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, especially in the Ukraine, due to electronic warfare measures such as jamming and direction finding. 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.
The goal of this project - 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 wiretapping. Furthermore, the issue of frequency allocation is resolved in the optical wavelength range, enabling high-data-rate communication without restrictions on bandwidth and the number of transceivers. By measurement of the incident laser beam angle and the time of flight, the precise localization and orientation of the UAV relative to the ground station is possible, without the need for external systems such as GNSS. Inertial measurement units are used to provide continuous self-localization of the UAV during short interruptions of the optical link.
The main challenges of this project include the pointing and tracking of the other communication terminal, which requires compensation of the maneuvers of the UAV and its vibration disturbance spectrum in the presence of low divergence angles. Additionally, a well-selected trade-off of pointing accuracy, beam divergence, receiver sensitivity and space, weight and power (SWaP)-requirements is essential to develop a terminal which enables application in UAVs of size class 1, category micro/mini.
To tune the development of the system well to the requirements of the end user as well as potential future customers, the applicants closely collaborate with the BMLV. The Mechatronics and Power Electronics Institute is the project leader and provides expertise in fast, opto-mechatronic positioning systems. The Fantana GmbH develops the communication module and intends to continue the development of the proposed SCOUT terminal as an Austrian product. The implemented terminal will be evaluated in a laboratory environment as well as in field tests on the premises of the BMLV.
