Chinese scientists develop laser-powered drone to stay aloft ‘forever’

[GFields]

Research team says it has cracked the problem of keeping drones in the air for extended periods which has limited their use, until now
System uses laser beam to power optics-driven drone remotely by converting light energy into electricity.

Many countries, including China, are developing powerful laser systems as anti-drone weapons. But Professor Li Xuelong and his colleagues from the Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) approached the drone-laser relationship from another angle.

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Read More and share your thoughts. Is this something that will be practical?
Please keep politics out of the discussion.

 

[Chrislaf]

What happens if you disrupt the laser beam? I’m assuming the laser charges an onboard battery.

Is there a link? Didn’t notice one in the post.

Chris

 

[GFields]

What happens if you disrupt the laser beam? I’m assuming the laser charges an onboard battery.

Is there a link? Didn’t notice one in the post.

Chris

Edited to include link

 

[shb]

Seems like in theory it will work, but don't hold your breath about when it will exist. You would always need a direct path from the laser to the drone. Except maybe batteries would allow interrupted signal. I guess this could be like aerial refueling.