Title

Development of a compact UAV-terminal for secure, optical communication 

Project goals

  • Development of a compact terminal for optical communication with small UAVs
  • Precise localization based on the optical link in GNSS-denied environments
  • Field tests and system demonstration

Description

UAVs are a valuable tool in modern military operations and are used in all parts of reconnaissance, command, and joint fire networks. To utilize the full potential of this technology, real-time data transmission is required. Traditional, radio-frequency-based systems have experienced significant difficulties in current areas of conflict, due to electronic warfare measures such as jamming and direction finding. Alternative technologies with increased robustness to jamming, localization and wiretapping are required to counteract these measures in future military operations. Additionally, UAV operation requires good knowledge of the current position, for example, to identify targets and perform post-strike reconnaissance. A localization strategy that is independent of frequently jammed GNSS-based services is required.

Illustration of two drones and an armored vehicle in a mountain landscape, connected by green beams of light indicating communication links. Image generated with AI.

The goal of SCOUT is the development of a compact terminal for bidirectional optical communication with UAVs. Optical wavelengths have significantly smaller divergence angles, which reduces the vulnerability to jamming, direction finding and eavesdropping. Furthermore, the issue of frequency allocation is resolved in the optical wavelength range, enabling high-data-rate communication. Based on the optical link, a precise localization and orientation strategy will be implemented to allow the real-time localization without the need for external systems such as GNSS.
The main challenges of this project include the pointing and tracking of the other communication terminal, which requires compensation of the maneuvers of the drone and its vibration disturbance spectrum in the presence of small divergence angles. Additionally, a well-selected trade-off of pointing accuracy, beam divergence, receiver sensitivity and space, weight and power (SWaP)-requirements is essential.

Use case

  • Robust UAV operation
  • GNSS-independent localization

Project partners

  • Fantana GmbH
  • Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence (BMLV)

Funding

This project is funded by the Austrian defense research programme FORTE of the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF).