An imaging, communications and beamed power architecture for first responders

Electric power delivered as wireless beams through aerial platforms can make a large difference to the ability of first responders to find and rescue survivors in an emergency. An architecture suitable for India is proposed, synergizing developments in millimeter wave power beaming, phase array antennae, waveguides, tethers and lighter than air aerial vehicles. The role of emergency services in the overall architecture of power beaming is briefly discussed, setting it in context in the progression from intercontinental space power grid to retail power delivery. While technical barriers remain, there is a practical, moderate-risk roadmap to making this architecture routinely practical. A series of demonstration experiments suitable for development into a prototype first responder system is laid out.