Lockheed Martin answers questions on the laser system ATHENA

Since previous article on laser system ATHENA interested many readers, I asked a few questions to representatives of Lockheed Martin. Responses came rather quickly, although they can not be considered too detailed (which is understandable, given the specificity of the military draft).

As previously reported, the company Lockheed Martin demonstrated the capabilities of terrestrial laser system that hit the engine of a small truck from a distance of 1, 6 km. At the same time he was driving the truck on the ground, its foothold in the special platform, and the engine started. A powerful laser beam (30 kW), as expected, struck this goal, and the engine stopped working. According to the company, now Lockheed Martin actively invests in the development of lasers, we are talking about varieties of fiber optic installations. Some work is done in the interest of the US government.

When is an experiment with the work of ATHENA at a moving target? B>

We plan to continue testing, using more complex targets, including moving targets. According to the plan will be tested later this year.

What is the price such a system and its operation? B>

ATHENA - this is a demonstration project, while not talking about how to use it as a commercial product. The cost of a similar system will depend on customer requirements.

Can ATHENA hit more than one target? What if there will be 2-3 with the installation of a moving object? B>

One system can affect one target at a time.

Can be laser system for this type of dangerous car driver? B>

One of the advantages of directional radiation energy systems is that they have a cumulative effect of focal, which reduces the likelihood of causing further damage. For example, the pointing accuracy of the laser at the target is quite high: provided a clear target identification accuracy - about 5 inches with a 2-kilometer distance.

Can I use ATHENA to engage aerial targets or large ground targets, such as tanks? B>

Despite the fact that the ATHENA - only demonstration project deployed system with similar capabilities and more powerful laser can be used against large ground-based mechanisms, aircraft, missiles and mortars.

When you can see in the ATHENA work as a real security system, not the prototype? B>

Currently, some of the featured technologies are already being used as part of the US government contracts. On the example of ATHENA we decided to show some of the potential use of our innovative solutions.

Source: geektimes.ru/post/246998/