PowerLight Technologies has completed development and testing of a new wireless power system that uses a powerful laser to recharge aircraft while in the air. The project, developed under the PTROL-UAS program with the support of the US CENTCOM, is moving from the phase of individual components to integrated testing and preparations for a flight demonstration.
At the center of the system is an autonomous high-power laser transmitter paired with a lightweight receiver mounted on the aircraft. Their combination creates a kind of “energy line” in the air, capable of transmitting a large amount of so-called kilowatt-class energy, over several miles of distance, to drones flying at higher altitudes. Tests have confirmed that the transmitter can generate and accurately direct a high-powered laser beam, as well as safely track a target in flight. The system is designed for mobile, field use and uses air control software with hardware capable of long-term full power operation.
The laser energy supply system enables drones to operate continuously in flight
The company says the system can power aircraft flying up to 5,000 feet. Security was a key item, so multiple protective procedures and automated monitoring were implemented. The software provides real-time performance monitoring and integrates with existing drone command and power systems.
PowerLight has also developed a compact receiver weighing about three kilograms, which converts the energy of invisible laser radiation into electricity for charging the drone’s batteries. The built-in module simultaneously collects telemetry and sends it to the ground, with the possibility of future upgrades for optical communications.
The goal of the PTROL-UAS program is to make laser energy transfer a key technology for delivering operational energy in the air. PowerLight is working with Kraus Hamdani Aerospace to integrate the system into their long-range K1000ULE drone for US Navy and Army missions. This drone is designed for situations where long-term operations are a priority, and the classic infrastructure for recharging energy is limited.
With subsystem testing completed, PowerLight is preparing for the first fully integrated flight tests in early 2026, which should demonstrate continuous recharging of the K1000ULE aircraft in flight, with the ability to have virtually “indefinite duration” under controlled conditions. The company continues to develop power transmission systems for defense and commercial applications, including optical communications and remote power, reports Interesting Engineering.