High-speed communications enabling real-time video for battlefield commanders using tracked FSO

Mouhammad K. Al-Akkoumi; Robert C. Huck; James J. Sluss Jr.

doi:10.1117/12.719634

4 May 2007 High-speed communications enabling real-time video for battlefield commanders using tracked FSO

Mouhammad K. Al-Akkoumi, Robert C. Huck, James J. Sluss Jr.

Proceedings Volume 6551, Atmospheric Propagation IV; 655105 (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.719634
Event: Defense and Security Symposium, 2007, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Free Space Optics (FSO) technology is currently in use to solve the last-mile problem in telecommunication systems by offering higher bandwidth than wired or wireless connections when optical fiber is not available. Incorporating mobility into FSO technology can contribute to growth in its utility. Tracking and alignment are two big challenges for mobile FSO communications. In this paper, we present a theoretical approach for mobile FSO networks between Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), manned aerial vehicles, and ground vehicles. We introduce tracking algorithms for achieving Line of Sight (LOS) connectivity and present analytical results. Two scenarios are studied in this paper: 1 - An unmanned aerial surveillance vehicle, the Global Hawk, with a stationary ground vehicle, an M1 Abrams Main Battle Tank, and 2 - a manned aerial surveillance vehicle, the E-3A Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), with an unmanned combat aerial vehicle, the Joint Unmanned Combat Air System (J-UCAS). After initial vehicle locations have been coordinated, the tracking algorithm will steer the gimbals to maintain connectivity between the two vehicles and allow high-speed communications to occur. Using this algorithm, data, voice, and video can be sent via the FSO connection from one vehicle to the other vehicle.

Citation Download Citation

Mouhammad K. Al-Akkoumi, Robert C. Huck, and James J. Sluss Jr. "High-speed communications enabling real-time video for battlefield commanders using tracked FSO", Proc. SPIE 6551, Atmospheric Propagation IV, 655105 (4 May 2007); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.719634

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available