Lockheed Martin has demonstrated the ability of its new 30kW fibre laser weapon system to safeguard military forces and critical infrastructure during a field trial at an undisclosed location.
During the testing, the ground-based prototype system, dubbed advanced test high energy asset (ATHENA), successfully disabled the engine of a small truck within few seconds from more than a mile away.
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The truck was mounted on a test platform with its engine and drive train running to replicate an operationally-relevant test scenario.
Lockheed Martin chief technology officer Keoki Jackson said: "Fibre-optic lasers are revolutionising directed energy systems.
"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.
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"This test represents the next step to providing lightweight and rugged laser weapon systems for military aircraft, helicopters, ships, and trucks."
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By GlobalDataThe demonstration represents the first field testing of an integrated 30kW, single-mode fibre laser weapon system prototype, which combines multiple fibre laser modules through a technique called spectral beam combining to form a single, powerful, high-quality beam.
This offers greater efficiency and lethality than the multiple individual 10kW lasers used in other systems.
ATHENA is based on Lockheed’s area defence anti-munitions (ADAM) laser weapon system. It incorporates the 30kW accelerated laser demonstration initiative (ALADIN) fibre laser developed by the company in Bothell, Washington, US.
ADAM is equipped with a 10kW fibre laser. It is a portable, ground-based laser system designed to safeguard military high-value installations, including forward-operating bases against a wide range of close-in improvised rockets and unmanned aerial system threats.
The laser is manufactured at Lockheed’s facility in Sunnyvale, California. It has already proven its efficacy in demonstrations against a range of small airborne and sea-based targets.
Image: The 30kW ATHENA laser weapon system defeated a small truck by disabling its engine. Photo: courtesy of Lookheed Martin.
