In a significant development aimed at enhancing the US Air Force’s ordnance disposal capabilities, Parsons Corporation has partnered with the Air Force Civil Engineer Center (AFCEC) to integrate its next-generation ZEUS 4 Directed Energy system onto the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). This collaboration marks a crucial step in the modernization of the Air Force’s Recovery of Airbase Denied by Ordnance (RADBO) capabilities, which are vital for ensuring airfield and mission safety in environments where unexploded ordnance (UXO) poses significant threats.

This partnership reflects the US Air Force’s ongoing efforts to improve its operational readiness, responsiveness, and safety while adopting cutting-edge technologies in ordnance disposal. The integration of the ZEUS 4 system is expected to provide the Air Force with an enhanced, agile, and highly effective solution for neutralizing UXO and ensuring mission success in hazardous areas.

Overview of the ZEUS 4 Directed Energy System

According to Parsons, the ZEUS 4 system is a next-generation, high-energy directed energy weapon designed to neutralize a wide range of unexploded ordnance types, including landmines, mortar rounds, artillery projectiles, and general-purpose bombs. This system builds upon its predecessor, ZEUS 3, which is already integrated into the RADBO system on Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

The ZEUS 3 system marked the first fully operational directed energy bomb disposal solution, with the initial production lot already deployed and the second lot in production.

JLTV ZEUS 4 system
A ZEUS 4 system mounted on Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). (Parsons Corporation)

Key features of the ZEUS 4 system include:

  • Enhanced Targeting Capabilities: The ZEUS 4 system incorporates artificial intelligence (AI)-driven targeting, allowing it to rapidly and accurately identify threats. This system is capable of neutralizing ordnance from a safe stand-off distance of 25 to 300 meters (82 to 984 feet), significantly improving the safety of operators.
  • Compact, Adaptable Design: Unlike previous, larger RADBO systems, the ZEUS 4 features a “palletized, bolt-on” design that makes it easy to integrate onto various vehicle platforms, including the JLTV. This configuration eliminates the need for permanent modifications, allowing the system to be deployed on a variety of vehicles without altering their basic structure.
  • Increased Mobility and Flexibility: By integrating the ZEUS 4 system onto the JLTV, the Air Force gains a more mobile, lower-profile solution compared to larger MRAP vehicles. This flexibility allows for rapid deployment in diverse mission scenarios, from routine ordnance clearance to operations in contested environments.
  • Operational Efficiency: The system operates without firing consumables, providing a cost-effective and sustainable solution for ordnance disposal. The ZEUS 4 system is effective in both day and night operations, allowing for continuous mission execution in various conditions.

Impact on RADBO Capabilities and Air Force Modernization

The integration of the ZEUS 4 system into the JLTV directly contributes to the US Air Force’s modernization of its RADBO capabilities.

RADBO systems are critical for maintaining airbase security and ensuring the safe recovery of airbases that have been denied by ordnance in hostile environments.

Traditionally, the Air Force has relied on larger MRAP vehicles for such operations. However, the JLTV, with its smaller footprint, greater mobility, and enhanced technologies, offers a more adaptable and versatile solution for ordnance disposal operations.