G.657.A2 can be shortlisted for the optical data channel in a civilian inspection drone or tethered UAV project where compact fiber routing makes bend performance relevant. The grade name does not qualify a finished drone cable. On OpticFiberHub, the G.657.A2 reference lists attenuation limits of ≤ 0.350 dB/km at 1310 nm and ≤ 0.210 dB/km at 1550 nm, with coating options of 242 ± 7 μm and 200 ± 10 μm. Its one-turn, 7.5 mm radius test at 1550 nm has a ≤ 0.40 dB macrobend limit. Match these optical and dimensional values to the offered cable specification, then request evidence for the completed tether, interfaces and intended application.
An optical data path for civilian inspection UAVs
A fiber-linked drone uses an optical channel between the aircraft and ground equipment. Manufacturer documentation from Elistair describes fiber-optic data transfer in a civilian tethered system, with industrial inspection and remote viewing among its stated uses. This provides an application example; it does not identify the fiber offered by OpticFiberHub or establish compatibility with a particular aircraft.
Keep the data channel separate from the power and structural functions of a tether. A hybrid tether can include several components, while the G.657.A2 product on this site is an optical fiber on reels. Selecting that fiber is one part of a finished cable and system review.
Why G.657.A2 is a candidate to review
ITU-T G.657 addresses bending-loss insensitive single-mode fiber and cable. This makes the grade relevant when optical routing is compact. A fiber manufacturer, Zion Communication, also discusses G.657.A2 as a candidate for drone optical links and emphasizes that the complete cable still requires evaluation. Our application recommendation is a selection starting point based on that context and the reference values below.
Evaluate the optical requirements of the actual project rather than assuming every G.657.A2 offer is equivalent. Coating, geometry, attenuation and applicable bend tests must correspond to the offered grade. A designation alone does not specify cable mass, mechanical strength, flight duration or supported data rate.
Match the published parameters to your requirement
The table uses the same G.657.A2 reference data as our product page. At 1310 nm the attenuation limit is ≤ 0.350 dB/km; at 1550 nm it is ≤ 0.210 dB/km. Review the value at the operating wavelength and include the other optical components in the complete link budget. These reference limits are not measured results for a new shipment.
The listed coating diameters are 242 ± 7 μm / 200 ± 10 μm. Coated-fiber diameter is not the outside diameter or weight of a finished UAV tether. Keep the nominal value and tolerance together when asking which construction is offered. The 125 ± 0.7 μm cladding and 8.6 ± 0.4 μm mode field diameter at 1310 nm provide additional geometry to review with the optical interfaces.
Read bend-loss conditions without turning them into flight limits
The published macrobend entry is ≤ 0.40 dB at 1550 nm for one turn at a 7.5 mm radius. Preserve all three conditions when comparing a requirement with the product reference. The product highlight separately describes a ≤ 0.10 dB test at 10 mm radius, one turn, 1550 nm; it is a different condition.
Neither test radius is a universal operating radius for a completed tether. Dynamic handling, protective construction and the complete cable specification require their own assessment. The site reference does not state a qualified UAV tether diameter, aircraft load allowance or flight range, so those values must come from the finished-system supplier.
Connect the fiber review to cable qualification
Ask the cable or system supplier for the offered construction and its applicable optical, mechanical and environmental test evidence. The acceptance requirements should describe the intended civilian application and the interfaces used. This keeps a fiber specification review connected to the actual material and system being purchased.
For a sourcing inquiry, include G.657.A2, the required coating option, operating wavelengths, optical acceptance criteria, quantity, delivery reel requirements and the documents you need. Use the product page to review the current reference, Resources to organize documentation, and the RFQ form to request a project-specific quotation.
| Parameter / condition | G.657.A2 reference |
|---|---|
| Attenuation at 1310 nm | ≤ 0.350 dB/km |
| Attenuation at 1550 nm | ≤ 0.210 dB/km |
| Cladding diameter | 125 ± 0.7 μm |
| Coating diameter (table value) | 242 ± 7 μm / 200 ± 10 μm |
| Mode field diameter at 1310 nm | 8.6 ± 0.4 μm |
| Macrobend: 7.5 mm radius, 1 turn, 1550 nm | ≤ 0.40 dB |
What to confirm
- Civilian UAV application and optical interface requirements
- Operating wavelengths and agreed optical loss criteria
- Exact coating diameter and tolerance
- Complete bend-test conditions: radius, turns and wavelength
- Finished cable construction and applicable qualification evidence
- Reel requirements, quantity, destination and batch documents
Frequently asked questions
Is this G.657.A2 product a finished drone tether?
No. It is optical fiber on reels. A completed tether may include protection, reinforcement, power conductors and terminations. Confirm the complete cable and system specification separately.
Does the 7.5 mm bend test define a safe operating radius?
It defines a one-turn macrobend reference condition at 1550 nm with a ≤ 0.40 dB limit. It does not establish a universal installation or dynamic handling radius for a finished cable.
Can a 200 μm coating value be used as the finished tether diameter?
No. The reference lists a 200 ± 10 μm coating option. Coated-fiber diameter and complete cable outside diameter are different parameters; request both when relevant.
What flight range or data rate does the product guarantee?
The current reference does not specify a UAV flight range or complete-system data rate. Those depend on the qualified cable, interfaces and system design and must be confirmed by the responsible supplier.
Sources & reference context
This guide is published by OpticFiberHub and summarizes the supplier literature identified below with editorial purchasing guidance. Product values describe the source grade, not a measured result or a conformity guarantee for a new order.
- G.657.A2 reference specifications — Jiangsu Nanfang Optical Fiber Product Manual, pages 7–8.
Application references
- ITU-T G.657 (08/2024) — Standard reference for bending-loss insensitive single-mode fiber and cable; not a UAV system approval.
- Elistair: civilian tethered-drone fiber-optic data transfer — Manufacturer example of an optical data link used for civilian inspection and remote viewing.
- Zion Communication: G.657.A2 and drone optical links — Manufacturer application context. Its product values are not substituted for the OpticFiberHub reference.
Quality & technical resources explains source selection, translated documents and the limits of historical batch records. Request the current specification and applicable records for the actual offered material.
Further terminology reference: The Fiber Optic Association: optical fiber fundamentals.
Single-mode standard references: ITU-T G.652 and ITU-T G.657. Supplier reference values above must not be mistaken for a reproduction of every requirement in those Recommendations.
