Science & Tech · Gadgets & EVs · 1 hr ago
US defense department funds work on laser charging drones in flight
The US Department of Defense has given PowerLight Technologies a follow-on contract to develop its AerialReCharge system.
The system uses laser energy to recharge electric drones while they are in the air.
This could let drones stay on missions longer without landing for battery changes.
It could also reduce the need for operators to leave cover to replace batteries in dangerous areas.
The first planned integration is on a K1000ULE, an electric long-range drone made by Kraus Hamdani Aerospace.
The drone is used for surveillance, reconnaissance and extending communications, and can fly for up to 24 hours in fixed-wing mode.
PowerLight will carry out development, integration and testing at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina, with support from US Air Force Central personnel.
The work is intended to help move the system toward operational use.
The US Defense Department’s Operational Energy – Innovation division has awarded PowerLight Technologies a follow-on contract to develop and integrate its AerialReCharge system.
The system uses lasers to recharge electric drones while they are airborne.
The technology is intended to extend drone operations in contested areas without requiring troops to change batteries in exposed locations.
The first planned integration is an ARC receiver in a Kraus Hamdani Aerospace K1000ULE drone.
PowerLight’s engineering and test team is carrying out development, integration and testing at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina.
- Who
- The US Defense Department’s Operational Energy – Innovation division awarded the contract to PowerLight Technologies.
- What
- The contract funds further development and integration of a system that charges drones in flight using lasers.
- When
- The article was published on October 12, 2026; the contract award date is not stated.
- Where
- Development, integration and testing are taking place at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina.
- Why
- The system is intended to extend drone operations in contested areas without requiring risky battery changes on the ground.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
The US Defense Department’s Operational Energy – Innovation division awarded PowerLight Technologies a follow-on contract for its AerialReCharge system.
PowerLight planned to install an ARC receiver in a Kraus Hamdani Aerospace K1000ULE and conduct development, integration and testing at Shaw Air Force Base.
- Contract recipient
- PowerLight Technologies
- System
- AerialReCharge (ARC)
- Charging method
- Laser energy transfer while drones are in flight
- First planned drone integration
- Kraus Hamdani Aerospace K1000ULE
- Test location
- Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina
Sources
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