The ATHENA laser weapon system was tested against a pickup truck in March (Credit: Lockheed Martin)
The US military already has a few high-powered laser weapons at its disposal, but it's about to get a hell of a lot more. Earlier this week, defense contractor Lockheed Martin began production of its modular, Advanced Test High Energy Asset (ATHENA) laser system for the US Army -- a weapon that's expected to roll out on the battlefield sometime next year.
If you're not familiar with the ATHENA system, all you really need to know is that Lockheed has been working on it for the past few years, and demonstrated its power a few months ago by disabling a truck with it. This feat was accomplished by firing a sustained 30 kilowatt burst at the vehicle's hood, and burning a hole through the engine block. It's ridiculously powerful -- but power alone isn't its most revolutionary feature.
More News On Lockheed Martin's Modular ATHENA Laser Weapon
Lockheed Martin begins manufacturing ATHENA laser weapon -- Gizmag
Lockheed Martin Takes Laser to Higher Power -- Market Watch
Lockheed ramps laser weapon modules -- Optics
Lockheed Martin Just Announced Production Of Military Lasers And They’re Fearsome -- Daily Caller
Lockheed Martin’s modular ATHENA laser weapon is headed to production -- Digital Trends
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