Parsons Unveils Advanced ZEUS Directed Energy System on Next-Gen JLTV Platform, Enhancing Military Capability
Parsons (NYSE: PSN) has signed a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement with the U.S. Air Force to integrate the next-generation ZEUS® 4 Directed Energy system onto the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). This advanced system builds upon the ZEUS® 3, currently deployed in the RADBO system on MRAP vehicles.
The ZEUS® 4 features significant improvements in size, weight, and power, incorporating AI-powered targeting sensors for precise target identification. The system's 'palletized, bolt-on' configuration enables vehicle-agnostic capabilities without permanent modifications.
Key features include:
- Stand-off engagement range of 25-300 meters
- MIL-SPEC qualification
- Day and night operation capability
- 99% effectiveness rate with over 4,000 ordnance items neutralized
- Successful against 50+ different types of ordnance
Parsons (NYSE: PSN) ha firmato un Accordo di Ricerca e Sviluppo Cooperativo con l'U.S. Air Force per integrare il sistema di energia diretta di nuova generazione ZEUS® 4 sul Veicolo Tattico Leggero Congiunto (JLTV). Questo sistema avanzato si basa sul ZEUS® 3, attualmente in uso nel sistema RADBO sui veicoli MRAP.
Il ZEUS® 4 presenta miglioramenti significativi in termini di dimensioni, peso e potenza, incorporando sensori di targeting alimentati da AI per un'identificazione precisa degli obiettivi. La configurazione 'palletizzata, a bullone' del sistema consente capacità indipendenti dal veicolo senza modifiche permanenti.
Le caratteristiche principali includono:
- Portata di ingaggio a distanza di 25-300 metri
- Qualificazione MIL-SPEC
- Capacità di operazione di giorno e di notte
- Percentuale di efficacia del 99% con oltre 4.000 ordigni neutralizzati
- Successo contro oltre 50 diversi tipi di ordigni
Parsons (NYSE: PSN) ha firmado un Acuerdo de Investigación y Desarrollo Cooperativo con la Fuerza Aérea de los EE. UU. para integrar el sistema de energía dirigida de nueva generación ZEUS® 4 en el Vehículo Táctico Ligero Conjunto (JLTV). Este sistema avanzado se basa en el ZEUS® 3, actualmente desplegado en el sistema RADBO en vehículos MRAP.
El ZEUS® 4 presenta mejoras significativas en tamaño, peso y potencia, incorporando sensores de apuntado impulsados por IA para una identificación precisa de objetivos. La configuración 'palletizada, atornillada' del sistema permite capacidades independientes del vehículo sin modificaciones permanentes.
Las características clave incluyen:
- Rango de compromiso a distancia de 25-300 metros
- Calificación MIL-SPEC
- Capacidad de operación de día y de noche
- Tasa de efectividad del 99% con más de 4,000 elementos de munición neutralizados
- Éxito contra más de 50 tipos diferentes de munición
Parsons (NYSE: PSN)는 미 공군과 협력 연구 및 개발 계약을 체결하여 차세대 ZEUS® 4 지향 에너지 시스템을 공동 경량 전술 차량(JLTV)에 통합합니다. 이 고급 시스템은 현재 MRAP 차량의 RADBO 시스템에 배치된 ZEUS® 3을 기반으로 합니다.
ZEUS® 4는 크기, 무게 및 전력에서 상당한 개선을 특징으로 하며, 정밀한 목표 식별을 위한 AI 기반의 타겟 센서를 통합합니다. 시스템의 '팔레트형, 볼트 장착' 구성은 영구적인 수정 없이 차량에 구애받지 않는 기능을 제공합니다.
주요 기능은 다음과 같습니다:
- 25-300미터의 스탠드오프 engagement 범위
- MIL-SPEC 자격
- 낮과 밤 작전 능력
- 4,000개 이상의 탄약 항목을 중립화한 99%의 효과율
- 50종 이상의 다양한 탄약에 대한 성공률
Parsons (NYSE: PSN) a signé un Accord de Recherche et Développement Coopératif avec l'Air Force des États-Unis pour intégrer le système d'énergie dirigée de nouvelle génération ZEUS® 4 sur le Véhicule Tactique Léger Commun (JLTV). Ce système avancé repose sur le ZEUS® 3, actuellement déployé dans le système RADBO sur des véhicules MRAP.
Le ZEUS® 4 présente des améliorations significatives en termes de taille, de poids et de puissance, intégrant des capteurs de ciblage alimentés par IA pour une identification précise des cibles. La configuration 'palletisée, à boulons' du système permet des capacités indépendantes du véhicule sans modifications permanentes.
Les caractéristiques clés incluent :
- Portée d'engagement à distance de 25-300 mètres
- Qualification MIL-SPEC
- Capacité d'opération de jour et de nuit
- Taux d'efficacité de 99 % avec plus de 4 000 éléments d'ordnance neutralisés
- Succès contre plus de 50 types différents d'ordnance
Parsons (NYSE: PSN) hat einen Kooperationsforschungs- und Entwicklungsvertrag mit der U.S. Air Force unterzeichnet, um das nächste ZEUS® 4 Directed Energy System in das Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) zu integrieren. Dieses fortschrittliche System basiert auf dem ZEUS® 3, das derzeit im RADBO-System auf MRAP-Fahrzeugen eingesetzt wird.
Das ZEUS® 4 bietet erhebliche Verbesserungen in Bezug auf Größe, Gewicht und Leistung und integriert KI-gestützte Zielsensoren zur präzisen Zielidentifikation. Die 'palettierte, bolt-on' Konfiguration des Systems ermöglicht fahrzeugunabhängige Fähigkeiten ohne dauerhafte Modifikationen.
Zu den wichtigsten Merkmalen gehören:
- Engagement-Reichweite von 25-300 Metern
- MIL-SPEC-Zertifizierung
- Tag- und Nachtbetriebsfähigkeit
- 99% Effektivitätsrate mit über 4.000 neutralisierten Munitionseinheiten
- Erfolgreich gegen über 50 verschiedene Arten von Munition
- 99% effectiveness rate in ordnance neutralization
- Successfully deployed first lot, second lot in production
- System requires no consumables, reducing operational costs
- Versatile application across 50+ ordnance types
- None.
Insights
Parsons' CRADA with the U.S. Air Force represents a meaningful strategic expansion of its directed energy business. The agreement to integrate ZEUS® 4 on the lighter JLTV platform builds upon existing production contracts for the ZEUS® 3/RADBO system, which has already achieved full production status with multiple deployment lots.
This development strengthens Parsons' position in the high-margin defense technology segment, particularly in counter-UXO (unexploded ordnance) solutions where they've demonstrated remarkable 99% effectiveness across 4,000+ neutralizations. The ZEUS system's transition to a more vehicle-agnostic, "palletized, bolt-on" configuration significantly expands potential deployment scenarios and vehicle integration options.
From a business perspective, the development represents a classic platform extension strategy - leveraging proven technology (ZEUS® 3) while addressing key military needs through form-factor improvements and AI-enhanced targeting. The Air Force partnership provides a credible pathway to expanded procurement beyond existing production lots.
The agreement aligns with Parsons' strategic focus on differentiated, high-tech defense offerings. While no specific revenue projections were provided, directed energy systems represent premium-priced defense assets, and the continued evolution of the ZEUS platform indicates strong military customer acceptance with potential for expanded deployment scenarios.
The ZEUS® 4 integration onto the JLTV platform represents a significant operational advancement in directed energy systems. The shift from MRAP to JLTV platforms delivers important tactical advantages - notably improved mobility, reduced logistical footprint, and enhanced deployability in contested environments.
The system's redesign as a "palletized, bolt-on" configuration solves a critical military challenge: the ability to rapidly transfer sophisticated directed energy capabilities between vehicles without permanent modifications. This flexibility dramatically increases battlefield adaptability while reducing total ownership costs.
The incorporation of AI-powered targeting sensors addresses one of directed energy's fundamental challenges - precise target identification and engagement sequencing. This capability enhancement is particularly valuable for counter-UXO operations where rapid, accurate target classification directly impacts mission tempo.
With operational standoff capabilities of 25-300 meters and effectiveness against 50+ ordnance types, the ZEUS system delivers capabilities previously unavailable to tactical units. The system's proven track record (4,000+ neutralizations with 99%+ effectiveness) demonstrates rare operational maturity in the directed energy space, where many competing systems remain conceptual or to laboratory environments.
The ZEUS platform's evolution from version 3 to 4 shows Parsons has overcome the size, weight, and power (SWaP) challenges that have historically directed energy deployment on lighter tactical vehicles - a technical achievement that positions them advantageously in this specialized market segment.
AI-Powered Targeting Sensor Enhances Rapid and Precise Target Identification
CHANTILLY, Va., March 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Parsons Corporation (NYSE: PSN) 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).
The ZEUS® 4 system builds upon the previous ZEUS® 3 product, which is integrated into the Recovery of Airbase Denied by Ordnance (RADBO) system hosted on a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle. The RADBO system is the first directed energy system in full production, with lot 1 units already deployed and lot 2 in production.
"As we unveil the ZEUS® 4 Directed Energy System on the JLTV platform, we reaffirm Parsons' commitment to delivering cutting-edge defense technologies that empower our warfighters with safe standoff neutralization capabilities," said Mike Kushin, President of Defense and Intelligence for Parsons. "This integration not only enhances operational capabilities but also ensures our armed forces are equipped to confront the evolving challenges of tomorrow."
The ZEUS® 4 system represents significant advancements in tactical directed energy solutions, focusing on size, weight, and power improvements. It incorporates an additional targeting sensor utilizing artificial intelligence for rapid and accurate target identification. The packaging of the system allows for a "palletized, bolt-on" configuration, increasing its vehicle-agnostic capabilities and eliminating the need for permanent modifications.
Integrating a ZEUS® 4 system on a JLTV enhances operational flexibility and mobility for the Air Force. It allows for rapid deployment in diverse mission scenarios while maintaining a lower profile than larger MRAP vehicles. Additionally, the JLTV's advanced technology and lighter weight facilitate improved power management and better integration of directed energy capabilities, ultimately increasing overall mission effectiveness and adaptability on the battlefield.
By introducing the ZEUS® 4 system on the JLTV, Parsons aims to enhance the Air Force's strategic capabilities. The ZEUS® system enables operators to engage and neutralize unexploded ordnance from a safe distance, significantly improving operational readiness and mission success.
The ZEUS® system boasts several key attributes designed for effective operation. It features a simple and intuitive user interface, minimizing the training time required for personnel. The system enables safe operation within a stand-off engagement range of 25 to 300 meters and is MIL-SPEC qualified. It is effective in both day and night operations against a variety of ordnance types, including metallic and plastic-cased mines, mortars, artillery projectiles, and general-purpose bombs. The ZEUS® system also offers fast neutralization times and operates at low costs, as it requires no consumables. It is mobile and self-contained, mounted on an armored vehicle, while its small footprint allows for adaptability and integration onto other vehicle platforms.
The ZEUS® system has been successful against more than 50 different types of ordnance, including landmines, improved conventional munitions, mortar rounds, rifle grenades, rockets, and artillery projectiles. To date, over 4,000 ordnance items have been neutralized, achieving an effectiveness rate of more than
For more information about Parsons’ ZEUS® Laser Neutralization System, please visit parsons.com/products/zeus/.
About Parsons
Parsons (NYSE: PSN) is a leading disruptive technology provider in the national security and global infrastructure markets, with capabilities across cyber and intelligence, space and missile defense, transportation, environmental remediation, urban development, and critical infrastructure protection. Please visit Parsons.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Facebook to learn how we're making an impact.
Media Contact:
Angie Benfield
+1 803.334.5277
Angie.Benfield@parsons.com
Investor Relations Contact:
Dave Spille
+ 1 703.775.6191
Dave.Spille@Parsons.us
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c844552b-dc56-41df-8ef4-a790807a2290
FAQ
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