According to Blastr, Lockheed Martin, the military tech firm, has developed a weapon that will remind us of some of our favorite sci fi weapons. They have created ATHENA, Advanced Test High Energy Asset.
ATHENA is a “30-kilowatt fiber laser weapon”. This weapon can fire over a mile away and take out a truck’s engine (see photo above). They are looking to use this type of weapon on future military vehicles and at bases. Since you can take down troops and tanks from over a mile way, this be a huge advantage for the U.S. Military.
“Fiber-optic lasers are revolutionizing directed energy systems,” Lockheed Martin chief technology officer Keoki Jackson said. “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.” (Blastr)
Long story short: From approximately one mile away, ATHENA was able to burn through and destroy the engine of a pickup truck in a matter of seconds. According to Lockheed Martin, the successful test shows the technology’s potential for extreme precision as a defense tool to “protect military forces and critical infrastructure.” It also shows they’ve developed a real-life death ray, which is both extremely cool and extremely terrifying.
“Fiber-optic lasers are revolutionizing directed energy systems,” Lockheed Martin chief technology officer Keoki Jackson said. “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.”
Now if they can work on hand held “blasters” and “phasers”, we will really be talking.
Stay Geeky My Friends!
