Drones that can spend permanent flight time in the skies without having to land, may be closer than we think. Only this week, a patent has been approved by the US Patent and Trademark Office after a two year wait. [1]According to the patent, drones could deploy a retractable tether as they fly. The tether will have the ability to connect to a power source as the drone hovers above. Once completely charged, the drone can fly off to complete its programmed task.
Boeing’s James J. Childress and John J. Viniotis are responsible for the application that has recently been approved, effectively placing drones in our skies on a permanent basis. The only foreseeable reason for a drone to land in this case is for maintenance.
If the proposed system goes ahead, it can be expected that the drone will connect to a variety of power sources both on land and ocean based. It’s also probable, according the patent, which the tether from the drone will also have the ability to connect to moving vehicles, thus unhampering the drone during its flight path.
Though the patent has only been approved and plans are still on the drawing board, whether Boeing intends to build these drones will yet to be seen.
[1] Retrieved from United States Patent
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