Ocean Surface Transceiver Free Space Optical Communication System

Communication from ocean-surface sonobuoys to airborne platforms is critical to Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations. Existing Radio-Frequency (RF) solutions encounter several challenges which Free-Space Optical (FSO) systems solve. FSO systems for sonobuoy applications have unique challenges that proper system design can overcome. Verdant Networks is proposing an asymmetric system design that meets key performance, size, power, and cost requirements with several advantages. Design and development risk is minimized by leveraging existing Pointing Acquisition, and Tracking (PAT), optical, and modulation technology. Projected system performance will be experimentally validated by utilizing a proven test bed during the Phase 1 Option. By the end of Phase 1 a low-risk, experimentally verified design will be available to prototype and demonstrate in Phase 2.