AOI 27-A001 Resilient Airborne Free-Space Optical Communications Turret

The Navy’s NIWC‑Atlantic is seeking a prototype, flight‑certified optical communications turret and a compact optical transceiver to enable high‑bandwidth, low‑probability‑of‑intercept free‑space links and precision time‑transfer in GPS‑denied, high‑threat environments. The effort is split into two lines of effort: (1) design and certify a dual‑turret gimbal system for integration on a NASA Pilatus PC‑12 aircraft, including aero‑optical modeling, jitter suppression, and airworthiness certification; (2) develop a self‑contained optical transceiver telescope that fits within the turret, with fast‑steering mirrors and adaptive optics for up to 30 km range. The program runs 16 months, with a solution‑brief deadline of mid‑October 2026, followed by a virtual pitch and a prototype other‑transaction award.