The point was simply: it is possible to transfer meaningful amounts of power to an aerial platform to keep it aloft. LaserMotive still works in this space usin

The point was simply: it is possible to transfer meaningful amounts of power to an aerial platform to keep it aloft. LaserMotive still works in this space using directed laser light, funded (IIRC) by NASA. From a practical perspective, wireless power transfer (of pretty much every form) can have major drawbacks... but they're "rearranged" in the system to make 'em palatable. For example, the system as a whole may be incredibly lossy -- but that's predominantly at the ground station where you have ample access to power. Often, you're willing to accept 10% conversion efficiency when 100% of the converted power is useful to the target (think of RFID tags). In other cases, the benefits of near-field (short-range) inductive charging are (1) lack of wires and (2) more robust physical design (check out Sphero). TL;DR: there are circumstances where all these things make sense, but it's very application and system specific. As for your take on acronyms... UAV => Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Brown's contraption flew (albeit attached to guide wires for stability) without an occupant. What would you call it?