ZEUS®: Directed-Energy Weapon And Laser Neutralization System
The ZEUS® Laser Neutralization System represents cutting-edge directed-energy technology developed by Parsons Corporation.
First Approved Ground-Based Directed-Energy Weapon (DEW)
With more than 25 years of expertise in directed-energy ordnance neutralization, ZEUS is the first ground-based directed-energy weapon (DEW) system approved for production and an ACAT III program of record, signifying its importance and formal recognition within the Department of War acquisition framework.
The ZEUS system is Parsons’ fourth-generation ordnance neutralization solution that utilizes advanced fiber laser technology. Fiber lasers provide optimal performance, enabling tactical vehicle portability, high reliability, low power requirements, and affordability.
Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace "Awardable" Product
This product has been assessed and approved by the Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace and deemed awardable as it addresses the DoW’s most significant challenges in AI/ML, data, and analytics.
For more information, please review our 5-minute video solution on the Tradewinds Marketplace, part of the DoW’s Chief Digital Artificial Intelligence Office.
How Does The ZEUS Directed-Energy Weapon System Work?
Delivering Enhanced Flexibility and Mobility
Laser Neutralization Of UXO And IEDs
ZEUS provides precision standoff neutralization of surface mines, unexploded ordnance (UXO), and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), ensuring safe and effective explosive ordnance disposal operations. The system achieves neutralization by focusing a laser on the outer casing of the target munition and heating the explosive filler until ignition. As a result, the explosive material rapidly combusts or deflagrates, neutralizing the target munition regardless of the fusing type used. Furthermore, the resulting low-order detonation minimizes collateral damage and helps protect explosive ordnance disposal personnel and equipment. The ZEUS system team designed, developed, fabricated, produced, and tested the system for deployment in any operational theater.
Key Capabilities Of ZEUS
CONTINUOUS OPERATION
Can fire continuously and indefinitely in all environments.
SMALL SYSTEM FOOTPRINT
Neutralization times of less than two seconds.
SIMPLE USER INTERFACT
Allows for minimal training time.
LOW OPERATING COSTS
Requires no consumables and operates from vehicle power.
COMBAT-PROVEN
Successfully deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq.
MOBILE FRIENDLY
Self-contained on an armored vehicle with no additional generator required.
SAFE
Operates at standoff engagement ranges of 25 to 300 meters, helping protect personnel.
FLEXIBLE
Cuts through car doors, guardrails, concrete, bags, metal containers, and wires.
EFFECTIVE
Performs day and night operations against metallic and plastic-cased mines, mortars, artillery rounds, and bombs.
FAST
Can be adapted for integration onto other vehicle platforms.
Delivering Proven Performance
Qualification And Specifications
The ZEUS explosive ordnance disposal system is fully MIL-qualified and meets rigorous standards for high and low temperatures, electromagnetic interference (EMI), blowing sand and dust, rain, fog, and road-course conditions. In addition, the system completed more than 2,000 miles of travel on deteriorated roads during deployment without failure.
Furthermore, ZEUS has demonstrated effectiveness against more than 50 types of ordnance, ranging from small plastic land mines to large, thick-walled 155-millimeter projectiles and 500-pound general-purpose bombs. To date, the system has neutralized more than 5,000 ordnance items and achieved a 100 percent effectiveness rate.
ZEUS provides standoff engagement ranges of 25 to 300 meters, which enhances operator safety and helps save lives on the battlefield.
ZEUS In The News
Parsons Unveils Advanced ZEUS Directed Energy System on Next-Gen JLTV Platform, Enhancing Military Capability
Parsons Corporation has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with the U.S. Air Force Civil Engineer Center, Readiness Directorate (AFCEC/CX) to integrate the next-generation ZEUS® 4 Directed Energy system onto the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV).
Interesting Engineering | US Mounts Bomb-Blasting Laser With 984-Feet Range On Armored Military Truck
The new system uses AI-assisted targeting to quickly identify and eliminate threats.
Parsons Delivers First RADBO System To U.S. Air Force
Parsons Corporation is rolling out the first delivery of 13 total Recovery of Airbase Denied by Ordnance (RADBO) systems, plus an additional three ZEUS® laser neutralization systems, to the U.S. Air Force. The delivery is part of the company’s 6-year, $51 million contract awarded in 2020.
Army Recognition Group | Parsons’ New JLTV ZEUS 4 Laser Weapon Clears Mines At The Speed Of Light
At AUSA 2025, Parsons Corporation displayed the JLTV-mounted ZEUS 4 laser system, developed with the U.S. Air Force under a cooperative research agreement. The system uses a high-energy laser to neutralize explosive threats safely and rapidly, providing a mobile alternative to conventional disposal methods.
Parsons Awarded First DoD Ground-Based Directed Energy Contract
Parsons Corporation has been awarded a $50.6 million, six-year contract by the U.S. Air Force for the manufacturing, integration and sustainment of 13 RADBO systems.
The Importance Of Innovative Prototyping For Our DoD Customers
Within our Federal Defense Market, prototyping is a highly active innovation effort for many customers and their missions. Prototyping is generally defined as an activity that involves developing or building a […]
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