BAE Systems develops technology for prolonged drone operations

The British defense company BAE Systems is launching an innovative project with its solar drone PHASA-35, which will soon be equipped with an advanced ground charging system. This technology allows the aircraft to receive energy from ground stations via microwaves. This is achieved through a special receiver integrated into the wings of the drone, converting the received energy into electricity for the motors and batteries.

With this new approach, BAE Systems hopes to significantly extend the operational time of the PHASA-35. Through ground charging, the drone could potentially remain airborne for up to a year, providing interesting applications for both commercial and military purposes. This technology could, for example, improve monitoring of environmental changes and conducting surveillance tasks in remote areas.

The concept of charging drones via microwaves is not entirely new, but BAE Systems is leveraging recent advancements in energy transfer and drone technology to further develop this capability. This project underscores the growing trend of renewable energy and the integration of sustainable technologies in the aviation sector.

For BAE Systems, this development represents an important step in exploring new technologies that can enhance the efficiency and versatility of drone operations. The PHASA-35 is viewed not just as an aircraft capable of flying on solar power, but also as a system that can benefit from innovations in ground-based energy transfer.

Read the full article from Bright.