Video Transmission in a Non-Line-of-Sight Environment

Success in the battlefield requires extensive distribution of near-real-time data amongst all levels of war fighters. Distribution may be limited by terrain, obstacles in the communication path, or by the impending risk to human life. Unmanned vehicles extend the range of distribution, while reducing the risk of casualties, by providing a platform for non-line-of-sight communication relay systems. Laser-communication technologies permit the realization of high-bandwidth, secure communication links via light, compact payloads suitable for airborne relays. We have developed satellite transceivers that use a solid-optic design to reduce size, weight, and cost and to ensure high reliability and availability. Our commercial laser-communication products provide point-to-point communications at high data rates for situations in which communication links are impractical or overly expensive. On this program, we will extend our successful work on laser-communication systems by addressing requirements unique to airborne, non-line-of-sight lasercom relays. We will then determine the optimum laser communication system for video transmission in this environment and provide a comparison with alternative technologies. BENEFITS: The need for non-line-of-sight video transmission is not peculiar to military applications; it also exists in law enforcement, environmental monitoring, and hazardous waste-site management. Therefore, concepts and technologies selected on this program will yield significant benefits to military, industrial, and government organizations.