Image of the Day: Lockheed Martin’s laser weapon system annihilates truck engine in field test

The photo above is what remains of the front of a truck that was subjected to Lockheed Martin’s 30-kilowatt fiber laser weapon system. 

Referred to as ATHENA, which is short for Advanced Test High Energy Asset, the technology is a ground-based prototype system that can hit targets with incredible precision from a mile away.

In the instance of the photo pictured above, ATHENA disabled the truck’s engine in the middle of a field for the purpose of demonstrating its ability to protect military forces and critical infrastructure.

“Fiber-optic lasers are revolutionizing directed energy systems,” said Keoki Jackson, Lockheed Martin chief technology officer. “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.”

This is the first time a 30-kilowatt, single-mode fiber laser weapon system has ever been demonstrated. It uses a technique called spectral beam combining, in which multiple fiber laser modules form a single, powerful, beam that provides greater efficiency and lethality than multiple individual 10-kilowatt lasers used in other systems.

Via Lockheed Martin