Short Range Through the Air Link Optical Component (TALOC)

The tactical weaknesses of Radio Frequency (RF) communications have been thoroughly established and adversaries are becoming increasingly capable of exploiting them. Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) are particularly vulnerable to the limitations of RF communication because of the need for continuous communication links. Missions involving RAS have a lower chance of success in RF denied environments. Spherical wave propagation of RF communication creates additional limitations by granting adversaries the opportunity to identify and locate RAS assets through detection of RF signatures. Additionally, large numbers of RAS can significantly contribute to RF congestion. The need for technology that overcomes the limitations of RF communication cannot be overstated. 4S-Silversword is developing a Free Space Optical (FSO) communication device called Through the Air Link Optical Component (TALOC) which will enable secure high broadband (multi-GHz) data exchange between RAS and manned assets that cannot be jammed and with low probability of intercept. A single TALOC unit will be capable of automatic closed loop acquisition and tracking of fast-moving RAS assets in a 120 x 90 degree field of regard which will provide tight beam pointing accuracy necessary for FSO communication. Multiple TALOC units positioned around the RAS can expand the field of regard.