US Defense Contractor Tests Laser Weapon, Hits Truck From a Mile Away

© Photo : Lockheed MartinLockheed Martin ATHENA laser weapon system defeats a truck target by disabling the engine, demonstrating its military effectiveness against enemy ground vehicles
Lockheed Martin ATHENA laser weapon system defeats a truck target by disabling the engine, demonstrating its military effectiveness against enemy ground vehicles - Sputnik International
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Lockheed Martin successfully tested a laser weapon system known as ATHENA to disable a truck from more than a mile away.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — Lockheed Martin successfully tested a laser weapon system known as ATHENA to disable a truck from more than a mile away, the US defense contractor said in a statement.

“Lockheed Martin’s 30-kilowatt fiber laser weapon system successfully disabled the engine of a small truck during a recent field test, demonstrating the rapidly evolving precision capability to protect military forces and critical infrastructure,” the statement, issued on Tuesday, said.

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The ATHENA ground-based prototype laser burned through the truck’s engine in seconds from a distance of more than one mile (1.6 km).

Lockheed Martin explained that the demonstration marked the first field testing of laser weapon system prototype.

“Through a technique called spectral beam combining, multiple fiber laser modules form a single, powerful, high-quality beam that provides greater efficiency and lethality than multiple individual 10-kilowatt lasers used in other systems,” the statement said.

Lockheed Martin is investing in the development of high-powered fiber-optic laser weapon systems to provide to US aircraft, helicopters, ships and trucks, the statement added.

 

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