industrial and field applications. In these environments, fiber optic systems must withstand repeated handling, moisture, dust, temperature variations and mechanical stress. 

Foss delivers rugged, factory-terminated fiber optic solutions designed for fast deployment and reliable performance in demanding conditions. Cables, connectors and assemblies are configured, terminated and tested before delivery, reducing installation time and minimizing risk in the field.

From expanded beam connectors, D38999-based solutions and tactical cable reels to IP-rated LC and MPO field connectors, Foss can help adapt the solution to the application.

Built for demanding conditions

Standard fiber optic solutions are not always suitable for environments exposed to rough handling, outdoor conditions or repeated connection and disconnection. In defense, offshore and industrial applications, the connection must often perform in conditions where dust, water, vibration, temperature changes and mechanical stress can affect reliability.

Rugged fiber optic solutions are designed to protect the optical connection and maintain stable performance in demanding environments.

Typical applications include:

• defense and field communication systems
• temporary or mobile fiber installations
• offshore and industrial networks
• antenna towers and container links
• tactical cable deployments
• harsh outdoor environments
• hazardous areas where certified equipment is required

Factory-terminated and tested before delivery

In demanding environments, reliability starts before the installation takes place. Foss supplies pre-terminated Plug & Play fiber optic systems where cables, connectors and assemblies are produced and tested in a controlled production environment.

This gives the customer a solution that is ready for deployment, with consistent quality and reduced installation time on site.

Depending on the application, Foss can customize:

• cable type
• cable length
• fiber count
• connector type
• labeling
• documentation
• fiber, copper and hybrid configurations

PRODUCT RANGE

Foss supplies a range of rugged fiber optic solutions for demanding environments. The right choice depends on the application, the installation environment and how the system will be used in the field.

D38999
– Rugged circular connectors for fiber, copper and hybrid Solutions

MIL-DTL-38999 is a well-established connector platform for demanding applications where reliability, ruggedness and compact design are important.

The D38999 platform can be used for fiber optic, electrical and hybrid connections. This makes it possible to combine optical communication, signals and power in the same rugged connector interface.

For fiber optic applications, D38999-based solutions can be configured with expanded beam termini for rugged field use, or with standard fiber termini where low insertion loss and specific compatibility are required.

Foss can help configure D38999-based solutions for defense, offshore, industrial and other harsh-environment applications.

ProBeam
– Expanded beam connectors

ProBeam is an ultra-rugged expanded beam connector system designed for fast and reliable field use. Instead of relying on direct physical contact between fiber end faces, ProBeam uses expanded beam technology. The optical signal is expanded through a ball lens, making the connection less sensitive to dust and contamination than traditional physical contact connectors.

This makes ProBeam well suited for applications where connectors are frequently connected and disconnected, or where cleaning and handling must be simple in field conditions.

ProBeam is available in two sizes, supporting up to 4 or 8 fibers. Foss can deliver ProBeam solutions pre-terminated on OCC tactical cables, often supplied together with cable reels for mobile or temporary installations.

MPO Field
– Rugged MPO/MTP connectivity for harsh environments

MPO Field transforms a standard MPO/MTP connection into a rugged environmental connector solution.

The system places the MPO/MTP interface inside a metallic connector housing based on a MIL-DTL-38999 Series III shell. This provides a sealed and mechanically protected interface for demanding environments where standard MPO/MTP connectivity needs additional protection.

MPO Field supports 12 or 24 fibers and is suitable for applications where high fiber density is required in outdoor, mobile or harsh-environment installations.

The solution can be used without field termination, helping reduce installation time and risk. Foss can deliver factory-terminated and tested MPO assemblies, including trunks, fan-outs, harnesses, cassettes and panel solutions.

LC Field
– Rugged LC connectivity for outdoor and field applications

LC Field, also known as LC FTV, converts a standard LC duplex connection into a rugged environmental connector solution.

The LC connector is protected inside a metallic housing with IP-rated sealing and a robust coupling mechanism. This makes the solution suitable for applications where standard LC connectivity needs protection against dust, moisture, shock and vibration.

LC Field is well suited for telecom base stations, defense and naval applications, rail, industrial sites and other installations requiring sealed LC connectivity without re-terminating in the field.

Foss can deliver LC Field solutions as factory-terminated and tested assemblies, including plugs, receptacles and panel or wall-box options.

Tactical cable reels for field use

Cable reels are used when fiber must be deployed quickly, safely and repeatedly in the field. Foss supplies lightweight and durable aluminum cable reels for mobile and temporary fiber installations. The reels are available in different lengths, 100, 250 and 500 meters.

Depending on configuration, the reels can include features such as internal connector storage, brakes, foldable handles and stackable design.

The standard color is military green, RAL 6014, with other colors available on request.

IP-Series
– IP-rated fiber connectors for outdoor use

The IP-Series is designed for outdoor and temporary installations where standard fiber optic connectors need additional protection. The system uses standard LC or MPO connectors inside a rugged IP68-rated housing, providing protection against dust and water.

This makes the IP-Series suitable for applications such as antenna towers, container links and temporary outdoor fiber connections.

LC versions support 2 fibers, while MPO versions support 12 or 24 fibers. The system is ODVA-compatible.

HARTING Han
– High-capacity industrial connectors

HARTING Han connectors are designed for industrial applications where robust connection points and high capacity are required. The system can support up to 24 fibers per connector and can also be configured as a hybrid solution combining fiber and copper.

This makes HARTING Han suitable for system cables, chassis connections and industrial installations where several connection types need to be integrated in one rugged connector system.

Hawke Series
– Fiber for hazardous areas

The Hawke series is designed for use in hazardous areas where fiber optic equipment must meet specific requirements for explosive atmospheres. The connectors are nickel-plated and engineered for reliable performance in ATEX environments. The series is designed to comply with BS EN 60079-28.

Hawke is available for singlemode and multimode fiber and can be supplied as plug, receptacle or bulkhead variants. Protective caps are included.

Customized rugged fiber solutions

Many demanding applications require more than a standard product. Foss can help adapt the fiber optic solution to the project, whether the requirement is a specific cable length, connector type, fiber count, reel setup or combination of technologies.

We can also deliver hybrid solutions where fiber optics, copper-based signals and power are combined in the same cable or connector system.

By combining components from specialized manufacturers with our own production, termination and testing, Foss can supply solutions tailored to the installation environment and operational requirements.

Why choose a pre-terminated rugged fiber solution?

A pre-terminated rugged fiber solution can reduce installation time and make deployment more predictable. Instead of terminating and testing the connection in the field, the cable assembly is produced and verified before delivery.

This provides several advantages:

• faster deployment
• fewer operations in the field
• consistent production quality
• reduced risk during installation
• easier handling of temporary or mobile networks
• solutions adapted to demanding environments
• documentation and testing before delivery

Need help choosing the right solution?

Different environments require different connector systems, cable types and protection levels. Whether you need a tactical cable reel, an expanded beam connector, an IP-rated outdoor solution or a hybrid fiber/copper assembly, Foss can help you select and configure the right solution for your application.

Get in touch with our team for guidance on rugged fiber optic solutions for defense, offshore, industrial and field use.

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