FlightGuide® Simplex 1.8 mm Cable 50 µm OM2 Multi-mode Graded-Index
- Technology
- Fibre optic cables, connectors and assemblies
- Partner
- Lightera (formerly OFS)
This aerospace-grade OM2 multimode fibre optic cable is designed to deliver reliable communication links in demanding applications. It provides a single 50/125 µm graded-index fibre core within a compact 1.8 mm simplex construction, ideal for aircraft, defence systems, and harsh industrial environments. Typical uses include data connections for aircraft sensors, onboard communication networks, and other systems that face vibration, wide temperature swings, or exposure to corrosive chemicals.
The cable’s construction features a carbon-coated fibre core buffered with silicone and ETFE layers, which protects the optical fibre and maintains stable performance across extreme temperatures. A braided aramid yarn strength member gives it high tensile strength and durability, while the orange ETFE outer jacket resists abrasion, chemicals, and high heat. For safety in aviation environments, the cable meets stringent flame retardancy standards (FAR 25.869), self-extinguishing quickly with minimal spread of flame. It also operates over a broad temperature range from –55 °C to +150 °C, ensuring reliable signal transmission in extremely cold or hot conditions. Additionally, the tight-buffered 900 µm fibre design is compatible with standard fibre optic connectors and termini, simplifying termination and integration into various systems.
The FlightGuide® C10027 is a compact aerospace-grade OM2 50/125 µm multimode simplex fibre optic cable built for reliable data transmission in harsh operating environments. Its 1.8 mm construction combines a carbon-coated fibre, dual buffering, braided aramid reinforcement and an ETFE jacket to deliver durability, low optical loss and dependable handling. This makes it well suited for aircraft systems, defence platforms and industrial installations where vibration, chemicals, heat and cold are all critical considerations.
Range features
A high level overview of what this range offers
- Carbon-coated OM2 fibre core – Helps protect against moisture ingress and micro-fractures for improved long-term reliability.
- Dual buffer layers (silicone and ETFE) – Provides added protection for stable performance under thermal and mechanical stress.
- Braided aramid strength member – Increases tensile strength and crush resistance during installation and service.
- ETFE outer jacket – Resists chemicals, abrasion and heat for demanding aerospace and industrial environments.
- Wide operating temperature range – Supports reliable operation from –55 °C to +150 °C.
- Flame-retardant construction – Meets FAR 25.869 requirements for aviation fire safety.
- Tight-buffered 900 µm design – Simplifies termination with standard fibre optic connectors and MIL-spec termini.
- High-bandwidth graded-index multimode fibre – Suitable for dependable high-speed onboard and short-to-medium distance data links.
- Low attenuation performance – Helps maintain signal integrity with loss of ≤ 4 dB/km at 1300 nm.
Built for harsh environments Designed for aerospace, defence and industrial use where cables are exposed to vibration, chemical contact and temperature extremes.
Optimised for dependable handling The aramid reinforcement and compact simplex construction help the cable withstand installation loads while remaining easy to route.
Termination-friendly design The 900 µm tight-buffered fibre supports integration with common connector styles and aerospace termini.
Downloads
for FlightGuide® Simplex 1.8 mm Cable 50 µm OM2 Multi-mode Graded-Index
FlightGuide Simplex 1.8 mm OM2 Cable Datasheet
DownloadWhat’s in this range?
All the variants in the range and a comparison of what they offer
Specification | Value |
Product Description | FlightGuide Simplex 1.8 mm Multimode 50/125 OM2 |
Cable Construction | Multimode Graded-Index Simplex |
Fibre Core Diameter | 50 ± 3 µm |
Cladding Diameter | 125 ± 1 µm |
Coating Type 1 | Carbon |
Coating Type 2 Diameter | 450 ± 25 µm |
Coating Type 2 | Silicone |
Buffer Diameter | 900 ± 50 µm |
Buffer Material | ETFE |
Outer Cable Diameter | 1.8 ± 0.1 mm |
Cable Weight | 4.0 kg/km |
Outer Jacket Material | ETFE |
Outer Jacket Colour | Orange |
Attenuation @ 1300 nm | ≤ 4 dB/km |
Attenuation @ 850 nm | ≤ 6 dB/km |
Bandwidth @ 1300 nm | ≥ 400 MHz·km |
Bandwidth @ 850 nm | ≥ 400 MHz·km |
Numerical Aperture | 0.20 ± 0.015 |
Installation Load (Maximum) | 90 lb (400 N) |
Operating Load (Maximum) | 30 lb (133 N) |
Minimum Bend Radius (Installation) | 25 mm |
Minimum Bend Radius (Operating) | 8 mm |
Operating Temperature | –55 to +150 °C |
Storage Temperature | –55 to +85 °C |
Flammability | FAR 25.869 |
Flame Extinguish Time | 0 seconds |
Max Burn Length | 3 inches |
Proof Test Level | ≥ 200 kpsi |
Order by Part Number | C10027 |
Typical applications
- Aircraft sensor links
- Onboard communication networks
- Defence system interconnects
- Harsh industrial data links
Key performance highlights
- OM2 50/125 µm graded-index multimode fibre
- 1.8 mm simplex construction
- ETFE jacket with flame-retardant performance
- Low attenuation and broad operating temperature range
FAQs
for FlightGuide® Simplex 1.8 mm Cable 50 µm OM2 Multi-mode Graded-Index
“OM2 50/125 µm multimode” describes the fibre type and dimensions. OM2 is a standard for multimode optical fibre with a 50 µm core and 125 µm cladding. This graded-index multimode fibre supports 400 MHz·km bandwidth and is commonly used for data communication links such as Gigabit Ethernet over intermediate distances. In practice, it is suitable for reliable high-speed transmission in onboard aircraft networks and other short-to-medium range links.
Yes. This cable is specifically designed for harsh conditions, with an operating temperature range of –55 °C to +150 °C. Its ETFE outer jacket offers strong resistance to chemicals, fuels and abrasion, while the carbon-coated fibre and rugged cable construction help maintain reliability in aerospace, industrial and corrosive environments.
The cable meets FAR 25.869 flammability requirements for aviation applications. It is designed to be self-extinguishing with 0 seconds flame extinguish time and a maximum burn length of 3 inches, supporting safe use in aircraft interiors and other sensitive installations.
The cable uses a 900 µm tight-buffered fibre construction, making it compatible with many standard fibre optic connectors and termini designed for 900 µm buffered fibre. Common options include ST, SC, LC and suitable MIL-spec aerospace termini, depending on the application requirements.
The carbon coating helps improve durability and long-term performance in demanding environments. It acts as a barrier against moisture and hydrogen ingress and helps reduce the risk of micro-cracks in the glass, supporting better mechanical integrity and stable optical performance over time.
The minimum bend radius is the smallest radius the cable can be bent without causing damage or excessive signal loss. For this cable, it is 25 mm during installation and 8 mm during operation. Following these limits helps preserve optical performance and reduces the risk of fibre stress or breakage.
The cable is rated for a maximum installation load of 90 lb (400 N) and a maximum operating load of 30 lb (133 N). The braided aramid strength member helps the cable withstand these loads while protecting the fibre during pulling, routing and long-term service.
