Longest flight powered by transmitted laser light

In July 2012, LaserMotive and Lockheed Martin flew a Stalker UAV for more than 48 hours using a ground-based laser and a receiver on the UAV that converted the laser light into electricity.

The flight extended the normal operating time of the UAV by 2,400 percent. Conducted in a wind tunnel, the flight was only stopped after key mission goals were reached, and the onboard battery at the end of the flight had more power stored than it did at the beginning.

The Stalker UAV, also called a UAS, is a small lightweight drone that has been used by US special forces since 2006.