  We propose a novel multi-component system of nonlinear equations that
generalizes the short pulse (SP) equation describing the propagation of
ultra-short pulses in optical fibers. By means of the bilinear formalism
combined with a hodograph transformation, we obtain its multi-soliton solutions
in the form of a parametric representation. Notably, unlike the determinantal
solutions of the SP equation, the proposed system is found to exhibit solutions
expressed in terms of pfaffians. The proof of the solutions is performed within
the framework of an elementary theory of determinants. The reduced 2-component
system deserves a special consideration. In particular, we show by establishing
a Lax pair that the system is completely integrable. The properties of
solutions such as loop solitons and breathers are investigated in detail,
confirming their solitonic behavior. A variant of the 2-component system is
also discussed with its multisoliton solutions.
