Abstract: An infrared transmission capable of acting as a beacon, signalling or data transmission device between two mobile vehicles is provided. The transmission system employs semiconductor solid state devices to produce infrared energy. The infrared energy is directed and formed into a beam of energy that is omni-directional horizontally and narrow vertically. The produced beam of infrared energy is then modulated by an information signal to convey information to a remote receiving device. Further, the solid state devices can be operated in a continuous fashion to produce continuous infrared radiation energy for use as a beacon. The solid state devices can be operated intermittently to produce pulsed infrared radiation and energy for operation as a signalling device or as a digital data or analog transmission device. As semiconductor solid state devices, infrared emitting diodes or IR laser diodes can be utilized. The infrared transmission system is particularly suited for shipboard use.