- New laser system sends energy wirelessly to flying drones for miles
- PowerLight tests airborne charging technology aimed at extending drone endurance
- Laser beam moves from laboratory components to integrated flight systems
PowerLight Technologies has unveiled a laser-based wireless power system designed to allow drones to fly for extended periods of time without needing to land to recharge.
The company said the technology can transmit kilowatt-class power over distances close to 2 km, allowing unmanned aircraft to receive power in flight.
The system was developed as part of the Power TRansowned Over Laser to UAS program, which is supported in part by U.S. Central Command.
A wireless power line in the air
The project moved from working on individual components to testing integrated systems.
At the center of the installation is an autonomous ground-based transmitter capable of tracking an aircraft and directing a laser beam precisely enough to provide power in flight.
The company described the concept as a wireless power line in the air, rather than a simple point-to-point transfer.
“This is much more than point-to-point energy transfer using a laser; we are building a smart mesh energy network capability,” said Tom Nugent, CTO and co-founder of PowerLight Technologies.
“Our transmitter communicates with the UAS, tracks its speed and vector, and delivers power exactly where it is needed. We have now successfully tested the power transmission and tracking algorithms, validating the basic architecture needed for our upcoming flight demonstrations,” he added.
The transmitter combines beam control software with hardware designed to maintain kilowatt-level laser output.
The tests verified precision optical tracking, long-range power delivery at altitudes up to 5,000 feet, and a multi-level safety system intended for mixed-use airspace.
A lightweight on-board receiver completes the system.
Weighing about six pounds, the receiver captures non-visible laser energy and converts it into electrical energy to recharge the drone’s batteries during flight.
The receiver also includes a control module that collects telemetry and supports a two-way optical data link between the aircraft and the ground station.
As part of the program, PowerLight is working with Kraus Hamdani Aerospace to integrate the technology into the K1000ULE long-endurance drone.
“The K1000ULE was designed to deliver endurance once considered unattainable. The integration of PowerLight’s laser power beam adds a new level of persistence, reshaping the operational reality of theater-wide missions. A platform that does not need to land to refuel or recharge is a platform that never blinks,” said Fatema Hamdani, CEO and co-founder of Kraus Hamdani Aerospace.
PowerLight said fully integrated flight testing is planned for early this year, with demonstrations aimed at proving sustained charging in flight.
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