General Atomics Aeronautical Systems tested a 1 Gbps laser airborne communications system for the MQ-1 and MQ-9 drones

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has completed flight tests of its laser air-to-air communications system. The test took place at Montgomery Field in Kearny Mesa, Calif.

Here's What We Know

The laser system will allow drones built by General Atomics to establish communications beyond line of sight. The demonstration involved laser airborne communication terminals integrated into two King Air aircraft.

During the test, both aircraft flew to Yuma, Arizona, communicating at 1.0 Gbps. The test involved transmitting a variety of data, including video, voice communications and navigation.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems states that laser airborne communications uses anti-interference technology to support higher data rates than traditional radio frequency systems. One of the strengths is the low probability of interception and detection.

Although aircraft were used to test the system, it is focused on drones from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. We are talking about the MQ-9A Reaper, MQ-9B SkyGuardian/SeaGuardian and MQ-1C Gray Eagle 25M drones.

Source: The Defense Post