The UK's BAE Systems is adding wireless power supply capabilities to the PHASA-35 high-altitude solar-powered drone, supplementing power in-flight through directional microwave transmission from ground stations. The project is supported by a £15.7 million (approximately $21 million) contract from the UK's Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA), with plans to complete technology development and flight validation within the next three and a half years. If successful, the tests could address the challenge of sustaining flight for solar-powered high-altitude drones during nighttime and periods of insufficient winter sunlight.
