Undersea Communications With Optical Laser Frequencies (Under C-WOLF)
Abstract
Previously funded JCTD. Under C-WOLF directly supports the National Defense Strategy's focus to develop resilient and federated communication and information systems from the tactical to the strategic level. Under C-WOLF provides stealthy and low-latency, optical laser communications (OCOMMS) between undersea systems and air platforms. Using low probability of intercept/low probability of detection technology, the Under C-WOLF JCTD accomplished this by exploiting the air-water-interface (AWI) OCOMMS system and the all-through-water (ATW) OCOMMS system to operate at tactically useful bandwidths, depths, and ranges. The bandwidth for the AWI OCOMMS system provides real-time command and control capability to the submarine. The bandwidth for the ATW OCOMMS system allows an unmanned underwater vehicle to provide results of extensive surveys to a submarine. Both systems together increase operational effectiveness of underwater communications in a radio frequency denied, degraded, or contested area, particularly in the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and U.S. European Command areas of responsibility. In FY 2020, Under C-WOLF completed the AWI platform integration; conducted laboratory testing of the ATW system; and performed an operational demonstration. Under C-WOLF continued transitioning capabilities to the U.S. Navy, Program Executive Office, Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence. Due to COVID19 impacts, this JCTD will complete in FY 2021.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2022
- Source ID
- d0ed9ef1dade2744fb234b254aeddee1