New system combines renewable energy and automation technology to support continuous drone operations without fuel resupply

A new system has been launched that integrates renewable energy, autonomous robotics, and unmanned aircraft to support continuous drone operations without traditional fuel resupply. Sesame Solar, Target Arm, and AG3 Labs are introducing the Continuous Drone Operations Nanogrid, the first integrated solution combining Sesame Solar's self-generating mobile power, Target Arm's robotic arm and drone magazine for autonomous drone launch and recovery, and AG3 Labs' swappable unmanned aircraft to provide a complete system for training and forward-deployed use.

The solution enables continuous drone operations without fuel resupply. Operators can remotely monitor nanogrid energy performance and control the robotic arm and drones. "Mobile power is the fifth logistics requirement after food, water, ammunition, and fuel," said Lauren Flanagan, CEO and co-founder of Sesame Solar. "If forward-deployed teams cannot power their drones, or their batteries fail due to extreme heat or cold, warfighters lose one of their most valuable assets. Together with Target Arm and AG3 Labs, we have built a comprehensive solution that eliminates the fuel supply chain while keeping drones airborne for extended periods."

Aligns with U.S. Domestic Production Policy

The launch comes as federal policy shifts decisively toward domestic production. Executive Order 14307 directs agencies to expand U.S. unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) manufacturing and reduce reliance on foreign-made drones. This year, the Department of Defense began fielding small U.S.-sourced drones to units. As a domestically manufactured solution, the Continuous Drone Operations Nanogrid meets these mandates while delivering a comprehensive capability that enhances operational readiness and supply chain security.

A drone is only as effective as its next charge. The U.S. Army has documented this gap, noting there is currently no standard process to deliver reserve power to drone launch teams. In remote, contested, or austere environments, an autonomous solution that can transport, charge, and safely store in varied temperatures — while launching, recovering, and recharging drones with minimal detectability — can save lives and improve mission outcomes, according to the release.

Enhancing Drone Mission Safety

"Every system we build at Target Arm starts with the same question: Does this help someone get home safely?" said Jeffrey A. McChesney, CEO and founder of Target Arm. He noted: "Launch and recovery are among the most exposed moments in a drone mission, with personnel standing in the open waiting for the aircraft to return. Ralar removes the human from that moment entirely. What makes our system unique is that drones can launch from moving vehicles or vessels, so warfighters never have to stop to get the mission done."

The solution integrates Target Arm's Ralar system, an autonomous robotic arm launch and recovery system that enables drones to launch, recover, charge, and relaunch without an on-site pilot. Target Arm's drone magazine works with the Ralar system to automatically cycle drones for deployment, enabling continuous 24/7/365 coverage. The system also features AG3 Labs' SPADE platform, a mission-reconfigurable Group 1 unmanned aircraft system (UAS) supporting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), communications relay, and kinetic payloads for defense users.

SPADE can fly one-to-one or as an autonomous swarm, supporting training, emergency response, law enforcement, military, and special operations missions.

The Continuous Drone Operations Nanogrid is available as a standalone solution or in arrays of two to twelve nanogrids, creating a plug-and-play MIL-STD mobile microgrid that can also charge portable batteries and other forward-deployed equipment. "Operators shouldn't need a different drone for every mission — they need an airframe that can be reconfigured in the field and scale in quantity," said Nick Smock, co-founder and head of growth at AG3 Labs. "Put that on a system that autonomously launches, recovers, and charges, and you get persistent capability without adding a single person to the team."

Future Trends in Drone Operations

The launch of the new system marks a shift in drone technology toward greater automation and sustainability. With renewable energy integration, drone operations can continue without reliance on traditional fuel — a critical advantage for military and emergency missions. Additionally, the system's design reflects the U.S. government's emphasis on domestic production, suggesting more homegrown technologies will be deployed in the future, further strengthening national security and supply chain stability.