Free space laser and millimetre wave (mmw) network for airborne relay networks

A system configured to be installed on a first vehicle, the system comprising:

• at least one transceiver configured to transmit and receive signals;
• a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver configured to provide first position data identifying position of the first vehicle;
• a second receiver configured to receive second position data of a second vehicle, automatically broadcast by the second vehicle, identifying position of the second vehicle;
• processing circuitry coupled to the at least one transceiver, the GNSS receiver, and the second receiver;
• wherein the processing circuitry is configured to provide data signals to the at least one transceiver for transmission and to receive demodulated signals from the at least one transceiver;
• wherein the processing circuitry is further configured, using the first position data and the second position data, to select the second vehicle with which to form a communications link using the at least one transceiver;
• and
• wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to output signals to alter orientation of at least a portion of the at least one transceiver to establish a point-to-point connection with the second vehicle using the first position data and the second position data.

A method of communicating data from a first vehicle to a second vehicle, the method comprising:

• receiving first position data, provided by at least one sensor, identifying position of the first vehicle;
• receiving second position data, automatically broadcasted from the second vehicle, identifying position of the second vehicle;
• automatically selecting, based upon the first position data and the second position data, the second vehicle with which to form a communications link with the first vehicle;
• and
• using the first position data and the second position data, automatically altering orientation of at least part of a transceiver to establish a point-to-point connection between the first vehicle and the second vehicle.