The Zeus system is on its way to Afghanistan. Sparta built the system using company funds. In 2000, it was one of the "pork" projects we often read about. Congress added about $4 million to the Army's budget request to fund the Zeus and to provide for testing against a variety of landmines. Late in 2002, the Army Vice Chief of Staff was given a demonstration of the Zeus while visiting White Sands Missile Range and ordered it to be deployed to assist in landmine clearing. It will undoubtedly save lives.

The Army requirements system never produced the requirements documents that called for a laser to destroy landmines. A few individuals with foresight and drive kept pecking away until they had a prototype to demonstrate and now the Army's is deploying its first high powered laser.

Thanks to Sparta Corporation.