US DOW invests in wireless laser self-charging tech to keep autonomous drones airborne almost indefinitely — ARC can deliver 'kilowatt-class' power to units 5,000 ft away

The United States Department of War's (DOW) Operational Energy - Innovation (OE-I) Directorate has recently contracted PowerLight Technologies to develop a revolutionary laser-based remote recharging system for drones, known as the Aerial ReCharge (ARC) system. This innovative technology, described as "power beaming," utilizes directed lasers to recharge unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and their payloads from a distance of up to 5,000 feet.

The ARC system employs a power beaming transmitter that directs lasers to a drone-mounted receiver, which in turn charges the UAV's battery and can also power any payload the drone may be carrying. Unlike traditional wireless charging methods, power beaming enables UAVs to recharge while in motion, thereby significantly extending mission endurance and reducing the need for time-consuming landings and battery swaps.

This development takes place at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, with the new technology designed to be compatible with various drone classes, including Group 2 fixed-wing platforms and larger aircraft with heavier sensor or effects payloads. PowerLight CEO Tim Jenks expressed optimism about the potential applications of power beaming technology, noting its versatility in domains ranging from ground-to-ground, ground-to-air, air-to-air, and space-to-space.