PowerLight Technologies introduced a laser-based power-beaming system designed to recharge drones in flight, featuring a portable transmitter that tracks UAVs and a lightweight 6-lb receiver mounted on the aircraft. The company has tested kilowatt-class transmission to a drone at altitude and reported non-visible laser beams capable of sending power over kilometers, with safety interlocks and real-time control for beam management.
PowerLight described the transmitter converting battery energy into shaped laser light and the drone’s photovoltaic receiver converting that light back into electrical power for sustained flight. The firm said its subsystems entered final validation and planned fully integrated flight trials using a K1000ULE this year, aiming to extend mission durations for defense, search-and-rescue, and urban monitoring applications. For operators, airborne recharging reduces landing downtime and expands continuous operation possibilities, aligning with trends toward persistent, networked drone services.
Image Credit: PowerLight Technologies
What's Driving This Trend
- Airborne Recharging Systems
- Airborne recharging capabilities for drones signify a shift towards more sustainable and persistent drone operations by enabling continuous flight without the need for frequent landings.
- Laser Power-beaming
- Laser power-beaming offers a transformative approach to energy transmission, facilitating in-flight power delivery over kilometers and potentially revolutionizing long-distance drone missions.
- Persistent UAV Networks
- The development of uninterrupted UAV operations points to a new era in drone technology, where constant aerial presence can enhance defense, search-and-rescue, and urban monitoring through networked services.
Who This Affects Most
- Defense
- The defense industry stands to benefit hugely from extended drone missions, which will allow for longer surveillance and reconnaissance operations thanks to innovative airborne recharging.
- Search-and-rescue
- Search-and-rescue operations could see improved effectiveness with drones capable of longer missions, minimizing human risk and increasing area coverage through power-beaming technology.
- Urban Monitoring
- Urban monitoring can be enhanced by drones that maintain continuous flight over cities, providing real-time data and improved situational awareness without the limitations of conventional battery life.
