NCJ Number
235751
Date Published
2011
Length
73 pages
Annotation
This report presents the results of a study examining the speculative concept of transmitting power to a high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle by photovoltaic conversion of a laser beam, allowing the aircraft to recharge and remain aloft indefinitely.
Abstract
This study examined the feasibility of transmitting power to high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) using photovoltaic conversion of a laser beam and found that the concept has merit, at least in the narrow sense that it is technically feasible to accomplish this task. The study found that commercially available lasers and photovoltaic (PV) cells could provide a UAV with two times the power as that of a similar solar-powered UAV, and that the laser would be more consistently available than the sun, thereby reducing the need for batteries on the UAV. This means that a laser-powered UAV would be capable of having four times the payload and 80 percent higher nighttime altitude than a solar-powered UAV of the same size and total weight. This study examined the physical parameters of flight to assess the possibility of developing and using laser-powered UAV with current technology. The results indicate that the concept is possible and worth further consideration if an important mission were identified where use of a UAV with ultra-high operating altitude and moderate persistence and payload were required. Two problems with the concept were identified and are discussed in detail. Tables, figures, appendixes, and references