Meaning
Fiber optic guided unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) refers to a specialized UAV that connects the UAV with a ground control station through a dedicated ultra-fine fiber optic cable, achieving real-time bidirectional transmission of flight control, reconnaissance images, and command signals.
It does not rely on wireless communication, but uses fiber optic cables as "wired nerves", which can still work stably in strong interference and complex battlefield environments. It is mostly used for reconnaissance, precision strikes, and covert surveillance.
Basic principles
Fiber optic transmission principle
By utilizing the total reflection of light within optical fibers to transmit signals, ground and airborne equipment convert control commands and high-definition videos into optical signals through photoelectric conversion, resulting in extremely low latency and strong anti-interference capabilities.
Fiber optic cable laying mechanism
The drone is equipped with fiber optic spools (fiber barrels), which release the fibers synchronously and uniformly during flight to ensure that they are not pulled, broken, or tangled.
Closed-loop guidance control
Ground personnel watch the real-time footage transmitted by the drone, manually or semi-automatic control the drone to fly towards the target, and form a "human in the loop" guidance.
Flight platform
Fixed wing or high-speed FPV configurations are commonly used, relying on power to move forward and controlling attitude with control surfaces or rotors.
Main features
- Extremely strong anti-interference: Without using radio, there is no fear of electronic interference, signal hijacking, or GPS deception.
- Communication confidentiality and security: The signal is enclosed within the fiber optic cable, making it difficult to intercept or monitor.
- Clear and stable image transmission: With a large bandwidth, it can transmit high-definition reconnaissance videos in real time.
- Human controlled loop: can adjust routes, identify targets, and abort tasks at any time.
- The maneuvering range is limited by the length of the fiber optic cable: the range is generally a few kilometers to about 20 kilometers, and it cannot fly infinitely far.
- Relatively simple structure and controllable cost: suitable for individual and team use.
- No electromagnetic radiation: good concealment, not easily detected and located by enemy electronic devices.
Application scope
Military operations
- Close range precision strike, targeting tanks, fortifications, firepower points, and other targets
- Battlefield reconnaissance and target recognition in complex electromagnetic environments
- GPS and radio failure environment use in urban street battles, tunnels, mountains, etc
- Border covert surveillance and front-line observation posts
Counter terrorism and Security
- Counter terrorism intrusion and covert reconnaissance of hostage rescue scenes
- Close range monitoring of important facilities, prisons, and restricted areas
- Execute tasks in the environment of countering anti drone systems
Emergency and Special Scenarios
- Disaster reconnaissance in strong electromagnetic environment
- Exploration of enclosed spaces such as mines, underground pipe galleries, tunnels, etc
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