Over the last century, drones have soared from wartime curiosities to indispensable tools across military, commercial, and academic realms. What began as a battlefield experiment has grown into a foundation for modern advancement in drone capabilities. Early precursors to UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when Austrian forces floated incendiary balloons over Venice in 1849. Through the First World War, radio-controlled craft emerged, with British engineer A. M. Low and the U.S. Army’s Kettering Bug laying the groundwork for unmanned aerial torpedoes. These foundational developments would eventually coalesce into more reliable reconnaissance drones and the current drone revolution.

The Trump administration has signaled a strong commitment to ensuring American leadership in drone technology, both militarily and commercially. Officials have emphasized that domestic production and innovation are critical to reducing reliance on foreign systems and securing U.S. airspace. Federal agencies are channeling resources toward programs that accelerate testing, adoption, and integration of drones across industries, while also modernizing defense fleets to outpace foreign competitors.

By prioritizing advancements in power systems, autonomy, and airspace management, the administration is seeking to position the United States as the undisputed leader in global UAV development. At the same time, the focus on domestic manufacturing is intended to create jobs and strengthen American supply chains, ensuring that drone components, from power systems to sensors, are produced in the United States rather than overseas.

In recent years, Texas has emerged as one of the nation’s leading hubs for drone research and development, with major universities and private industries investing heavily in the technology. The state’s wide-open spaces, diverse terrain, and strong aerospace presence have made it an ideal testing ground for UAV innovation. Dallas-Fort Worth has hosted some of the country’s most advanced drone delivery pilots, including medical supply networks linking hospitals. San Antonio, with its strong defense industry presence, has become a center for cybersecurity and secure communications research tied to drone operations. Houston, already a hub for aerospace and energy, is now adding UAV power system development to its portfolio.

At the University of Houston (UH), a major research effort is underway to transform how drones are powered. Backed by a $2.8 million grant, UH Electrical and Computer Engineering Professors Kaushik Rajashekara (principal investigator) and Hao Huang (co-principal investigator) are working with GE Aerospace, Northrop Grumman, and the Air Force Research Laboratory to design a next-generation induction generator that could change the capabilities of military drones. The system is being developed to reduce weight and cost while improving efficiency and lowering emissions. Professor Rajashekara put it plainly, stating, “This project allows us to reduce the weight and cost of the overall system, while increasing its efficiency. That means cleaner, more capable drones.”

Professor Rajashekara explained that the project is a multi-phased effort that has been underway since 2024. The team has already completed a seven-month concept and planning stage with GE Aerospace. They are currently in the middle of phase two, a nine-month design and analysis process. With military funding in place, Professors Rajashekara and Huang are preparing to enter the final phase of the project, which includes a two-year timeline to complete construction of the reduced-weight, lower-cost system for cleaner drone platforms. The lengthy schedule reflects the complexity of integrating new power systems into advanced UAVs. Every element, from thermal management to fuel efficiency, must be tested and validated to ensure the system can withstand the demands of real-world operations. That process requires constant back-and-forth between engineers, industry partners, and defense officials to align technical breakthroughs with mission requirements.

Ultimately, cleaner drones mean more sustainable operations that align with global energy and emissions goals. Integrating new power systems into drones built for endurance, stealth, or prolonged flights opens new possibilities in range, payload, and autonomy. This momentum suggests a future where nearly every sector benefits from drone technology. The more efficient these drones become, the greater their potential to serve industries that rely on long-duration flight and reliable payload delivery.

While Professors Rajashekara and Huang may not have started out with military use in mind, the grant and collaboration bring their research full circle. “We have been pushing for this technology,” Professor Rajashekara said. “Now, the Air Force is convinced they need to look at the induction generator-based technology for UAS applications. We’re happy that there’s interest.” In this environment, breakthroughs like UH’s grant-funded system may become vital stepping stones toward the next generation of drone capabilities.

Previous Drone News: