An in-flight charging system includes a first electric air vehicle, a second electric air vehicle, an elevated power supply system (EPSS) and a flexible tension member coupled to the first electric air vehicle and coupled to the second electric air vehicle. The flexible tension member provides power from the second electric vehicle to the first electric vehicle. The EPSS further includes one or more current carrying conductors, wherein the second electric air vehicle travels along the one or more current carrying conductors and receives power transferred from the one or more current carrying conductors.