Airborne Wireless Network (ABWN)

[vibes]

Disadvantage of free-space laser (FSL) communication

Not saying ABWN won't succeed but there are hurdles.

Signal affected by atmosphere fog, clouds, rain, snow, SCINTILLATION and icing.

ABWN would need to use conventional radio wave to communicate with ground stations.

Signal is directional. Transmit (and probably receive) antenna must be physically directed at the target - in our case moving targets. Multiple antennas required on aircraft in order to prevent aircraft itself from blocking line of sight

http://journals.ametsoc.org/doi/pdf/10.1175/BAMS-85-5-725