- New laser system sends power wirelessly to drones while flying over kilometers
- PowerLight tests airborne charging technology aimed at extended drone endurance
- Laser power beams move from laboratory components to integrated flight systems
PowerLight Technologies has unveiled a laser-based wireless power system designed to keep drones flying for extended periods of time without having to land to recharge.
The company said the technology can transmit kilowatt-class power over distances approaching 2km, allowing unmanned aircraft to receive energy while in the air.
The system was developed under the Power Transmitted Over Laser to UAS program, which is supported in part by the United States Central Command.
A wireless power cord in the air
The project has gone from individual component work to integrated system testing.
At the center of the setup is an autonomous ground-based transmitter capable of tracking an aircraft and directing a laser beam with sufficient precision to provide power during flight.
The company described the concept as a wireless power line in the air, rather than simple point-to-point transmission.
“This is much more than point-to-point power transfer using a laser; we are building an intelligent 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’s needed. We’ve now tested the power transfer and tracking algorithms and are validating the core architecture needed for our upcoming flight demonstrations,” he added.
The transmitter combines beam control software with hardware designed to maintain kilowatt-level laser output.
Tests have confirmed precision optical tracking, long-range power supply for altitudes of up to 5,000 feet, and a layered security system designed for mixed-use airspace.
A lightweight onboard receiver completes the system.
The receiver, which weighs about six pounds, captures non-visible laser energy and converts it into electrical current to recharge the drone’s batteries in 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 engineered to deliver endurance once thought unattainable. Integrating PowerLight’s laser effect beams adds a new level of endurance, reshaping the operational reality of theater-wide missions. A platform that doesn’t need to land to refuel or recharge is one that never blinks,” said Fatema Hamdani, CEO and co-founder of Kraspace Hamdani.
PowerLight said fully integrated flight testing is planned for the early part of this year, with demonstrations aimed at proving sustained in-flight charging.
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