Airborne, Long-Range, Multi-Beam Optical Network Device

To address the Navy’s need for a free-space optical communications (FSOC) system that can be integrated with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Intellisense Systems, Inc. (ISI) proposes to develop a new Airborne, Long-Range, Multi-Beam Optical Network Device (ALMOND) based on a multi-aperture transceiver that supports multiple full-duplex links simultaneously and covers a 360°×180° field of view (FOV) without using a gimbal. ALMOND performs autonomous beam acquisition and tracking without relying on radio frequency communications or GPS support, and can provide high pointing accuracy. Furthermore, it can achieve data rates greater than 1 Gbps at ranges larger than 25 km through its transmitter design and detector sensitivity. ALMOND’s compact design enables it to be contained within a volume of 1 cubic foot and weigh no more than 20 lb, thus ensuring its suitability for integration with UAVs. In Phase I, ISI will demonstrate the feasibility of the ALMOND concept by demonstrating support for 2+ simultaneous bi-directional laser links, including autonomous beam acquisition and tracking, while providing beam steering over a 360°×180° FOV. By the conclusion of Phase II, ISI plans to fabricate a complete FSO transceiver, demonstrate its suitability for FSOC, and begin integration with a Group 3 UAV.