Scalable UAS Persistence using Enhanced RF power Beaming (SUPERB)

The objective of this project is to address the key DAF Operational Imperatives of resilient basing and tactical air dominance in unmanned systems through the means of long-range wireless power. The short flight times of battery-powered small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) make them unsuitable for missions lasting longer than 30 minutes, placing the warfighter at risk. AeroCharge technology addresses this problem by deploying long-range wireless power systems that use RF beaming to deliver energy to sUAS in flight, allowing them to fly continuously and eliminating the need to return to ground to recharge. The system developed as a result of this project will also track a drone’s flight path, ensuring that it continuously receives power while in motion. In addition, battery-powered sUAS integrated with this technology will be able to fly beyond the range of wireless power, conduct operations, and return for in-flight recharging. As a result, low-cost autonomous drones can be reliably used in a wide variety of Air Force missions, providing persistent protection to the warfighter.