A performance study of an inter-UAV-based free space optical (FSO) system in the maritime environment

Abstract

Recent advances in optical communication technology have enabled users to access high-data services on maritime links using the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)-based free space optical (FSO) system. However, ensuring reliable data communication for maritime links is a significant challenge due to harsh weather conditions. To address the growing demand for maritime links, we have proposed a maritime UAV-based FSO communication system that can support high-speed data rates and provide extended communication coverage. This paper investigates various aspects of maritime UAV-based FSO systems, including the basic architecture, different channel characteristics, and application scenarios. The paper also includes an analysis of the outage probability of the Inter UAV-based FSO communication system, considering the lognormal distributed channel model for the maritime Inter UAV-based FSO link with heterodyne detection (hd). Additionally, it presents an accurate analytical channel model between UAVs. It compares analytical and simulation results, considering maritime turbulence, pointing error, and hovering UAV fluctuations. © 2025 Walter de Gruyter GmbH. All rights reserved.