Lockheed's ATHENA disables truck engine
Lockheed Martin's Advanced Test High Energy Asset (ATHENA) laser weapon disabled the engine of a small truck in a recent field test, the company said on 3 March 2015.
According to the company, the ground-based, 30kW fibre laser weapon burned through the engine manifold in seconds from over a mile away. The truck was set on a platform with its drive train and engine running.
Keoki Jackson, chief technology officer, Lockheed Martin, 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.'
The demonstration marked the first field testing of an integrated, 30kW, single-mode fibre laser weapon prototype. The weapon uses spectral beam combining to form a single powerful beam out of multiple fibre laser modules. This beam provides higher lethality and efficiency than multiple individual 10kW lasers.
ATHENA is based on Lockheed Martin's Area Defense Anti-Munitions (ADAM) laser weapon system, which has undergone demonstrations against small sea-based and airborne targets.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles]()
Germany signs multi-billion-dollar deals for 6x6 CAVS and GDELS Eagle vehicles
The order is a further boost for the Common Armoured Vehicles System programme which has notched notable successes in the past 12 months. The first vehicle, made in Finland, will be delivered next year with local production expected to ramp up in 2027.
-
![Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options]()
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
![Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions]()
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
-
![Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)]()
Light Reconnaissance Strike – enabling a vital mission set (Studio)
A new system-of-systems concept will unlock digital integration of sensors and weapons for Light Forces, allowing them to shape the battlefield environment on their own terms and upgrade legacy platforms.
