Laser is called Athena and was built by the Maryland-based security firm . During the test , the 30-kilowatt fibre laser burnt through the truck 's engine . This disabled the truck from a distance of more than a mile away . Laser uses 'spectral combining ' to create a precise , powerful beam . The company says it can be used for everything from detecting explosives or weapons in an area to identifying people at large distances.
Laser is called Athena and was built by the Maryland-based security firm . During the test , the 30-kilowatt fibre laser burnt through the truck 's engine . This disabled the truck from a distance of more than a mile away . Laser uses 'spectral combining ' to create a precise , powerful beam . Athena is based on the Area Defense Anti-Munitions laser weapon system . It could one day be installed on military planes , helicopters and ships .