New US laser system could beam power to aircraft flying at 5,000 feet

PowerLight Technologies has developed and tested a wireless laser power system designed to recharge drones in flight, aiming to extend their operational endurance. Supported by the US military’s PTROL-UAS program, the system features an autonomous high-power laser transmitter that can deliver kilowatt-level energy over several miles to drones flying up to 5,000 feet. The transmitter combines advanced beam control software and hardware to safely track and lock onto aerial targets, ensuring precise and secure power delivery. Safety measures include automated controls and expert oversight to enable operation in shared airspace, with real-time monitoring integrated into existing drone control and ground power systems. On the drone side, PowerLight created a lightweight receiver that converts the laser energy into electricity to recharge onboard batteries, while also enabling telemetry feedback and potential future optical data links. The technology is being integrated with the K1000ULE, an ultra-long-endurance unmanned aircraft developed by Kraus Hamdani Aerospace for US Navy and Army missions requiring extended persistence without traditional refueling.