Lockheed Martin ‘Athena’ laser weapon system defeats a truck target by disabling the engine, from more than a mile away.
Above: Lockheed Martin’s 30-kilowatt fiber laser system successfully disabled the engine of a small truck during a recent field test. Credit Lockheed Martin
Known as Athena (Advanced Test High Energy Asset), the ground-based prototype system burned through the engine manifold in a matter of seconds from more than a mile away. The truck was mounted on a test platform with its engine and drive train running to simulate an operationally-relevant test scenario.
Keoki Jackson, Lockheed Martin chief technology officer, said:
“Fiber-optic lasers are revolutionizing directed energy systems. We are investing in every component of the system – from the optics and beam control to the laser itself – to drive size, weight and power efficiencies. This test represents the next step to providing lightweight and rugged laser weapon systems for military aircraft, helicopters, ships and trucks.”
source Lockheed Martin
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