A low-charge UAV will wait for the tanker drone hovering in the air. Russian scientists believe that this is a very effective method for the military.
Scientists from St. Petersburg State University of Transport announced the creation of a swarm of fighter jets that can recharge without landing. This was reported by the Russian news agency TASS.
The material says that researchers have already patented their invention, which, according to them, will be used “to protect territories and destroy air and ground targets.” In the description of the patent, they also noted that their system will help increase the flight time of the UAV, since previously they had to return to base in case the battery ran out. It is claimed that devices can now be charged in the air thanks to wireless power transfer technology.
The drone swarm will consist of multicopters, quadcopters, tiltrotors, as well as tanker drones, which will be used to perform tasks such as reconnaissance, increasing situational awareness, and hitting targets. Such UAVs will be equipped with permanent magnets (or wound electric coils) that will act as a magnetic field source. These magnets (or coils) will be connected to power sources. The tanker drone will then transfer its charge to the drone, which is discharged via induction while hovering above it.
Important
The scientists also demonstrated how the tanker UAV would receive a distress signal from a dead drone. This will be possible thanks to the “friend or foe” system with which Russian drones are allegedly equipped. That is, if the drone runs out of power, it will send out a certain signal using its “friend or foe” transmitter, which will be received by the tanker drone’s “friend or foe” receiver and redirected by this signal. , the tanker will fly to the desired drone and charge it. In this case, the UAV with a low charge level will “hang” in the air and wait for help. Other details about the operation of the system were not disclosed.
We previously reported that they were developing a system in the United States that can wirelessly charge devices anywhere in the world. The project is led by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and Raytheon.
Source: Focus
Ashley Fitzgerald is an accomplished journalist in the field of technology. She currently works as a writer at 24 news breaker. With a deep understanding of the latest technology developments, Ashley’s writing provides readers with insightful analysis and unique perspectives on the industry.