Safran Electronics & Defense has partnered with Vodea to develop a communications system capable of transmitting several high-resolution video streams to the ground in real time, without degrading the intrinsic quality of these images. Vodea is a small French business specialized in very-high-speed data compression solutions for networked intelligence systems.

The solution was highlighted at the annual Innovation Forum organised by the French defence procurement agency DGA on 23rd and 24th November.

The partnership between the two companies was formed in the wake of France's new tactical drone system contract, awarded to Safran's Patroller system. The result is FOCUS, a device capable of simultaneously compressing several hi-res video channels at high speed. This solution was developed within the scope of the "Rapid" contract awarded by the DGA. 

The device is capable of automatically reprogramming data transmissions, by adapting to different transmission conditions and the requirements of troops on the ground. The information from the drone's sensors can now be automatically synchronized onboard, then transmitted to the ground using NATO standards. By combining automation, standardization and high security, this solution saves time and simplifies intelligence operations. 

The solution was shown in a complete image transmission demonstration from the Patroller drone to a touch tablet. This tablet also includes a 3D map and augmented reality display, an application developed by Safran Electronics & Defense. 

According to Safran, the scope of applications for this new solution includes military and security missions, border surveillance, etc.