Laser Trucks are Awesome

It goes without saying that we all want laser trucks, or at least laser systems for our cars. This is one step closer to reality with ATHENA (Advanced Test High Energy Asset) developed by Lockheed Martin.

ATHENA uses spectral beam combining—multiple laser beans forming one big beam. Say there's another truck, driven by ISIS guys. ATHENA burns right through the hood and the engine block. Game over. And whereas comparable surface-to-air missiles cost thousands of dollars, the laser is just a 50 cents a shot.

Here's a video where the earlier ADAM system takes out a rocket. Wait for the slow-mo version about 30 seconds in:

Related reading: 7 Grams of Lead,  Laser Nose plane