How to choose a fibre-optic spool for an FPV drone: 10 to 50 km
09.11.2026
By Ptashka Drones Editorial Team
Fibre length decides how far a fibre-optic FPV drone can reach. Ptashka fibre-optic communication modules come in 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50 km. Below we explain how to work out the length you need, which spool fits which drone and why you should leave a reserve.
Which spool fits which drone
| Range | Drone | Battery, 2 packs | Payload |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 km | 13-O | 8s2p | 3.5 kg |
| 15 km | 13-O | 8s2p | 3 kg |
| 20 km | 13-O | 8s3p | 3 kg |
| 25 km | 15-O | 8s3p | 2.5 kg |
| 30 km | 15-O | 8s4p | 3 kg |
| 35 km | 15-O | 8s4p | 1.5 kg |
| 40 km | 17-O | 8s5p | 2 kg |
| 50 km | 17-O | 8s5p | 1.5 kg |
The lighter Ptashka-10-O works at 15 or 20 km with a 1.5 kg payload. Spools are listed in the fibre-optic catalogue.
How to work out the length you need
- Measure the route, not a straight line. The drone flies around cover, tree lines and dangerous areas, and the fibre is laid along the whole path. Count the length of the real route.
- Add a reserve for manoeuvring. The operator may need to search for a target, change course or make another pass.
- Consider the launch point. Launching further from the line of contact needs more fibre.
- Calculate ambushes separately. Part of the fibre is used on the way to the ambush spot; the rest must remain for the final run.
- Check the payload. It depends on the version, so decide the weight first, then the spool.
Short or long spool
| 10–20 km | 25–35 km | 40–50 km | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model | 13-O, 10-O | 15-O | 17-O |
| Payload | Up to 3.5 kg | 1.5–3 kg | 1.5–2 kg |
| When to choose | Targets near the line of contact, heavier payload | Deeper missions, logistics routes | The most distant targets, launch from a safer distance |
Why not to cut it close
When the fibre runs out, the drone loses its link. On a complex route the fibre can also catch on branches or obstacles. That is why a spool is chosen by route length with a reserve, not by the distance on a map. How the fibre behaves in flight is explained in how a fibre-optic FPV drone works.
Before take-off
Every Ptashka spool carries a reminder: remove the fibre retainer before take-off. If it is left in place, the fibre will not unwind.
Launching also requires a ground station. The difference between analog and digital stations is covered in analog or digital ground station. Drone models are compared in which Ptashka FPV drone to choose.
Frequently asked questions
Which spool lengths does Ptashka offer?
10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 50 km.
Which spool do I need for a target 20 km away?
Count the real route length plus a reserve for manoeuvring. For a target 20 km away in a straight line, consider a 25–30 km spool.
Does a longer spool reduce the payload?
Payload depends on the drone version and battery. For example, the 13-O-10 km carries 3.5 kg and the 17-O-50 km carries 1.5 kg.
Can a longer spool be fitted to a smaller model?
Drones are built in defined versions for a specific range. Confirm spool and drone compatibility with a manager before ordering.
Not sure which length you need? Contact us and a Ptashka engineer will help match the drone and spool to your route.
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