Ground-Beamed Solar Power Extends Military Drone Flight

BAE Systems is installing ground-based microwave energy beaming to power PHASA-35 drone continuously at high altitude, targeting extended solar operation without batteries.

BAE Systems has contracted to install a ground-based microwave energy beaming system on PHASA-35, a High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) operating above 66,000 feet. The drone cruises at 49 knots with an 115-foot carbon composite wingspan and requires this beam for night operations due to limited sunlight at high latitudes. UK's Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) funds BAE's Prismatic subsidiary through a £15.7 million (US$21 million) contract spanning three and a half years. The system aims to reduce battery load by enabling PHASA-35 to run on solar power for up to one year continuously.

This technology addresses a critical constraint for high-altitude solar drones: maintaining power during nighttime or low-sunlight periods. By beaming energy from the ground, PHASA-35 avoids battery depletion that would otherwise limit its solar operation. The drone’s design targets extended solar autonomy, potentially reducing reliance on conventional power sources for long-duration missions.

While currently military-focused, this approach could eventually support civilian solar applications requiring persistent, high-altitude power—like atmospheric monitoring or remote area coverage. For now, however, the one-year operational target remains theoretical, and the system’s transition to civilian use depends on further development and testing. The next phase will determine whether this technology scales beyond military use to address energy access gaps in underserved regions.

*Note: The one-year continuous operation claim is theoretical per the development timeline.*

Source: New Atlas