Category Archives: Aircraft Propulsion & Energy

Laser Power Beam Powers Quadrocopter UAS for 12+ Hours

The LaserMotive system transmits laser light from a ground station to a photovoltaic receiver on a UAV. Reflected light from the UAV is then captured and used to monitor its position and dynamically control the laser to deliver the power to the correct position

Recently, at the Future of Flight Aviation Center (Mukilteo, WA, USA), LaserMotive (Seattle, WA, USA) demonstrated how a laser-powered beaming system could be used to power a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) quadrocopter for more than 12 hours.

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NASA Google Green Challenge Awards $1.35M Prize to Electric Aircraft

NASA says it has awarded the largest prize in aviation history, $1.35 million, to Team Pipistrel-USA.com for pushing the envelope on electric-powered flying. Continue reading →

IARPA Announces Phase 1 of Great Horned Owl Programme

Officials of the US Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA) Smart Collection Office in Washington has issued a broad agency announcement for the initial phase of the Great Horned Owl (GHO) programme.

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MQ-8B Fire Scout Flies on Bio Fuel

A US Navy MQ-8B Fire Scout conducts the first unmanned biofuel flight at Webster Field in St. Inigoes, Maryland. Continue reading →

Vulture Programme Could Provide Joint Aerial Network

Photo: Boeing Image

The US Navy is showing interest in the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Vulture solar-powered, ultra-endurance unmanned aircraft as a means of providing communications to carrier strike groups if satellites are knocked out. Continue reading →

Boeing Phantom Eye Ready for Hydrogen Flights

Photo: Boeing

Boeing is looking to fly its company-funded Phantom Eye hydrogen-fuelled, long-endurance unmanned aircraft in late October or early November at Edwards Air Force Base, California. Continue reading →

US Military Struggles to Find Helium for Aerostats in Afghanistan

The US military is sending so many surveillance aerostats to Afghanistan that industry is scrambling to supply helium and “cannot keep up with the increased demand” for the containers that hold the gas. Continue reading →

Wireless Power Beaming Company LaserMotive, Inc. Gets Investment from Space Angels

Wireless Power Beaming Company LaserMotive, Inc. of Kent, Washington has secured investment funds from Space Angels Network, a national network of seed‐and early‐stage investors focused on aerospace‐related ventures, led by Brad Fleury, a Space Angels Network member and Director of Edge Consulting. Continue reading →