Laser Communication on Drones – DRONELIFE

Cucuyo and Cavok UAS Partner to Demonstrate Laser Communication Technology on UAVs
German-based Cucuyo and French company Cavok UAS have announced a strategic partnership, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to integrate Cucuyo’s innovative laser communication terminal into Cavok’s professional drone platforms. The collaboration aims to test and validate the functionality of Cucuyo’s P-100 terminal on Cavok drones, opening new possibilities for high-speed, resilient data transmission in unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Laser Communication: A Resilient Alternative
Laser communication offers significant advantages over traditional radio-frequency links. The Cucuyo P-100 terminal, a Free Space Optical (FSO) communication device, transmits data at a rate of 1 Gbps over distances of up to 40 kilometers. Its compact size (1.5 kg) and plug-and-play design make it suitable for aerial platforms like drones.
One of its standout features is its resistance to jamming, spoofing, and interception. Additionally, the P-100 can serve as a substitute for satellite-based navigation systems, offering resilience in contested environments where Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals may be disrupted.

Dr. Markus Knapek, CTO and Managing Director of Cucuyo, emphasized the technology’s suitability for unmanned platforms: “The platforms are therefore ideally suited for Cucuyo demonstration purposes and for a future strategic collaboration.”
Testing Phases for the Partnership
The collaboration will occur in two phases:

Integration and Initial Testing: Cavok UAS will integrate the P-100 terminal into one of its drones to evaluate system compatibility, including vibration resilience and interface functionality during flights.
Full-Scale Laser Communication Trials: This phase will involve live testing of the terminal’s capabilities, including establishing a laser communication link between the drone and a ground station.

Fabrice Parodi, CEO of Cavok UAS, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration: “Cavok UAS is looking for systems that increase the resilience to detection and jamming. Cucuyo laser communication system would be an ideal solution in that respect.”

Implications for the UAV Market
Laser communication terminals like the P-100 could revolutionize drone operations, especially in applications requiring secure, high-volume data transfers. For example, drones used in defense, security, and industrial inspections generate large amounts of sensor data. Laser communication ensures that this data is transmitted efficiently and securely without relying on regulated communication frequencies.
Moreover, the lack of licensing requirements for laser-based systems simplifies global deployment, making them an attractive option for operators in diverse industries.
Expanding UAV Capabilities
Cucuyo and Cavok’s partnership represents a step forward in the practical application of laser communication on drones. By enabling faster, more secure data transmission, the technology enhances drones’ ability to operate in challenging environments.
For more information about the companies and their products, visit Cucuyo and Cavok UAS.
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