US DOW funds laser system to recharge drones in flight up to 5,000 ft away

The United States Department of War’s Operational Energy - Innovation (OE-I) Directorate has awarded a contract to develop a laser-based system for remotely recharging drones, according to TechRadar. The Aerial ReCharge (ARC) system is being developed by PowerLight.

ARC uses a transmitter to direct lasers to a receiver mounted on an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The receiver can recharge the drone’s battery or a payload while the aircraft is in motion. TechRadar describes the approach as optical power beaming, distinct from the electromagnetic induction used by wireless phone chargers. The system is intended to let drones stay airborne without landing to swap batteries.

TechRadar reports that ARC can deliver “kilowatt-class” power to units as far as 5,000 ft away. PowerLight has released a demonstration featuring a Kraus Hamdani Aerospace K1000ULE fitted with a power-beaming receiver. The transmitter is also autonomous and can follow a drone during flight.

Development is taking place at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. PowerLight says the system is designed for different drone classes, including Group 2 fixed-wing platforms and larger aircraft carrying heavier sensor or effects payloads.

OE-I Combat Power Portfolio Lead Chris DePuma said the system could reduce the need to land and replace batteries. PowerLight CEO Tim Jenks said the technology could be used across ground-to-ground, ground-to-air, air-to-air and space-to-space settings.