Digital Wireless/Copper Data Bus Combination for Intercommunication System Applications

"In this proposal, we describe an innovative freespace optical (FSO) solution to provide a robust wireless, high-data rate 100Mbps digital Ethernet bus architecture for the E-2C Hawkeye carrier-based tactical airborne warning and control system platformIntercommunications System (ICS). Our approach leverages on current work we are conducting on development of mobile access to computing and visual display systems for Air Force Information Operations (IO) and Command and Control (C2) environments . Thearchitecture is based on extensions to the IrDA and/or IEEE 802.11 standards and will be fully compliant with the Joint Tactical Architecture Version 4.0 and the Joint Tactical Radio System development. The optical solution we propose will providecomplete, TEMPEST compliant, and secure untethered connection for the E-2C digital ICS via a wireless optical interface from Ethernet equipped ICS nodes to the aircraft ethernet server. Implementation of this solution will result in greatly reducing thecomplexity of wiring multiple ICS nodes within the aircraft and will improve ICS system reliablity and maintainability. Potential commercial applications include airport tower internal/external communciations and data transfer, implementation of wirelessLANs in emergency response centers, and commercial airline cockpit-to-cabin intercom systems, and/or wireless connection of individual aircraft seat audio/visual systems."