Lockheed Martin answers the questions of Geektimes on the ATHENA laser system

Since the previous article on the ATHENA laser system interested many readers, I asked some questions from the representatives of the company Lockheed Martin. The answers came rather quickly, although they cannot be called too detailed (which is understandable, given the military specifics of the project).

As previously reported, Lockheed Martin demonstrated the capabilities of a ground-based laser machine that hit the engine of a small truck from a distance of 1.6 kilometers. At the same time, the truck itself did not drive on the ground, it was fixed in a special platform, and the engine was started. A powerful laser beam (30 kW), as expected, hit this target, and the engine stopped working. According to the company, now Lockheed Martin is actively investing in the development of lasers, we are talking about a fiber-optic variety of such facilities. Some work is carried out in the interests of the US government.

When will the experiment with ATHENA work on a moving target be conducted?
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We plan to continue the tests using more complex targets, including moving targets. According to the plan tests will be held this year.

How much can a similar system and its operation cost?

ATHENA is a demonstration project until it is a question of using 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 next to the installation will be 2-3 moving objects?

One system can hit one target at a time.

Can this type of laser machine be dangerous for a driver?

One of the advantages of the systems of directional radiation of energy is that they have a cumulative focal effect, which reduces the likelihood of additional damage. For example, the accuracy of laser aiming at a target is quite high: if the target is clearly identified, the accuracy is about 5 centimeters from a 2-kilometer distance.

Can ATHENA be used to hit air targets or large ground targets, for example, tanks?

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

When will it be possible to see ATHENA at work, as a real protection system, and not as a prototype?

Currently, some of the technologies shown are already in use, under US government contracts. Using the example of ATHENA, we decided to show some potential uses of our innovative solutions.