US backs PowerLight's ARC laser system to recharge drones in flight

PowerLight Technologies received expanded funding from the US Department of War's Operational Energy – Innovation Directorate for its field-deployable Aerial ReCharge (ARC) system. ARC uses laser power beaming to recharge drones or their payloads mid-flight, removing the need to land and swap batteries. A demonstration took place at Shaw Air Force Base in April 2026 on a Kraus Hamdani K1000ULE drone.

• ARC recharges drones in flight via laser beam, avoiding landings and battery swaps
• Demonstration held in April 2026 at Shaw Air Force Base
• ARC receiver integrated into Kraus Hamdani Aerospace K1000ULE drone
• PowerLight team embedded at Shaw AFB to develop CONOPS and collect data