Laser weapons were once confined to science fiction movies, comic books and video games, but thanks to the efforts of military weapon juggernaut Lockheed Martin, they're now a reality.
The Advanced Test High Energy Asset (ATHENA) prototype laser weapon was tested by being fired at a small truck mounted on a test platform. The laser beam successfully disabled the truck's engine and drive train in a matter of seconds. The weapon uses the Accelerated Laser Demonstration Initiative (ALADIN) fiber laser technology.
The laser has 30 KiloWatts of electrical power. Lockheed Martin says they are technologically capable of building a 500-KiloWatt laser, but don't do so due to the associated economic limits.
As the world's armies and military units bid to outdo each other in the numerous wars taking place around the world, this laser weapon represents a huge advantage
What's Driving This Trend
- Laser Weapons
- Lockheed Martin's ATHENA prototype laser weapon demonstrates the reality of laser weapons and their potential for military use.
- Fiber Laser Technology
- The ALADIN fiber laser technology utilized in Lockheed Martin's laser weapon showcases the advancements in laser technology for precision targeting.
- High-power Laser Development
- Lockheed Martin's technological capability to build a 500-KiloWatt laser paves the way for future high-power laser weapons with even greater potential.
Who This Affects Most
- Defense Technology
- The development of laser weapons by Lockheed Martin presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the defense technology industry.
- Military Equipment Manufacturing
- As laser weapons become a reality, the military equipment manufacturing industry can explore new avenues for integrating laser technology into their product offerings.
- Research and Development
- Advancements in fiber laser technology and high-power laser development require increased research and development efforts within various industries, particularly in defense and laser technology sectors.
