WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE,
N.M., Sept. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/
-- A Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) prototype laser weapon system
proved that an advanced system of sensors, software and specialized
optics can deliver decisive lethality against unmanned aerial
vehicle threats.
In tests conducted with the U.S. Army's Space and Missile
Defense Command in August, the 30-kilowatt class ATHENA (Advanced
Test High Energy Asset) system brought down five 10.8' wingspan
Outlaw unmanned aerial systems at the Army's White Sands Missile
Range in New Mexico. ATHENA
employed advanced beam control technology and an efficient fiber
laser in this latest series of tests of the prototype system. Click
here to see a video of the testing.
"The tests at White Sands
against aerial targets validated our lethality models and
replicated the results we've seen against static targets at our own
test range," said Keoki Jackson,
Lockheed Martin's Chief Technology Officer. "As we mature the
technology behind laser weapon systems, we're making the entire
system more effective and moving closer to a laser weapon that will
provide greater protection to our warfighters by taking on more
sophisticated threats from a longer range."
Lockheed Martin partnered with Army Space and Missile Defense
Command on a cooperative research and development agreement to test
ATHENA.
The system defeated airborne targets in flight by causing loss
of control and structural failure. Lockheed Martin and the Army
will conduct post mission reviews, and data collected will be used
to further refine the system, improve model predictions and inform
development of future laser systems.
ATHENA is a transportable, ground-based system that serves as a
low-cost test bed for demonstrating technologies required for
military use of laser weapon systems. Lockheed Martin funded
ATHENA's development with research and development investments. It
uses the company's 30-kilowatt Accelerated Laser Demonstration
Initiative (ALADIN) that provides great efficiency and lethality in
a design that scales to higher power levels. ATHENA is powered by a
compact Rolls-Royce turbo generator.
Lockheed Martin is positioning laser weapon systems for success
on the battlefield because of their speed, flexibility, precision
and low cost per engagement. For additional information, visit:
www.lockheedmartin.com/laserweaponsystems
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a
global security and aerospace company that employs approximately
97,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research,
design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of
advanced technology systems, products and services.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin