Story perspectives

Xidian University Enables Drones to Fly Indefinitely Wirelessly

4/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Xidian University team demonstrated wireless power transmission from a microwave emitter, enabling drones to fly indefinitely.
In tests, a drone stayed aloft for over three hours with both drone and emitter in motion.
Song Liwei, project leader from Xidian University, said GPS and dynamic tracking systems were essential to maintain alignment.
Analysts liken the system to a land-based aircraft carrier.
The findings were published in Aeronautical Science & Technology.

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Story summary

The Xidian University team demonstrated wireless power transmission from a microwave emitter, enabling drones to fly indefinitely.
In tests, a drone stayed aloft for over three hours with both drone and emitter in motion.
Song Liwei, project leader from Xidian University, said GPS and dynamic tracking systems were essential to maintain alignment.
Analysts liken the system to a land-based aircraft carrier.
The findings were published in Aeronautical Science & Technology.