High-speed connectivity for military UAVs: Hybrid and fiber optic solutions as a key technology
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are now an indispensable part of modern military operations. They are used for reconnaissance missions, monitoring, target acquisition and tactical operations - tasks that place enormous requirements on the underlying technology and connectivity. In addition to high reliability, secure, interference-free data rates and a robust physical infrastructure are crucial.
UAVs in a military context - new requirements for connectivity
Military UAVs can be categorized differently depending on their characteristics. While small and light unmanned aerial systems (UAS) are generally divided into weight groups, the requirements and design of medium altitude, long endurance (MALE) and high altitude, long endurance (HALE) drones change significantly. Regardless of size, weight and design, the unnamed systems often operate in demanding environments that are associated with special challenges:
- Live video and sensor data (4K/8K recordings, LIDAR, radar) must be transmitted in near real time to enable quick decisions in combat.
- Cybersecurity and data integrity are essential to prevent electronic attacks and unauthorized access.
- Ruggedized connectivity is mandatory: Connections must be able to withstand vibrations, extreme temperatures and electromagnetic threats.
Communication between the UAV and the ground station is a critical component here:
The requirements for connectors have therefore increased considerably. Modern military platforms call for compact, lightweight and, in some cases, modular solutions that can be flexibly integrated into existing systems and meet the needs of the individual setup.
Hybrid interfaces for optimal use of space
While classic, separate connectors are usually used for the transmission of power, signal and data, hybrid interfaces can often cover the requirements in a single connector and also offer great added value.
The reduction in interfaces goes hand in hand with savings in space and weight. The newly gained space can be used for additional equipment or a slimmer design of the applications, while the reduced weight promotes the efficiency of the overall system. Furthermore, the risk of failure and maintenance effort are reduced with fewer interfaces, which can lower maintenance costs.
Small circular connectors such as the ODU AMC® High-Density already offer a simple solution for the simultaneous transmission of power and signals with hybrid inserts. Packaged in a robust shell, this connector offers maximum performance in the smallest possible installation space.
Fiber optic technology - the backbone for high-speed data
While copper cables perform excellently in the Gigabit Ethernet range, they reach their limits at even higher data rates and longer transmission distances. Fiber optic technology offers decisive advantages here:
- EMC immunity
- Extremely high data rates
- Weight reduction
Advanced contact systems such as Expanded Beam Performance technology are gradually eliminating the weaknesses of conventional interfaces, allowing the advantages of fiber optic transmission to be exploited even better.
ODU integrates fiber optic components into modular hybrid connectors in addition to robust circular connectors, resulting in a safe combination of power, signal and high-speed data transmission - tailored to the complex communication requirements of modern UAV fleets.
ODU Expanded Beam Performance - New generation fiber optic technology
The fiber optic system is characterized by a high resistance to contamination, a high number of mating cycles and excellent transmission properties.
Contact technology: Expanded beam
Insertion loss:
Multimode: < 0.15 dB (typical)
Singlemode: < 0.35 dB (typical)
Return loss:
Multimode: > 45 dB (typical)
Singlemode: > 60 dB (typical)
Mating cycles: at least 50,000
Cleaning: none, only if required
Requirements profile of modern UAVs
Depending on the system dimensions, the unmanned systems require different connection solutions. Size Weight and Performance (SWaP) are always at the center of attention and are accompanied by high demands on signal integrity and transmission speed.
ODU offers specialized connectivity solutions that can be used in both micro and HALE drones. The connectors impress with their slimmer design, lower weight and extreme robustness.
With the help of miniaturized circular connectors or modular solutions, power, signals and various data protocols such as Ethernet/IP can be transmitted safely.
In direct comparison to conventional standard connectors, they offer more flexible hybrid solutions, up to 70% less weight and a high degree of customizability.
Conclusion
The requirements for military UAVs are constantly growing - from data rate and robustness to cybersecurity. With hybrid connectors and fiber optic technologies, ODU offers state-of-the-art solutions that not only meet current but also future market requirements. This will create a reliable, safe and powerful communication infrastructure for UAVs, which is crucial for the success of military missions.
ODU Group: global representation with perfect connections
The ODU Group is one of the world's leading suppliers of connector systems, employing 2,800 people around the world. In addition to its company headquarters in Muehldorf a. Inn (Germany), ODU also has an international distribution network, production and product development sites in Sibiu / Romania, Shanghai / China, Tijuana / Mexico and Camarillo / USA. ODU combines all relevant areas of expertise and key technologies including design and development, machine tooling and special machine construction, injection, stamping, turning, surface technology, assembly and cable assembly.
The ODU Group sells its products globally through its sales offices in Austria, China, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Sweden, UK and the US, as well as through numerous international sales partners. ODU connectors ensure a reliable transmission of power, signals, data and media for a variety of demanding applications including medical technology, military and security, automotive, industrial electronics, and test and measurement.
For more information please visit:
https://odu-connectors.com/industries/military
