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Parsons and US Air Force Integrate ZEUS 4 Directed Energy System on JLTV to Neutralize Explosive Threats.
On March 3, 2025, Parsons Corporation announced the signing of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center, Readiness Directorate (AFCEC/CX) to integrate the ZEUS 4 directed energy system onto the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). This initiative represents an advancement in remote ordnance neutralization systems, enhancing operational flexibility and effectiveness in military operations.
The integration of the ZEUS 4 system on the JLTV aligns intending to enhance military capabilities in explosive threat neutralization (Picture source: Parsons)
The ZEUS 4 system is an evolution of the ZEUS 3, which is currently integrated into the Recovery of Airbase Denied by Ordnance (RADBO) system, deployed on a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle. RADBO, the first directed energy system in full production, has already seen its initial batch delivered, with a second batch in progress. This latest version is designed to provide a more compact and mobile solution, suited to the operational requirements of the U.S. Armed Forces.
The JLTV is a versatile 4x4 armored vehicle developed by Oshkosh Defense to replace the Humvee in the U.S. and allied military forces. Designed for enhanced protection and mobility, the JLTV integrates proven armor technologies and an independent TAK-4i™ suspension system, ensuring high maneuverability over rough terrain. Its Gale Banks Engineering 866T V-8 diesel engine, producing 397 horsepower, is paired with an Allison automatic transmission, allowing a maximum speed of 120 km/h and an operational range of 480 km. The modular armor provides protection against small arms fire, artillery fragments, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). It is equipped with explosion-resistant seats and an automatic fire suppression system. The vehicle can be airlifted by a CH-47 Chinook helicopter or transported by military aircraft, improving deployment capabilities.
The JLTV's armament varies by configuration. It can support a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun, an Mk 19 grenade launcher, or a BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missile system mounted on a remote-controlled turret or ring mount. Its modular architecture allows for additional configurations, including nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection systems and C4ISR solutions for improved situational awareness.
The integration of the ZEUS 4 system on the JLTV aligns with the objective of enhancing military capabilities in explosive threat neutralization. According to Mike Kushin, President of Defense and Intelligence at Parsons, this development reflects the company’s commitment to delivering advanced defense technologies that enable safe and effective operations. The system's reduced weight and energy consumption facilitate its integration onto different platforms. Its "palletized, bolt-on" modular design eliminates the need for permanent vehicle modifications, increasing versatility and ease of deployment.
Deploying ZEUS 4 on the JLTV offers several operational advantages. More agile and discreet than MRAP vehicles, the JLTV enables greater battlefield mobility and improved energy management, allowing for more effective integration of directed energy technologies. Its ability to be rapidly deployed across various operational scenarios enhances mission adaptability. The system enables operators to neutralize unexploded ordnance (UXO) from a safe distance, reducing risk to personnel and increasing operational success rates.
The ZEUS 4 system features an intuitive user interface, minimizing operator training requirements. Its engagement range of 25 to 300 meters ensures safe and effective threat neutralization, meeting military specifications (MIL-SPEC). Designed for day and night operations, it is effective against a wide range of threats, including metallic and plastic-cased mines, mortars, artillery shells, and general-purpose bombs. It operates autonomously at low cost, requiring no consumables. Additionally, its compact and modular design allows integration onto various armored platforms, increasing operational flexibility.
To date, the ZEUS system has been successfully used against more than 50 types of ordnance, including landmines, enhanced conventional munitions, rifle grenades, rockets, and artillery projectiles. Over 4,000 explosive devices have been neutralized, achieving a success rate of over 99%, demonstrating its operational reliability. The combination of increased lethality and rapid engagement capabilities, along with stand-off neutralization, enhances troop safety and facilitates faster unit movements in combat environments.
By integrating ZEUS 4 onto the JLTV, Parsons aims to strengthen the strategic capabilities of the U.S. military, providing an advanced technological solution suited to modern battlefield challenges. This development reflects the continued innovation in directed energy systems, focusing on improving operational security and effectiveness in evolving military environments.