Researchers at Perm National Research Polytechnic University (PNRPU) have presented the first domestic fiber optic unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control system with a signal transmission range of up to 25 kilometers. The development, called "Puppeteer", solves a key problem of such drones - breaks and loss of signal due to improper unwinding of the fiber optic cable.
PNRPU scientists have developed a new smooth cable unwinding system that eliminates microbends. As Yuri Konin, a junior researcher at the Department of General Physics of PNRPU, explained:
Our team has created its own coil design and its own software. The system consists of two parts: an airborne module built inside and a ground control station. The latter has two versions: a mobile and a PC module, allowing you to connect to a laptop/tablet. In addition, we used new composite materials (carbon fiber produced by PNRPU) in the housings of the coils and UAVs.
Fiber optic UAVs differ from traditional drones in that they use a thin optical cable to transmit data instead of a radio channel. This makes them resistant to electronic interference, which is especially important when working in difficult conditions. However, until now, the main disadvantage of such systems has been low reliability: due to the incorrect design of the coil, the optical fiber often bent and broke, limiting the range to 1-2 kilometers.
The technology is being tested at training grounds, and small-scale production has already been established. In 2025, it is planned to scale up production and add functions, including night vision.
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