Electric Sky to test long-distance power transmission for UAVs
Schematic of a typical laser power beaming technique. (Image: LaserMotive)
DARPA persists in funding research into extending the power range and mission endurance of UAVs.
Electric Sky is building a Whisper Beam transmitter to power UAV swarms wirelessly in flight, using Small Business Innovation Research funds from DARPA.
The Seattle-based SME will build and test a laboratory bench demonstrator at short distances. These experiments will supply data needed to upgrade the self-focusing beam with higher power for longer distances, and then adapt the transmitter to follow UAVs across the sky.
Wireless power tends to use lasers or microwaves, which start strong but weaken as they travel. In contrast, Whisper Beam technology starts weak and gathers strength the closer it gets to the receiver.
DARPA has been exploring wireless power transmission with UAV platforms for some time: in mid-2018, for instance, it selected the solar electric-powered Silent Falcon small UAS for its Stand-off Ubiquitous Power/Energy Replenishment – Power Beaming Demonstration (SUPER PBD).
The main aim of the project was to enable remote electric refuelling in small aircraft via high-intensity laser power beaming.
Whisper Beam technology self-focuses radio waves at the receiver, enabling the UAV to draw kilowatts of power in all weather. For military UAVs on combat operations, this could increase the mission operation time in contested and remote areas.
Whisper-Beam inventor Jeff Greason said: ‘It’s a myth that long-distance power transmission is impossible, it’s just never been economical. This new method reduces the cost of the ground transmitter and the size of the vehicle’s onboard receiver.’
Greason added: ‘Any type of electric aircraft can draw power while in flight – battery-electric, hydrogen fuel cell, and hybrid. Whisper Beam technology is particularly helpful in the power-hungry phases of takeoff and climb, enabling vehicle designers to meet other requirements to extend range, enhance flight safety, reduce peak loads on batteries, and shorten ground turnaround times.’
More from Defence Notes
-
![“Capital follows confidence” as defence courts private money]()
“Capital follows confidence” as defence courts private money
Outside investment and the direction in which venture money flows may reveal what defence will buy years before formal programmes begin.
-
![Ukraine turns legacy Kongsberg land turrets into semi-autonomous USV weapons]()
Ukraine turns legacy Kongsberg land turrets into semi-autonomous USV weapons
The company told Shephard that Ukraine is operating modified Protector weapon stations originally supplied for armoured vehicles, with human operators authorising engagements from hundreds of kilometres away.
-
![UK urged to prioritise sea, air and space over heavy armour]()
UK urged to prioritise sea, air and space over heavy armour
A report from the Council on Geostrategy argues the UK should move away from a traditional balanced force and shift investment to naval, air and space capabilities, backed by a larger fleet of attack submarines and deeper AUKUS integration.
-
![Thales: deployment speed to determine winners in ‘production versus production’ era]()
Thales: deployment speed to determine winners in ‘production versus production’ era
At its technology summit in London, attended by Shephard, Thales UK examined the importance of speed to delivery, the growing focus on cross-domain capabilities and how procurement reform could be crucial for future battlefield advantage.
-
![Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain]()
Orchestrating operational readiness across every defence domain
Are all systems ready for the next mission? Have upgrades been applied? Are all assets aligned to deploy together, on time and fully prepared? In modern defence operations, readiness is no longer measured platform by platform. It is measured by how well people, assets, data and decisions move together — across land, sea and air.
