Lasaer Communication & Tracking System for Aircraft

This proposal shall determine the feasibility of providing a dedicated and secure optical communication link between naval aircraft and an aviation capable ship while concurrently optically tracking the approaching aircraft from the ship. Concepts employ laser transmitters in the 3-5 pm region at eye safe irradiance levels over an operational range of 6000 m to 15 m. Both tracking and communication subsystems are expected to function under adverse weather conditions. There are five objectives. First, requirements are defined for optically tracking and communicating with an aircraft from a ship. Next, two general concepts are advanced: one is a shipboard transceiver that both tracks and communicates with an aircraft equipped with a modulated retroreflector; the other concept replaces the retroreflector with a full transceiver. The third objective analyzes both concepts from a communications and tracking standpoint. Tracking shall determine both aircraft angle-angle and range information. Communication links shall transmit voice, command, and data. The fourth objective defines selection criteria, performs trades to down-select among concepts, and determines the most viable configuration. Lastly, the recommended concept is defined sufficiently to enable a follow-on detailed design and prototype fabrication.