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# Power-Beamed Flight
This LaserMotive Laser-Powered Helicopter Flies for Over 12 Hours

By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-11-05 | Autos
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/laser-powered-helicopter
References: [suasnews](http://www.suasnews.com/2010/10/2620/ascending-technologies-and-lasermotive-create-a-new-record/) & [optoiq](http://www.optoiq.com/index/photonics-technologies-applications/lfw-display/lfw-article-display.articles.optoiq2.photonics-technologies.news.applications-__markets.defense_-security.2010.11.laser-powered-helicopter.html)

Seattle-based start-up company LaserMotive successfully kept a laser-powered helicopter in flight for more than 12 hours in October 2010. The [small, record-setting quadrocopter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot) was powered by lasers from the ground which kept it aloft twice as long as the previous record.

[Robotic helicopter-maker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/microsmall-drone) 'Ascending Technologies' of Germany partnered with LaserMotive in this laser-powered helicopter project. Together, they managed to beam lasers to the helicopter while it was 30 feet in the air. The official time in flight was 12 hours, 26 minutes and 56.9 seconds.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 2.9/10
- Popularity: 16% | Activity: 64% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women
- Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos)

## Key Themes

### Why This Trend Is Growing

- **Laser-powered Transportation:** The success of LaserMotive's laser-powered helicopter suggests an opportunity for further innovation in the application of lasers as a source of power for other vehicles and modes of transportation.
- **Wireless Power Technology:** The concept of beaming lasers from the ground to power a vehicle in mid-air presents an opportunity for further exploration into wireless power technology and its application in various industries.
- **Sustainable Aviation Solutions:** The extended flight time achieved by the laser-powered helicopter demonstrates an opportunity for the development of more sustainable and efficient aviation solutions.

### Industries Being Reshaped

- **Aviation:** The aviation industry can explore laser-powered aircraft for more environmentally-friendly and fuel-efficient options.
- **Military:** Military forces can use laser-powered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for longer-duration reconnaissance missions.
- **Energy:** The success of transmitting laser power wirelessly can be leveraged in the energy sector for more efficient transmission of power over long distances.

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