Posted on 03/06/2015 7:08:05 AM PST by Red Badger
Lockheed Martin turned up the heat on its laser weapon technology and destroyed a truck from one mile away. The Maryland-based companys test of the ATHENA laser weapon was the highest power ever recorded of a laser weapon of its type.
The Advanced Test High Energy Assets March 3 test destroyed its target in a matter of seconds, the company said in a statement. An image of the smoking vehicle accompanied its announcement.
This test represents the next step to providing lightweight and rugged laser weapon systems for military aircraft, helicopters, ships and trucks, said Keoki Jackson, chief technology officer of Lockheed Martin.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtontimes.com ...
2) Stabilized Gimbal.
Enough said.
Fuel tank would be a better target than the engine. Less metal, more BANG....................
That was a waste of a dang nice f-150
Try filing a claim on THAT.
They apparently wanted a ‘non-lethal’ alternative to stop oncoming vehicles.
Eff that. If you have a suicidal jihadi headed your way, you don’t want to disable their vehicle...you want to blow it to Hell in an expeditious manner.
This looks like one of those perfect conditions tests. How does it work in a sand storm or rain storm. Or on a moving platform...Someone mentioned what happens if the have a mirror mounted on the target?
Put me down for an XMLR 1A or 3A and a H.A.L. plus a VAMP jeep to haul it all.
Hey, just what you see pal...
They probably have stock in Government Motors...
I thought they blew it up.
Yes, I’ve seen the top deck stuff....what is below?....what is the plant? Power supplies and how portable?
I’d also like to know how much time on target it took to get the burn shown on the stationary truck?
“I think the Russians have already polished MIRV warheads to try to avoid destruction by laser.”
The idea would be to hit the rockets in the launch phase before MIRV separation.
Did they let NBC run that test?
hwo many seconds? 2..20...200?
That mirror would have to be optically perfect to defect the beam. Not to mention that the surface would have to be kept completely sterile. Even the smallest imperfections/dust would absorb energy with the expected results.
I don’t get it...................
Make sure this was not an NBC report. There could have been six pounds of C4 planted under the dash.
Bullets can have surprisingly little effect on an oncoming car. You’d be amazed what they can survive. Not to mention, if it really is just some idiot who can’t take a hint, it’s better not to splatter the driver’s and occupants’ brains all over the interior if this could do the job of halting the vehicle quickly.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.