Laser satellite communication systems, according to their developers, will significantly increase speed
The drone MQ-9B Reaper entered serviceThe United States in 2007 and previously used for reconnaissance and missile attacks on ground targets. The aircraft is capable of carrying 680 kg of missiles and bombs; its maximum speed is 482 km / h.
The system will be built on the basis of the LCT135 terminal,which is already in orbit. It supports data exchange at speeds of up to 1.8 Gb/sec, and also ensures their transmission over a distance of up to 80 thousand km.
System tests took place on the island of Tenerifein the atlantic ocean. Their goal was to test the ability of a solution to transmit information with a satellite in orbit to an aircraft. Other test details are not disclosed.
Previously, the US militaryspenttesting the Agile Condor artificial intelligence system, which will allow unmanned aerial vehicles to independently select and set targets.