High-speed laser communications in UAV scenarios

Wolfgang Griethe; Mark Gregory; Frank Heine; Hartmut Kämpfner

doi:10.1117/12.884274

25 May 2011 High-speed laser communications in UAV scenarios

Wolfgang Griethe, Mark Gregory, Frank Heine, Hartmut Kämpfner

Proceedings Volume 8020, Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems and Applications VIII; 80200B (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.884274
Event: SPIE Defense, Security, and Sensing, 2011, Orlando, Florida, United States

Abstract

Optical links, based on coherent homodyne detection and BPSK modulation with bidirectional data transmission of 5.6 Gbps over distances of about 5,000 km and BER of 10^-8, have been sufficiently verified in space. The verification results show that this technology is suitable not only for space applications but also for applications in the troposphere. After a brief description of the Laser Communication Terminal (LCT) for space applications, the paper consequently discusses the future utilization of satellite-based optical data links for Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) operations of High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). It is shown that the use of optical frequencies is the only logical consequence of an ever-increasing demand for bandwidth. In terms of Network Centric Warfare it is highly recommended that Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) of the future should incorporate that technology which allows almost unlimited bandwidth. The advantages of optical communications especially for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) are underlined. Moreover, the preliminary design concept of an airborne laser communication terminal is described. Since optical bi-directional links have been tested between a LCT in space and a TESAT Optical Ground Station (OGS), preliminary analysis on tracking and BER performance and the impact of atmospheric disturbances on coherent links will be presented.

Citation Download Citation

Wolfgang Griethe, Mark Gregory, Frank Heine, and Hartmut Kämpfner "High-speed laser communications in UAV scenarios", Proc. SPIE 8020, Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR) Systems and Applications VIII, 80200B (25 May 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.884274

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