Feasibility of Laser Power Transmission to a High-Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

This report examines whether a laser-beam-powered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) could have practical merit, focusing on the altitude, range, persistence, and power possible for a laser-photovoltaic aircraft that uses current technology. Commercially available lasers and photovoltaic cells could provide a UAV with sustained extremely high altitude and moderate persistence and payload.