Melbourne, Florida – October 1, 2025 – Critical Frequency Design (CFD), a growing aerospace and defense photonics technology company based in Melbourne, Florida, announced the successful demonstration of its Free-Space Optical (FSO) communications solution during Silent Swarm 25, held in July at the Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) in Alpena, Michigan.
Hosted by the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (NSWC Crane), Silent Swarm is part of the Navy’s scientific mission to evaluate technologies that can improve spectrum maneuver and resilience capabilities for military personnel. The exercise focuses on systems designed for use with small multi-domain unmanned platforms, including unmanned aerial and surface vehicles.
More than 40 companies participated in this year’s event. CFD was the only company demonstrating Free-Space Optical communications and returned for its second year supporting Silent Swarm.
During the event, CFD successfully demonstrated two key use cases of its Optical Head Unit (OHU):
- FSO Control of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV): Integrated with Applied Research’s UGV, CFD’s system was used to transmit all command and control instructions and stream live video to a command center—all from a single optical unit while the vehicle was on the move, demonstrating real-time, mobile FSO capabilities in challenging field condition. No radio frequency (RF) links were used, showcasing the FSO system’s ability to transmit multiple data types securely over a high-bandwidth laser link while maintaining low probability of intercept and detection (LPI/LPD).
- FSO Integration with PACE Communications Architecture: CFD also integrated its OHU with Persistent Systems’ Wave Relay MANET to demonstrate FSO as part of a Primary, Alternate, Contingency and Emergency (PACE) communications architecture. With all RF systems disabled, the OHU served as the sole communications link—maintaining connectivity and transmitting data at rates exceeding 100 Mbps with zero RF signature.
“These demonstrations highlight the versatility and maturity of Free-Space Optical communications,” said Johnathen Warren, CEO of Critical Frequency Design. “Whether supporting unmanned mobility or enabling PACE architecture resilience, FSO has moved from concept to proven capability. The demand for secure, high-bandwidth communications is only growing, and we are proud to deliver a solution that meets that need on today’s battlefield.”
CFD’s OHU is a compact, low-SWaP-C laser communications solution designed to support tactical platforms where traditional RF systems may be degraded, denied or vulnerable to interception.
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Critical Frequency Design (CFD) provides advanced photonics communications and sensing solutions for warfighters in contested environments. Led by an agile, innovative team of experts across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and program management, CFD possesses the knowledge and expertise to rapidly deliver mission-critical solutions to the warfighter. Learn more at www.criticalfrequency.com.
CONTACT:
Eddie Myers, Chief Growth Officer
321-343-5611
eddie.myers@criticalfrequency.com