At present, there are various means to counter drones. To deal with such countermeasures, drones are also seeking solutions to continue to play their roles. Controlling drones via fiber optics is an effective way to ensure their stable operation.
In the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Russian army was the first to put fiber-optic drones into actual combat and achieved results. Most of these drones are FPV drones, and the biggest change after improvement is that they drag a fiber-optic cable behind them during flight. These fiber-optic cables are used to replace radio waves as a means of controlling FPV drones.
It is well known that when radio devices are used to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), radio frequency signals are generated. On the one hand, by receiving such signals, UAVs can fly flexibly according to the instructions of the operators; on the other hand, these radio frequency signals are easy to be detected and sensed, making it possible for the opponents to counteract such UAVs. With the development of technology and the continuous improvement of the performance of detection devices, in many cases, these radio frequency signals have in fact become the "clue" for the opponents to "follow the trail" and sense the UAVs.
In contrast, the advantages of fiber optic drones are obvious. Since the signal transmission occurs within the fiber optic, it does not radiate signals externally, making such drones harder to detect and more resistant to interference. Additionally, data transmission via fiber optics is not only faster but also more stable, ensuring clear and real-time transmission of battlefield images.
Compared with radio-controlled drones, optical fiber drones, although trailing a fiber optic cable behind them during flight, have this cable being extremely light, with a diameter generally less than 0.5 millimeters. It is extremely difficult to spot such a fiber optic cable in the air.
It is precisely because of these advantages that fiber optic drones have quickly attracted the attention of other countries, and some countries have begun to carry out independent research and development.
From the perspective of usage, fiber optic drones also have some shortcomings.
For instance, the flight range of drones is subject to certain limitations. The length of the optical fiber determines the combat radius of the drone, which is generally no more than tens of kilometers at most. For example, the optical fiber drones that appeared in the Russia-Ukraine battlefield have optical fiber lengths of 5 kilometers or 10 kilometers, which means they are unable to carry out tasks over a larger area. This relatively short combat radius also increases the risk for the operator, making it easier for them to be detected by the opposing side.
At the same time, the speed and maneuverability of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are also subject to certain limitations. Due to the relatively thin optical fiber, the UAV needs to avoid fiber breakage during flight, so its flight speed cannot be too fast and the amplitude of its movement cannot be too large; otherwise, it may cause fiber damage and affect the control of the UAV. In addition, there are environmental constraints. For example, in complex environments such as forests and shrublands, the optical fiber is prone to being snagged and broken, which may cause the UAV to lose control.
The payload capacity of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will also be reduced as a result. This is because optical fibers have a certain weight, which leads to a relative decrease in the payload that the UAV can carry, such as ammunition and reconnaissance equipment, thereby affecting its combat effectiveness.
In addition, the operation of fiber optic drones is relatively complex, and it requires a high level of technical proficiency from the operators. The operators need to undergo strict professional training before they can precisely control them.
However, the existence of these shortcomings cannot impede the rapid development and application of fiber optic drones. Some countries have begun to make targeted improvements to fiber optic drones, such as developing lighter and more durable fibers, enhancing the load capacity of drones and their adaptability in complex environments, etc. In the future, with the integration of more new technologies, fiber optic drones may be able to play a role in a broader space.
