A test in the US has just shown remarkable progress in the field of unmanned aerial technology, when aircraft can be recharged in mid-air through laser power transfer.
This success opens up prospects for significantly extending the operating time of autonomous systems.
In a recent demonstration, the US-based aerospace technology company - Kraus Hamdani Aerospace (KHA) cooperated with PowerLight Technologies technology company to test the K1000ULE drone platform combined with a laser power transmission system.
This technology allows for the transfer of nearly one kilowatt of electricity to a flying device at an altitude of about 5,000 feet (more than 1,500 meters).
The noteworthy point is that the system still maintains stable energy connection even when the aircraft changes position or is affected by the environment. Thanks to that, the aircraft does not need to land to charge the battery, but can still maintain altitude and continue to perform tasks continuously.
K1000ULE is designed for reconnaissance, surveillance and information gathering (ISR) missions, so the ability to maintain long-term operations brings great advantages.
In the test, the device can transmit data in real time and ensure continuous communication, which is very important in environments that require continuous monitoring.
According to Mr. Stefan Kraus, co-founder of KHA, the integration of PowerLight's power transmission technology significantly reduces landing demand, thereby expanding the operating range of the aircraft. This is especially useful in situations where mission interruption is unacceptable.
K1000ULE is a solar-powered drone, capable of being deployed quickly in just about 10 minutes and carrying many different types of equipment. Thanks to its durable operation, it can act as a "network button" on the battlefield, supporting connection and making decisions in real time.
Meanwhile, PowerLight's system uses a high-power laser transmitter combined with an integrated receiver on the aircraft. Accurate optical tracking technology helps maintain a stable beam, ensuring energy transmission is not interrupted throughout the flight.
According to experts, laser power transfer technology not only brings benefits in the military field but also opens up opportunities for future commercial applications, from telecommunications to environmental monitoring.
Although more time is still needed for completion and commercialization, this test shows the great potential of providing wireless energy in space, contributing to shaping the generation of unmanned aerial vehicles that can operate almost continuously.
