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and...."Thermo has invested, or committed to invest, an additional $85 million in equity to Globalstar,"
I guess we should know soon if DOD is moving forward WSGI Tactical Blimps or Raven? .
I much prefer the upside of WSGI over Raven!
some quick observations about Raven Blimps:
> Raven Blimp altitude 500 feet (LTAS 2,000 feet)
> can't handle high winds. Wind drives blimp to the ground, LTAS soars higher in high winds (kite aspects)- max spec's 50 mph)
> Raven Blimp not patented (LTAS patented)
> Not FAA approved- (LTAS has FAA approved LTA system)
> Raven not very tactical (LTAS BIB, mobile- towed behind vehicle)
No one has a good understanding on what Eastcor does. They stated once to a local newspaper that they were doing fiberglass sat dishes in a highly secured new facility. There is a reason they are connected to WSGI, but it's not clear why. A wild speculation on my part is that they are involved with NextGen FAA?
Jun 14th, 22:21
Raven Industries Collaborates with Google
Raven Industries Collaborates with Google on Balloon Design and Manufacturing Project Bringing Internet Access to Remote Areas of the World via High Altitude Balloons
Christchurch, New Zealand, June 15, 2013 – Raven Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ: RAVN) today announced it is involved in a pilot project with Google designed to provide high-speed wireless Internet accessibility to rural, remote and underserved areas of the world. Google plans to use Raven-designed and developed high-tech balloons as part of its new project for balloon-powered Internet access, Project Loon.
Raven Aerostar has been working for several months in close collaboration with Google on the design and development of this technology innovation. While the program is still in its early stages, a successful trial began this week in New Zealand involving 30 balloons provided by Raven Aerostar providing Internet connectivity to an area covering nearly 10,000 square kilometers.
“Raven Aerostar is our balloon design partner and manufacturer of our envelopes,” said Mike Cassidy, Project Lead, Google[x]. “They bring to the project decades of expertise in high altitude balloon engineering as well as the latest breakthroughs in super pressure balloon engineering. They also helped us design the flight control system. This system controls the balloon and helps bring it down safely."
The balloons are designed to be 60 feet tall and fly at an altitude of 66,000 feet. The teams designed sophisticated technology that can control the path of the balloons as they move through the sky. This technology moves the balloons up and down in the stratosphere so they can sail on the wind traveling in the right speed and direction. This, along with software developed by Google for managing a fleet of balloons, is a significant step in turning balloons into a viable platform for providing Internet access to rural and remote areas.
“This is a very exciting day,” said Dan Rykhus, president and CEO of Raven Industries. “Solving the challenge of improved Internet access in developing nations and rural areas has the potential to improve and save lives—from improved medical care, to crisis and disaster response, to better crops for farmers struggling to feed a growing world population.”
“Stratospheric, ‘lighter than air’ balloon technology has been a core innovation for Raven Aerostar for decades,” said Lon Stroschein, vice president and general manager of Raven Aerostar. “What’s exciting about today’s announcement is this new, elegant way of applying this technology to the challenge of Internet access for all, particularly in remote, underserved locations. We’re still in the early stages with more testing ahead, but working very closely with Google we expect, over the next few years, to make additional engineering advances and support production as the pilot project explores expanding to other countries.”
Raven Industries has been involved on the cutting edge of ‘lighter than air’ technology since the mid-50s. The founders of the Company were part of developing modern stratospheric balloons in the mid-40s. NASA relies on Raven Aerostar to provide balloons that carry multi-million dollar scientific instruments to altitudes above 99% of the atmosphere on a regular basis. Its stratospheric balloons hold nearly all records for size, altitude, endurance and payload capacity for scientific balloons and even aided Felix Baumgartner’s jump from space at 128,000 feet.
“Raven is no stranger to pioneering leading-edge applications of this adaptable technology,” said Rykhus. “The pilot tests and the next phases to follow are setting the stage for serious trail-blazing efforts in global connectivity—we’re proud to be a part of such a ground-breaking initiative.
Posted today on MarketWatch...interesting timing?
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/world-surveillance-group-and-lighter-than-air-systems-enter-into-sales-and-operations-support-agreement-with-defense-contractor-us-technik-2013-07-30
World Surveillance Group and Lighter Than Air Systems Enter Into Sales and Operations Support Agreement With Defense Contractor US Technik
Agreement Follows Operations and Training Support Conducted at Army Bases Supporting LTAS' Aerostat Systems
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL, Jul 30, 2013 (Marketwired via COMTEX) -- World Surveillance Group Inc. (otcqb:WSGI), a developer of lighter-than-air aerostats and unmanned aerial systems, announced today that WSGI and its wholly owned subsidiary, Lighter Than Air Systems Corp. ("LTAS"), have entered into an agreement with defense contractor US Technik, Inc. that makes it a sales contractor for the Blimp in a Box(TM) aerostat system ("BiB") and other LTAS and WSGI products. Pursuant to the agreement, US Technik also is to provide sales and services support by acting on WSGI's and LTAS' behalf at marketing events, trade shows, and potential customer presentations and meetings, providing demonstrations of our products, and marketing our products in the U.S. and internationally to, among others, the defense, homeland security and first responder sectors. US Technik also has the right to provide post contract field services support, operations support and training to our customers relating to all of WSGI's and LTAS' products
Pagan, good post to further the discussion. BTW, we provide the bladder for the Carolina Aerostat! (the Helikite aerostat might be a great acquisition per IndyJonesOhio)
Indy, thanks for your insight and reasoned optimism. For me, I will relax and let company develop. The SP will take care of itself with time and revenue increases.
Market Cap usually reflects forward looking revenue projections. If the market perceives 2014 revenues of $20M or so, market cap might be 5x to 10x this or $100M to $200M.
Yes, growing companies most always have successful R/S. Mutual Funds don't invest in penny stocks!
Indy, do you have any thoughts on why the misleading statements regarding ARGUS? Last year the company stated ARGUS "commercialization 2013"; at the SHM they stated "news soon on ARGUS" and in latest 10Q "commercialization in 2014".
I've asked mgt for clarification..no reply! Maybe there be will some development grants? A quiet engine or electric power or new communication pod configuration...?
most every company takes 'revenue' when it ships...collecting is 'account receivable'
Scarlet, As implied in SHM Presentation and as stated by Over who attended meeting....why stay invested in this company otherwise?
IndyBlue, the only reason I can think that mgt. would mention ARGUS at the SHM is that maybe there is some grant money coming our way to modify/improve on the technology.
The good news is that the company may be announcing an acquisition, funding and contracts very soon. I think the company can still be a 10x plus this year.
Nil, yes, buy cheap I think Indy was spot on that revenues of $4M to $5M are what we may be looking at. To ship $4M for the remainder of the year may be possible with BIB sales but may not do much for share price. 2013 is a "building year" per management.
eleniak, I agree with you.
rattle, what is your take on Orbcomm relationship? Aren't they a competitor? Could an acquisition be in the works down the road? Thanks.
If they release audited financials on 9/2/2013- I think we will see a 5x pop!
Nil, Thanks. It's exciting to be in the hottest industry in the marketplace- UAV and Surveillance!...and we are positioned right in the middle of it- what a great future we have.
Another perspective on NASDAQ requirements:
http://www.anslowlaw.com/showresource.aspx?Show=739
NASDAQ Listing Standards – Reduction in $4 Minimum Bid Price
The SEC recently approved an application by NASDAQ that reduces the minimum bid price to qualify for a NASDAQ listing to either $2 or $3 if certain listing requirements are met. This is as an alternative to the $4 minimum bid price initial listing requirement for the NASDAQ Capital Market. NASDAQ has established the lower stock price to compete with the NYSE Amex for initial listings of companies with securities priced between $2 and $4. In accordance with the new rule, a security would qualify for listing on the NASDAQ Capital Market if, for at least five consecutive business days prior to approval, the security has a minimum closing price of either of the following:
1. At least $3 per share, if the issuer meets either of the following standards:
I. Equity Standard:
(A) stockholders' equity of at least $5 million;
(B) market value of publicly held shares of at least $15 million; and
(C) two year operating history.
II. Net Income Standard:
(A) net income from continuing operations of $750,000 in the most recently completed fiscal year or in two of the three most recently completed fiscal years;
(B) stockholders' equity of at least $4 million; and
(C) market value of publicly held shares of at least $5 million.
2. At least $2 per share, if the issuer meets the Market Value of Listed Securities Standard:
(A) market value of listed securities of at least $50 million (this requirement and the price requirement must be met for 90 consecutive trading days prior to applying for listing under this standard);
(B) stockholders' equity of at least $4 million; and
(C) market value of publicly held shares of at least $15 million.
In addition, all issuers applying based on the new standards set forth above, must have either (a) net tangible assets as follows: (i) in excess of $2 million, if it has been in continuous operation for at least three years; or (ii) in excess of $5 million, if it has been in continuous operation for less than three years; or (b) average revenue of at least $6 million for the last three years.
Indy makes a very good point...we don't have the resources (infrastructure) to ship $5M this year. This doesn't mean we can't get major multi-year contracts that would lead to $50M next year. As the company has said, 2013 is a "building year".
I'm betting that money will be readily available...venture capitalist invest in (1) management (2) market opportunity (3) technology. This is the reason WSGI has survived all these years...we have great mtg, Surveillance is hot and we have patented revolutionary technology. .
If Accounts Receivables are delayed, it could impact delivery on other orders, i.e., no money to build out and ship new orders. However, the ARMY gives special attention to small companies and typically pays within 60-90 days.
fly, it all depends if the ARMY standardizes on the BIB. If they do they will be buying BIBs in quantity for 5-10 years.
Sales Revenue is Booked when it is shipped...standard accounting
Indy, Thanks, you are correct- but I was referring to the small advertising blimps that Aerial says can be R/C (not by Aerial). I would call these airships, but I should have been more explicit.
be_real, why mention in SHM Presentation? The company stated last year that Argus one would be commercialized in 2013. Also, overadollar reported from SHM:
overadollar
Tuesday, July 30, 2013 11:47:58 AM
Re: None
Post # of 147145
Argus is not dead. Argus info coming in near future. BIB is being pushed hard. BIB info coming in near future.
Very small meeting. New companies contacted WSGI for the BIB.
Over
From SHM Presentation:
> BAE System is TWO trailer launch vehicles and EIGHT Aerostats- my guess $800K- $1M
> ELGIN- trailer launch vehicle and TWO Aerostats- my guess $300K
Indy, "commercialization of ARGUS ONE" per SHM Presentation will add significant revenue this year.
sorry, my budget is about 100,000 per month
be_real- let's not forget that we manufacturer airships for resellers- aerial products and others
http://www.aerialproducts.com/surveillance-systems/ltas-balloon-surveillance.html
be_real, The BAE 'large blimp and trailer' system with six additional aerostats....how much revenue for this?...and spares to Army? Mast system?
Based on the fact that the company teamed with a BIB training company, I plan to add about 100,000 or more shares next week.
Indy, yes, I try not to bloviate, but you are the expert here. You are in the industry working to promote your company to DOD and commercial. And you have a reseller relationship with WSGI/GTC...your remarks are much appreciated.
My guess is this will be great month for WSGI. I've notified my investment group to get ready for a steak/ salmon BBQ with scotch and cigars.
design specifications is not 'nuts and bolts', they are typically very general such: deploy in 20 minutes, two person operation, no larger than a small trailer, etc. If there are no design specifications there is no way the gov't will pay for it- it must meet specifications.
Pagan, one last time...yes most all gov't procurements issue designed specifications (RFQ/RFP)that vendors respond to. Sometimes they collaborate with a vendor for 'sole source procurement' as they did with WSGI. I'm sure they liked the Argus One and WSGI expertise in providing a BIB. The Argus One and BIB go hand in hand IMO.
I base this observation on doing over $300M in DOD business with HP and other fortune 100 companies. I even sold $100K to WSGI.
PS: There is no place on this board for your little person bully tactics.
Yes, the BIB was designed by the Army to provide mobile surveillance
be_real, as I understand BAE purchased a large aerostat for communication gear that requires a trailer (doesn't fit in a box). The BIB is pretty small with a lower payload. LTAS provides many different sizes of aerostats.
agreed