DiCon Fiberoptics Ships First MEMS-Based Switches to Boeing

Optical component supplier DiCon Fiberoptics Inc. of Richmond, Calif., announced it has shipped its first MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) -based secure switching units to Boeing as part of the US Navy's P-8A program. The switches are avionics-grade, all-optical, fiber-optic switches based on DiCon's MEMS technology. The P-8A is a long-range antisubmarine warfare, antisurface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, intended to replace the Navy's current fleet of P-3C aircraft. First delivery is scheduled for 2009 and initial operational capability scheduled for 2013.