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A fresh technology launches laser rays at drones, charging them during flight, therefore unlocking the chance of “unlimited flight.”
Representatives from PowerLight Technologies state that the system functions by linking a ground-based transmitter to a receiver situated on the drone, otherwise called an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The transmitter integrates cutting-edge software crafted to render exact command of the laser ray with hardware able to maintain power transfer at a kilowatt scale — or thousands of watts — as stated by the company. In comparison, standard laboratory lasers run at a milliwatt scale, or thousandths of watts.
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For context, the functioning height of the Raven RQ-11B — a hand-deployed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance drone crafted for the U.S. military — exists between 150 and 1,000 feet (46 and 305 meters) over the ground, and 10,500 feet (3,200 meters) above sea level. Bigger drones are able to attain heights as towering as 60,000 feet (18,288 m).
Integrated command software can also pair with UAS software to render telemetry tracking and control. Such interoperability implies data and directives can be exchanged between PowerLight’s tracking and beam command system, and the drone’s installed avionics and telemetry setup. This might be employed to transmit battery charge details to operators on the ground, enabling them to actively adjust power supply and assure it’s being administered effectively while the laser consistently hits its target.
“We are crafting a savvy mesh energy grid capability,” stated Tom Nugent, chief technology officer and co-founder of PowerLight, within a declaration. “Our transmitter liaises with the UAS, monitors its velocity and vector, and dispenses energy exactly where needed. We have successfully tested the power transmission and tracking algorithms.”
Never-ending flight
A receiver is embedded into the drone itself. This receiver, weighing solely 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms), gathers the laser energy originating from the ground-based transmitter and exploits a laser power converter to transform it into battery power.
Photovoltaic laser power converters run akin to solar cells, collecting light and switching it into an electric stream. Still, they are refined for monochromatic, high-intensity laser light rather than broad-spectrum sunlight.
The receiver further encompasses an installed command module. This module incessantly assembles real-time telemetry concerning the drone’s stance and performance and conveys this data to operators positioned on the ground. It’s further skilled at establishing a two-way light-based communication connection allowing it to both dispatch and obtain data utilizing optical signals.
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The setup was fashioned alongside the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). It will be melded into the K1000ULE, a long-distance, high-stamina drone crafted by Kraus Hamdani Aerospace. The K1000ULE is fully electric and engineered for continuous, long‑range ventures supporting the U.S. Navy and Army.
Prior testing has showcased the capacity for wireless power transfer utilizing lasers. For example, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency evinced a power transfer of more than 800 watts conveyed from a laser 5.3 miles (8.6 kilometers) away).
Nonetheless, the PowerLight setup signifies a stride toward genuine deployment in mobile platforms. Recent testing has borne out the practicality of the transmitter and receiver, though PowerLight has yet to run flight tests, anticipated for early this year.
Alan BradleyIndependent contributor
Alan is an independent tech and entertainment news writer who specializes in computers, laptops, and video games. He’s formerly written for sites such as PC Gamer, GamesRadar, and Rolling Stone. Should you necessitate advice on tech, or assistance in locating top tech offers, Alan is your person.
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