Tethered Drone Fiber Optic Converters – NDAA Compliant

Description FAQs Technical Specification Key Features & Benefits Product Models Resources & Downloads Primary Applications Technical Highlights Secure Fiber Optic Communications for Airborne Operations VERSITRON’s VxS1A05 Series is engineered for applications that require dependable, low-latency airborne communications in electronically challenging environments. The platform supports real-time video, telemetry, and command data transmission over fiber, providing stable performance for tactical, industrial, and persistent monitoring operations. By replacing traditional wireless links with fiber optic infrastructure, the system delivers secure, interference-free connectivity for missions where communication integrity is critical. System Overview A complete tethered drone deployment includes: VAS1A05 – Air-side unit mounted onboard the drone VGS1A05 – Ground-side unit installed at the operator control station Together, the system supports: 1 channel of 8-bit uncompressed analog video 1 channel of bi-directional 3.3V TTL/UART data Both signals are transmitted over a single simplex single-mode fiber using integrated WDM technology, simplifying deployment while maintaining reliable long-distance communication. Product models Model Function Connector Fiber Cable Wavelength RFQ VAS1A05 Air Side ST Simplex SM 1310/1550nm Request a Quote VGS1A05 Ground Side ST Simplex SM 1550/1310nm Request a Quote Why Use Fiber for Tethered Drone Communications Traditional RF communications can be affected by interference, jamming, congestion, and signal detection. Fiber optic connectivity provides a secure and stable alternative for airborne operations that demand consistent performance. Key advantages include: Immunity to EMI and RFI No signal degradation or video distortion Low-latency real-time communication Secure telemetry and command transmission Long-distance operation over single-mode fiber Reduced vulnerability to jamming and interception The VxS1A05 Series supports transmission distances up to 80 km, making it suitable for long-range surveillance and infrastructure deployments. Designed for Defense, ISR, and Industrial Applications The VxS1A05 platform is built for secure airborne communication across military, industrial, and critical infrastructure environments. Typical applications include: Military ISR operations Tactical surveillance systems Border and perimeter monitoring Industrial inspection drones Infrastructure and utility monitoring Oil and gas facility inspection Persistent airborne observation platforms Security and surveillance networks Its lightweight airborne module and rugged ground-side converter allow the system to integrate easily into fixed, mobile, or field-deployed operations. Technical Capabilities The VxS1A05 Series supports: 8-bit uncompressed analog video transmission NTSC, PAL, and SECAM video formats Bidirectional 3.3V TTL/UART communications Simplex single-mode fiber infrastructure Integrated WDM optical transport Real-time low-latency transmission Broadcast-quality video performance The platform is optimized for stable operation in environments where EMI, RFI, and electronic congestion can impact wireless communication systems. NDAA-Compliant Secure Communication Platform The VxS1A05 Series is designed to support secure airborne communications for defense and critical infrastructure applications requiring NDAA-compliant technology solutions. Its fiber-based architecture provides reliable command, control, video, and telemetry transport for deployments operating in high-interference or electronically contested environments. Trusted Fiber Optic Solutions Since 1958 Since 1958, VERSITRON has delivered fiber optic communication solutions for military, industrial, and critical infrastructure applications. The VxS1A05 Series continues that tradition with secure, rugged communication technology engineered for modern airborne operations. For pricing, lead times, and integration assistance, contact VERSITRON today at sales@versitron.com or 1-800-537-2296. Technical Specifications of VAS1A05 and VGS1A05 : Tethered Drone Fiber Optic Converters – NDAA Compliant Video Input 2 Volt pk-pk (75 Ohms) Input/Output Channels 1 Bandwidth 5 Hz – *MHz Bit Resolution 8 – Bit Differential Gain < ±1% Differential Phase < ±1° Tilt < 1% S/N Ratio 60dB (Weighted) Number of Fibers 1 Wavelength - VAS1A05 1310/1550nm Single-mode Wavelength - VGS1A05 1550/1310nm Single-mode Data Interface TTL / UART TTL Level 3.3V Data Channels (1)Bi-Directional Bit Error Rate 10⁻⁹ Optical Connector ST Video + Data 4-Pin JST-GH Female Power 2-Pin JST-eSFH Female Power Supply 5.5~26VDC Power Consumption <5W Dimensions 1.97 x 1.14 x 0.51 Inches Weight 0.58 ounces, 16.4 grams MTBF >100,000 Hours Operating Temperature -35°C to +65°C Storage Temperature -45°C to +85°C Relative Humidity 0% to 95% (non-condensing) Key Features of VAS1A05 and VGS1A05 : Tethered Drone Fiber Optic Converters Designed for Tethered Drone Platforms Compact, ultra-lightweight form factor (only 16.4 g) Optimized for airborne and ground installations Plug-and-play operation with no optical or electrical adjustments Broadcast-Quality Video Performance Supports NTSC, PAL, and SECAM 8-bit digitally encoded, uncompressed video 60 dB SNR with ultra-low differential gain and phase Secure, EMI-Immune Communications Immune to EMI, RFI, and electromagnetic detection Ideal for defense and ISR missions in contested environments Reliable Long-Distance Operation Single-mode fiber transmission up to 20 km ST connector, simplex fiber WDM architecture for higher reliability Defense-Ready Compliance NDAA Compliant Made in the USA Engineered for defense, military, and critical infrastructure use The VxS1A05 Series is widely deployed across military, surveillance, industrial, and infrastructure monitoring programs. Defense & ISR Defense & military tethered drone systems ISR and persistent surveillance platforms Tactical Reconnaissance Operations Border Security Drone Systems Industrial & Commercial Industrial Inspection and Monitoring Drones Power Utility Drone Monitoring Oil & Gas Inspection Platforms Commercial Security Surveillance Systems Product Models Model Function Connector Fiber Cable Wavelength RFQ VAS1A05 Air Side ST Simplex SM 1310/1550nm Request a Quote VGS1A05 Ground Side ST Simplex SM 1550/1310nm Request a Quote VERSITRON VxS1A05 DRONE UNITS Technical Highlights Video Bandwidth: 5 Hz – 8 MHz Video Input: 2 Vp-p (75 Ω) Data Interface: 3.3V TTL / UART (bi-directional) Operating Temp: -35°C to +65°C MTBF: >100,000 hours LED indicators for instant system status monitoring What is a tethered drone fiber optic converter? + A tethered drone fiber optic converter is a communication device that transmits video and data signals between a drone and a ground station over fiber optic cable instead of RF wireless links. Why use a fiber converter for tethered drones instead of wireless RF? + A fiber converter for tethered drones eliminates EMI, RF interference, signal congestion, and jamming risks while providing secure low-latency communications. Is the VxS1A05 an NDAA compliant drone fiber converter? + Yes. The VxS1A05 Series is an NDAA compliant drone fiber converter designed for military, defense, and critical infrastructure applications. Does this system support military drone video over fiber? + Yes. The platform supports secure military drone video over fiber transmission with 8-bit uncompressed analog video transport. What type of video formats are supported? + The converter supports NTSC, PAL, and SECAM formats and functions as an analog video fiber converter for drones. Does the system support UART and TTL communications? + Yes. The VxS1A05 operates as both a UART fiber converter for drones and a TTL fiber converter for drones with bi-directional 3.3V TTL/UART support. What transmission distance does the system support? + This 80km fiber optic drone transmission platform supports long-distance communications over simplex single-mode fiber. Can the system operate in EMI-heavy environments? + Yes. The VxS1A05 is engineered for EMI immune drone communication and provides secure deterministic fiber connectivity. Is this suitable for ISR and surveillance drones? + Absolutely. The system is optimized for fiber optic ISR drone communication, persistent surveillance, and tactical reconnaissance operations. Is the VxS1A05 made in the USA? + Yes. The VxS1A05 Series is a made in usa drone fiber converter solution engineered and manufactured for defense and industrial applications. What is the function of the VAS1A05 Air-Side Unit in a fiber tethered drone system? + The VAS1A05 is the airborne module mounted directly onboard the drone and functions as the air side drone fiber converter in the deployment. This compact airborne fiber optic converter transmits 8-bit uncompressed analog video and bi-directional 3.3V TTL/UART data over simplex single-mode fiber. As part of a secure fiber tethered drone system, the VAS1A05 enables reliable low-latency communications for ISR, surveillance, and industrial drone applications. What does the VGS1A05 Ground-Side Unit do in a tethered drone fiber optic converter system? + The VGS1A05 is the operator-side module installed at the control station and serves as the ground side drone fiber converter within the tethered drone fiber optic converter system. It receives real-time video and telemetry transmitted from the drone while supporting secure bi-directional communications over fiber optic cable. The VGS1A05 operates as a dependable ground station fiber optic converter for defense, ISR, industrial inspection, and persistent surveillance drone deployments.