Los Angeles, CA – AeroCharge announces it has been selected by AFWERX for an SBIR Phase I contract in the amount of $74,827 focused on drone power beaming to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF). The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018 which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded and now on January 14, 2025, AeroCharge will start its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.
About AeroCharge
AeroCharge is leading innovation in long-range wireless power to enable persistent operation of drones. Using RF (radio frequency) power beaming, this system delivers power from a ground-based transmitter directly to the drone, eliminating the need for traditional charging methods and ensuring continuous, real-time situational awareness. Unlike conventional systems, AeroCharge’s technology doesn’t require a line of sight and can transmit power through obstacles like buildings and trees. This breakthrough offers greater operational flexibility, allowing drones to fly out of range and return to recharge mid-flight, extending both their range and mission duration. AeroCharge’s technology represents a significant advancement for military applications, enabling persistent, reliable drone operations to support critical defense missions. AeroCharge is committed to supporting the Department of Defense in achieving its critical mission objectives through our cutting-edge technology.
About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.
About AFWERX
As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at five hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,200 new contracts worth more than $4.7 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit afwerx.com.
Company Press Contact
Eli Ihejirika
Chief Operating Officer
eli@aerocharge.co