Plasmonic Wireless Communications for Navy Aircraft Carriers

Aircraft carrier flight decks present one of the most challenging environments for wireless communication due to high levels of electromagnetic interference (EMI), Emissions Control (EMCON) restrictions, and Hazard of Electromagnetic Radiation to Ordnance (HERO) constraints. Conventional wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, and cellular networks fail in this environment due to RF congestion, free-space signal degradation, and line-of-sight (LoS) limitations. The U.S. Navy requires a robust, bi-directional, high-bandwidth wireless communication solution that can seamlessly connect mobile devices and shipboard computer systems without interference or operational compromise.Saltenna proposes a Plasmonic Wireless Communications Network, leveraging patented surface electromagnetic wave (SEW) technology to transmit data along and through metal surfaces rather than through free space. Unlike traditional RF-based systems, Plasmonics provides high-speed, low-emission, EMI-resistant connectivity across the entire carrier flight deck, inside aircraft, below deck, and between interconnected naval platforms. This technology enables low probability of detection (LPD) and low probability of jamming (LPJ), making it resilient in contested electromagnetic environments.Saltenna has successfully demonstrated Plasmonic technology in RF-congested military environments, including C-17 aircraft, the USS Torsk submarine, and the USNS Del Monte. Lab-tested prototypes have already achieved >200 Mbps throughput, exceeding the Navy’s minimum requirement of 100 kbps per channel by a factor of 2,000. Additionally, Plasmonic technology can be integrated with legacy systems via low Size, Weight, Power, and Cost (SWaP-C) plug-and-play antennas, ensuring broad compatibility and easy deployment.During Phase I, Saltenna will conduct requirements gathering, system simulations, and initial hardware design to optimize Plasmonic transmission for carrier flight decks. This includes developing Plasmonic routers, mobile antennas, and network infrastructure to ensure full-deck wireless coverage while maintaining HERO/EMCON compliance. The outcome of Phase I will be a validated design and prototype plan for a scalable, carrier-compatible Plasmonic wireless network, ready for Phase II fabrication and shipboard testing.This breakthrough high-speed, EMI-resilient communication network will significantly enhance safety, coordination, and operational efficiency for flight deck personnel and autonomous systems, fulfilling the Navy’s critical need for secure and reliable wireless connectivity in RF-restricted environments.