Laser weapon development continues with Lockheed Martin's latest test. The defense company, known for making high-tech military planes, tested its new ATHENA laser on a pick up truck, destroying the vehicle's engine.

ATHENA, which stands Advanced Test High Energy Asset, was tested for the first time on the field, firing its laser at the engine of the pick up truck from a mile away, according to a Lockheed Martin press release. The laser burned through the hood of the truck, which had been positioned at an angle with the engine running, burning into the engine, killing it.

ATHENA is an integrated 30-kilowatt, single-mode fiber laser weapon system, firing multiple fiber laser modules which form "a single, powerful, high-quality beam that provides greater efficiency and lethality than multiple individual 10-kilowatt lasers used in other systems."

"Fiber-optic lasers are revolutionizing directed energy systems," said Keoki Jackson, Lockheed Martin chief technology officer. "We are investing in every component of the system -- from the optics and beam control to the laser itself -- to drive size, weight and power efficiencies. This test represents the next step to providing lightweight and rugged laser weapon systems for military aircraft, helicopters, ships and trucks."

ATHENA combines the developments Lockheed Martin made with two earlier laser prototypes: Area Defense Anti-Munitions (ADAM) and Accelerated Laser Demonstration Initiative (ALADIN).

Although ATHENA proved successful, it is not the only laser currently being tested. Last year, the U.S. Navy started field-testing a laser weapon aboard the USS Ponce. The laser managed to shoot down a drone and hit a boat.

Laser weapons are considered cheaper, as they only use energy to destroy or disable a target, without the expense of ammunition. However, it could be some time until they reach battlefield potential.

A NBC News report found that many lasers still have issues to be worked out, ranging from battlefield capability to energy sources. Although still more economical than a million-dollar missile, lasers also waste energy, which means they will not be ready to battle just yet.