Secure Cockpit-to-Ground Wireless Data Transfer

Current communication between a Fighter Pilot’s Helmet and the Cockpit is through a sophisticated cable. The requirements for the Helmet Heads Up Display and Video/Audio feed require Giga bps throughput. In this Phase I effort, a millimeter wave wireless system will be designed that supports end to end Gigabit Ethernet through a wireless link with the potential for 3.4 Gbps throughput. The proposed system will support beam forming and steering maintaining the high speed link with the Cockpit through Helmet movement. This is the first step in eliminating the cable between Cockpit and Helmet. The wireless link will be secured with both encryption of the data as well as authentication protocols. With beamforming, jamming can be mitigated as well as reducing power requirements through the use of high antenna gains. The wireless system can also communicate with ground crew and equipment. In the Phase I effort, a hardware prototype supporting an end to end Gigabit Ethernet through millimeter wave wireless link will be developed so that valuable insights and data can be obtained prior to full up system design for in excess of 3 Gbps throughput.