General Dynamics Demonstrates 52 KM Free-Space Optics

General Dynamics Mission Systems announced today that it successfully achieved a 52-km link utilizing its PhantomLink™ free space optics (FSO) capability with data rates of up to 10 Gbps with high quality data transport, video, and voice calls at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona.

“PhantomLink represents a break with traditional radio communications on the tactical battlefield,” said Rachel Oberc, General Dynamics Mission Systems vice president for Network and Communication Systems. “Its tactical and resilient operation in advanced threat environments, high bandwidth, immunity to RF interference and security will be a game-changer in the tiered approach to battlefield communications.”

The PhantomLink FSO system provides reliable laser communications for the tactical environment, enabling a high bandwidth transport for modernized mobile command posts. The system combines a state-of-the-art optical terminal with waveform adaptable optical modem. This combination provides high link availability with maximum flexibility and interoperability. PhantomLink is built on the lessons learned by our photonics experts and engineers through more than two decades of FSO research with Air Force Research Lab, Naval Research Lab, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, and other customers.

Free space laser communication systems are intrinsically highly directional with narrow beams that are resilient to traditional threats and are difficult to intercept or even detect. The PhantomLink system combines novel error correction capabilities and advanced pointing, acquisition, and tracking to provide a high-capacity communications link that is operationally effective in otherwise challenging atmospheric conditions. The system operates outside of regulated spectrum, allowing for rapid deployment in support of military operations.

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