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
-
![Modular and attritable equipment must be a priority: US military]()
Modular and attritable equipment must be a priority: US military
Senior officers and representatives from the US Army, US Air Force and US Navy emphasised the need to expedite acquisition projects for systems and platforms that are more modular. They also highlighted that the loss of equipment is acceptable.
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper offers network-centric approach to sovereignty of space systems (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper offers network-centric approach to sovereignty of space systems (Studio)
Shephard's Alix Valenti interviewed Project Kuiper's Don Brown at DSEI 2025, discussing the company's innovative approach to sovereignty of space communications systems, which focuses on being able to control the network rather than ownership of satellite constellations.
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper emphasises user-friendly solutions for multi-domain connectivity (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Shephard's Alix Valenti spoke to Project Kuiper's Rich Pang about the importance of enabling seamless communication between allied forces such as NATO members in challenging operational environments.
-
![Amazon Project Kuiper teams up with GRC to offer governments unprecedented capabilities (Studio)]()
Amazon Project Kuiper teams up with GRC to offer governments unprecedented capabilities (Studio)
At DSEI 2025, Amazon Project Kuiper's Don Brown and GRC's Steve Slater talked to Shephard's Alix Valenti about how their partnership can offer unique capabilities in defence SATCOM to government customers, with a focus on assurance, security and choice.
-
![DSEI 2025: Raytheon UK CEO highlights RTX skills, innovation and UK footprint]()
DSEI 2025: Raytheon UK CEO highlights RTX skills, innovation and UK footprint
At DSEI 2025, James Gray, Managing Director and CEO of Raytheon UK (part of RTX), outlines the company’s century-long presence in the UK and its evolving role across defence, aerospace, cyber, and training domains.
-
![Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft]()
Israel defence ministry pushes ambitious spending plans for tanks, drones and KC-46 aircraft
The procurement and acceleration production plans – some of which still await approval – across the air and land domains will aim to strengthen the operational needs of the Israel Defense Forces.
