C-MAC MicroTechnology won a contract thought to be worth 11.6 million over the next five years from Galileo Avionica. The company will supply high-speed microelectronic and electro-optical modules for the Eurofighter Typhoon military aircraft, as well as the NATO NH90 and AgustaWestland EH101 Merlin helicopters.

Galileo Avionica, a Finmeccanica Company, is now part of Selex Sensors and Airborne Systems, a joint venture of Finmeccanica and BAE Systems.

C-MAC components based on the Stanag 3910 optical data-bus specification will provide the interface between critical components of Typhoon's advanced fly-by-light control system, including radio communications, altimeter, cockpit control, and munitions computers. This optical system safeguards against jamming and other electromagnetic interference that can adversely affect the electrical data bus of conventional fly-by-wire systems.