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
-
![Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent]()
Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
-
![UK begins process on new industrial strategy]()
UK begins process on new industrial strategy
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
-
![Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west]()
Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west
Romania joined NATO more than two decades ago and the country is vital to the alliance’s geographic reach and its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons.
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
