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"Hard 8" Weeble? new shooter.
If investors are willing to look a bit ahead, there is a likely event to come -that must come, if this company is to extend well into the "continuum", as Kelly Jones once described Virtra's existence.
8 represents the "rolling"-out of:
-----------------------
(1)New Product(s) (e.g. more personal-sized IVR300)
(2)or peripheral (add-on or extension to Threat-fire line)
[note: do not view the Threat-fire II released this year as a huge leap, but rather a necessary improvement on an initial design.]
(3)or application (true driving app, for both military & law enforcement)
-----------------------
So, what indicators do we have that could bolster the belief that something might be a work-in-progress for future release?
Actually, one really good one:
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES [full caps it's due]
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=40681876
It seems our Virtra has been making investments into capital goods to grow the business, to the tune of $97,000 for the first 6 months of 2009.
Prototyping/product development does not come cheap.
Virtra has not spent anywhere near that rate since
YEARS 2003/2004.
Which as we know, saw the introduction of our signature products: IVR-HD (early 2004) and IVR-4G (end 2004).
For anyone interested in a good read, here is what Kelly Jones wrote on this era of Virtra's history....
--------------------
http://virtra.com/ceo_letters/pr_ceo_letter0b33.html?press_id=220
---------------------------
One last indicator:
Dalby once mentioned that a simulator has a "5-7 year life cycle", so with the intro in 2004 of the IVR system, by Virtra's own standard the IVR is getting a bit long-in-tooth.....
Maybe with Lockheed (or without) we see an upgrade or mod change.
imawswami
what was the sudden Saudi turmoil over security?
Apologize in advance if this was previously posted. Just too tired to search back on the board, but please read this.
So, for the first time ever, a Saudi prince was an Al Qaeda target.
http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSLU621984
Saudi Tightens Security to Protect Oil Plants
Sun Aug 30, 2009 10:27am EDT
KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia, Aug 30 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia has tightened security at oil facilities after the country's anti-terror chief escaped a suicide attack, guards at Abqaiq, the world's biggest oil processing plant, said on Sunday.
Abqaiq was the first Saudi oil target since Al Qaeda launched attacks aimed at toppling Saudi Arabia's pro-Western monarchy in 2003. The country's deputy interior minister, Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, on Thursday escaped with light injuries in the first known assault on a member of the Saudi royal family.
"Thursday night we received a call to tighten security measures and car inspection at all gates," one security guard said.
"Even Aramco employees undergo inspection. There's a lack of trust as militants disguised in Aramco's cars in 2006 attacked the facility," he added.
An Aramco spokesperson was not immediately available to comment.
Al Qaeda leaders have repeatedly called for attacks on oil facilities and Western interests in the Gulf to destabilize U.S.-allied rulers and harm the economies of Western countries by blocking the flow of oil.
"This (Abqaiq) is a sensitive industrial area... security measures are a must," an Aramco employee said.
Saudi government security forces foiled the attack on Abqaiq in 2006.
Most Saudi oil is exported from the Gulf via the huge pumping and processing facility at Abqaiq in the mainly Shi'ite Eastern province.
Abqaiq handles crude pumped from the giant Ghawar field and ships it off to terminals Ras Tanura -- the world's biggest offshore oil loading facility -- and Juaymah. It also pumps westwards across the kingdom to Red Sea export terminals.
"When such things happen, police, national guards, Aramco impose stricter measures at facilities... so that means more safety," said a Saudi-based contractor who works with Aramco. (Reporting by Reem Shamseddine, Editing by Thomas Atkins and Mike Nesbit
Television: Locked-n-Loaded at ThreatDynamics
Well, we as investors might have had an inkling that some day this was going to happen to our industry-creating venture in the Northwest.
That eventually, once the concept of Threatdyanmics caught on locally-
where the public can walk-right-in and train on the same high tech immersive simulation equipment elite tactical forces use for small arms training....
-Well, everyone else would need to see what they were missing.
Enter a couple of television programs that will be gathering footage Oct/Nov. at Threatdynamics facility, to properly do this up right.
Check the calendar at TD (yup they are now booking slots 2 months in advance now!):
http://www.threatdynamics.com/civilian/calendar/
Starting 10/19-20, and then 11/1-2, both:
American Guardian & American Rifleman (TV) will be filming (assuming separate segments) at Threatdynamics.
-------------------------------
American Rifleman Television
http://www.outdoorchannel.com/Shows/AmericanRiflemanTelevision.aspx
"American Rifleman Television is the on-screen version of the National Rifle Association's American Rifleman magazine, "the world's oldest and largest firearm authority."
--------------------
THE OUTDOOR CHANNEL
--------------------
American Guardian Television
http://www.outdoorchannel.com/Shows/AmericanGuardian.aspx
"Hosted by American Rifleman Field Editor Chad Adams, American Guardian TV will take you to elite firearm training centers in search of the latest tactical and survival skills. Featuring military doctrine, modern law enforcement training, advanced strategies in personal protection, gun and gear evaluations, and professional training tips, American Guardian TV is high-speed television. Get ready for a new look at America’s armed citizen."
--------------------------------------------------------
Obviously, great exposure here, and tell ya, don't believe it will be wasted on those smart TD marketing boys....
What a great time to announce another facility opening.
Maybe Phoenix next...
imawswami
Rain, those charts and explanation was so clear
and concise, even a TA noob like the swami felt
like he was beyond a 4 panel station at some
fancy trading house! Well done.
Todays trading just seemed as you mentioned very orderly and
smooth. Kinda like everyone was on the same page....
nite.
pete
Kettleman, would love to send it.........
just need an email address from you. Refer back to that post for instructions, or post here with one, or place one on your profile page. At the request of Virtra Systems, this kind of info is not being publicly discussed or posted directly to the board.
Am leaving the house for a bit, but will check back later for your email address. Mail tonight for you sir!
pete
To all, am trying to keep abreast as best as
possible. It is great to see so many investors here in this growing company.
Know it was part of each email sent out, but a special thanks to Bacchus17 who also contributed to the DD the folks here are reading.
Thank you senor!
Am crashing now, so anymore requests tonight must wait till the morrow.
nite.
For all who have written till this point....
Have personally send off all received requests. If you have just checked the latest email and have nothing to look at, please post here, and will correct immediately.
pete
The Truth................................
We have a great board, with great moderators, and great sharing of information. I am thankful for that.
What is lacking, is a level playing field in the DD department, brought on by a commitment to Virtra, to avoid public discussion of potential contract(s)that are not yet awarded to VTSI. This is good for VTSI (and us as investors) but creates inequality here.
This inequality, between those that possess such information, whether through their own efforts or from private emails to favored individuals or sheer random event, versus those unaided investors in VTSI..........
Is not healthy, and open for misuse.
We on this board are in the sharing DD business, that's why am posting good solid info in a timely fashion.
Especially the not so obvious kind......
In that vein, based on successfully avoiding public disscussion (of a specific nature) from a current small email circle, and the nearness of a potential event, am going to expand it to all individuals on this board, for this weekend only.
If you would like to read about nearterm prospects that could (there is no guarantee Virtra will earn a dime here) affect Virtra Systems very positively:
Please click the IMAWSWAMI name on this or other posts, and on the swami profile page, use the email address available. Or just private message with an email, if you are a member (sadly i am not, so cannot reciprocate in that fashion).
All that is asked of each person receiving this info, is that they not post or specifically discuss this information publically, please, am counting on you, especially in light of future findings guys!
Do not contact Virtra or other parties regarding this info.
This is public information, anyone can find for themselves. We have no information that Virtra has even applied for this procurement. I do not suggest anyone use this info as a guide to buy/sell/ this stock.
Am doing this out of a spirit of fairness. Some have already received it. So, it is only right to open it up to the rest of the board. Only regret, is that this was not done sooner...
Again, thanks to all that share, and selflessly serve our board.
Go Virtra
pete
ps. if this stuff does not interest you, that is cool. I accept that, no need to email, and there is no further need to post such. thanks.
Rainmaker, thank you, and more..............
I have no beef with anyone on this board, and again, wish everyone to trade as they see fit. Buy, sell, hold, as we feel so lead....
That said, thank you for pointing out exactly what tweeks me.
Further, would like to share with you some of what am focused on that (imo) is helping to drive volume forward at this particular time.
Please check the swami's profile page for an email address. Drop a line and expect a response back tomorrow afternoon.
You may also post an email on the hub, if that is better.
I promise you a good read, at the very least.
pete
Maybe am not clear here.......
"One thing I noticed is the same group of momo players that pumped the stock to 10c after the initial Lockheed Sale PR also was behind yesterday's volume." SF
Yes, momo's were present Thursday, that is not being questioned. That they were the driver for Thursday's volume is. This whole week, especially today has had some great volume. More momo's?
If you reread what was posted, events are drawing near that could dramatically reshape Virtra. It's why you and i both bought Thursday...and PLENTY of others!
Thus,
TIME [and it's running out]
is the macro mover here this week, driven by both obvious and not so obvious potential Virtra events and not in my opinion fully reflected in twitter postings, like in June, when time was not so constrained as now. So Thursdays volume, must like Fridays.....is continuing to expand beyond the norm. And this appears to be the trend until nearterm resolution of events occurs.
If this is all about Momo Thursday, what will Monday's volume bring, do you suppose? Not much?
But, if time is the volume mover, we would expect to see very solid numbers above the average, building into the week, yes? Let's put it to the test.
----------------------------------------------------------
lol, Rainmaker, if those 2 R eating Virtra shares...
We won't need another 97! More like 3 more, lol....
Was a buyer yesterday SirFelix, am no MOMO
Yes, purchased Thursday, and thankfully so. Yes, was part of a very large group of buyers, but calling US momo'ers?
Well, much like your recent 4 cent bottom call, and hopefully this latest 6 cent bargain-basement purchase zone, personal belief is, you miss the mark.
Especially in light of the fact, that we are both privy to Virtra's EXTEMELY NEARTERM potential. Am not referring here to Lockheed.
I'm a realist too. And like yourself, am realizing.....
I don't own enough Virtra at these very attractive prices. Many others feel the same way. Thus the extreme volume all week.
Now some may sell at .078 and hope to buy at 0.06. I don't begrudge anyone for taking a profit while i hold....
Just don't label me a MOMO, while i'm in the process of extending myself towards 2% ownership in the company. Hey, i want to join you on The Board! lol
Clear?
Roscoe2 great connection & piece of LM's master plan.
Roscoe, like that.
This though is all part of an ongoing reshaping at LM, beyond advanced fighters for sovereign defense, and into such things as preservation/protection of critical water resources (read clean water) for example.
An enhanced definition of Global Security, has forced LM to ask themselves, "What really needs defending?".
Their answer brought about this redirection of efforts into various aspects of non-traditional state security.
Training/Guarding oil wells would seem now part and parcel of where they see themselves in this age of economic/soci-polictial/climatic upheaveal.
Strategic resources have security needs as much as does the populace in LM's business plan.
Below is an excerpt from post # 23567
back in June:
-------------------------------------------------
Reuters
Sun Jun 14, 2009 7:28pm EDT
U.S. defense firms look to M&A, international sales
"Robert Stevens, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N), said the Pentagon's No. 1 contractor was also keeping an eye out for value-adding acquisitions at the right price, but said he was generally pleased with the broad, diversified portfolio the company had developed over the past years.
He told reporters at a media dinner that the very definition of global security was expanding...."
http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUSTRE55D22U20090614
--------------------------------------------------------------
Lockheed Martin Chairman Underscores Need for Partnerships: 'To Meet the Demands We Face...We Must Work Together'
PARIS, June 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Chairman, President and CEO Bob Stevens today told a group of journalists that as the global security environment becomes more complex, and the definition of "security" evolves, the answer to the challenges lies in the ability to form strong, healthy global partnerships.
Stevens, speaking at the company's media dinner on the eve of the Paris Air Show, made a forceful case for open, integrated transatlantic partnerships as an essential part of global security. "At Lockheed Martin," he said, "we recognize that global security is human security."
Pointing to persistent and diverse worldwide challenges including nuclear proliferation, terrorism, piracy and cyber attacks--as well as growing concern over the sustainability of the planet's environment and the downturn in world economies--Stevens told the group: "Our fates and fortunes are linked, as peoples, countries and regions."
Stevens said the challenge is not only redefining what "global security" means but also considering how the challenges of global security will best be met. "To meet the demands that we face together, we must work together, and that means global markets must remain open, and global partnerships must remain healthy and mutually beneficial," he said.
....Stevens reminded the group that the world's security challenges are not going away, nor are they getting less complicated. "Their volume and their consequences are rising. At a time of global economic stress, the resources available to meet these challenges are constrained, and that means execution and affordability are more important than ever. And understanding how our customers define value, and making sure we provide it each time, every time, is more critical to us than ever," he said.
"I am confident we are going to meet these future challenges," he said, adding that Lockheed Martin is "a business of fundamentals--performance excellence, superior value, unquestionable integrity."
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/news/speeches/061409-stevens.html
--------------------------------------------------------------
Rainmaker, the trickle down of funds favors one.
Am finding evidence that Federal Agencies are not having the same problem that the state/local dept. are, when it comes to simulators.
The Golden Rule must be true:
He who makes the gold, makes the rule.
This could actually be better for Virtra ]nearterm, in that Federal contracts run MUCH, MUCH larger (multi-units) than individual simulator demand at the local level. Of course, when the floods gates of funds do hit state/local, MANY individual orders could certainly = a few large fed purchases.
Stimulus projects bypass hard-hit states
Updated 5/27/2009
By Brad Heath, USA TODAY
By Brad Heath, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — States hit hardest by the recession received only a few of the government's first stimulus contracts, even though the glut of new federal spending was meant to target places where the economic pain has been particularly severe.
Nationwide, federal agencies have awarded nearly $4 billion in contracts to help jump-start the economy since President Obama signed the massive stimulus package in February. But, with few exceptions, that money has not reached states where the unemployment rate is highest, according to a USA TODAY review of contracts disclosed through the Federal Procurement Data System.
In Michigan, for example — where years of economic tumult and a collapsing domestic auto industry have produced the nation's worst unemployment rate — federal agencies have spent about $2 million on stimulus contracts, or 21 cents per person. In Oregon, where unemployment is almost as high, they have spent $2.12 per capita, far less than the nationwide average of nearly $13.
That money "is needed nowhere more than it is needed in Michigan," says Leslee Fritz, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Economic Recovery Office, which is coordinating stimulus efforts in that state. She said officials are generally satisfied with the pace of federal aid, but added, "We certainly feel very intensely the need to move quickly."
The $787 billion recovery package was intended to help turn around the economy using federal money to create jobs, especially in places where the recession has taken the most severe toll. Most of that money goes directly to states to pay for work such as highway repairs, but federal agencies also will spend billions of dollars to do everything from fixing runways and improving national forests to cleaning up nuclear waste.
The first waves of that money flowed unevenly in large part because some federal agencies have moved more swiftly than others to sign contracts for projects funded by the stimulus. In many cases, those first contracts went to projects that began years ago or to companies that have long track records of doing government work.
For example, about $3 billion of the government's first contracts were to speed cleanup of some of the nation's worst nuclear waste sites, scattered over a handful of states. That has created hundreds of additional jobs at the companies that manage the sites, says Matt Rogers, a senior adviser to Energy Secretary Steven Chu, but the impact has been limited to only a few parts of the country.
Liz Oxhorn, a spokeswoman for the White House stimulus effort, said any examination of federal contracts provides "an incomplete picture" of a law that is "providing unprecedented assistance at a record pace to benefit as many Americans as possible." Obama said Wednesday that the stimulus had created or saved 150,000 jobs in its first 100 days. Overall, however, the economy shed more than 1.2 million jobs in March and April, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In addition to the contracts it has awarded, the government has asked companies to bid on thousands of additional projects worth upward of $30 billion, according to Onvia, a firm that tracks government purchasing.
Even so, the first contracts have amounted to only about $7.42 per person on average in the eight states with unemployment rates higher than 10% last month. By comparison, government records show it has awarded about $26 worth of contracts per person in North Dakota, whose unemployment rate is the nation's lowest.
Ah, Powderkeg, the eternal question......
When should i buy/sell?
If in TA you seek the answer, perhaps tbonaces80, or The Rainmaker would oblige. Actually, the Rainmaker already laid out a great argument.
As for the swami, know what you hold. Do not make a decision until your own research in the company and the industry suggests a move. Betcha anything those boys above did not invest dollar-one until they did the DD.
Investing is too personal a matter to rely on the opines of investment board patrons. Sir Felix says he's waiting for the 4 cent range again, while others recognize a buy time now.
Remember though, most of these individuals already have a stake, and are simply cost averaging up/down.
Best to you.
FMJ9MM thanks for sharing that......
Always glad to get a first person perspective on Virtra equipment and the competition.
AKFISH, a longtime poster, also attended the event. Hopefully, once he is back home he'll share his impressions and pics of the IVR-300 in action. The rear projection system looks really cool from both the exterior and interior. What a system!
Bacchus17 great find and great quote:
"CCTT DS will be multifunctional and be interoperable with other virtual training systems such as Aviation Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (AVCATT), and integrated into CCTT program systems, including CCTT and the CCTT Reconfigurable Vehicle Tactical Trainer (RVTT)."
L3 makes the AVCATT and Lockheed makes both the CCTT & CCTT-RVS. With these two non-related systems (differing makers and differing systems focus) we are getting the first real taste of where the US military is headed. Interoperability.
CCTT -DS will be a platform in and of itself. Paired soldiers with tetherless weapons operating within a virtual environment. The question is:
Will the platform solely involve (through the various versions to come..read below) front projected computer imagery on a 360 degree wrap around screen, a la LM's CCTT-RVS & others, or are we starting/heading toward this?:
http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=41134977
-----------------------------------------------------
Article on CCTT-DS
https://www.benning.army.mil/GroundSchoolXXI/content/news/GSXXI%20November%20Newsletter.doc
1 November 2008
Volume 1, Issue 2
Systems Division’s GSXXI Team continues to work the Joint Capabilities Integration Development System (JCIDS) process to support the requirements of the Maneuver Center of Excellence (MCoE), but at the same time it is also working with TCM-V and PEO-STRI to improve two major programs of record which show promise in resolving the training support and rehearsal shortfalls in both the active and reserve components: Close Combat Tactical Trainer (CCTT) and Engagement Skills Trainer 2000 (EST 2000). EST 2000 is already in place and supports defensive firing for all major Infantry systems.
TCM-V has worked tirelessly to support and guide PEO-STRI’s efforts to deliver the dismounted simulations required to fully support collective maneuver training using CCTT. Additionally, TCM-V is working to add vehicles other than just the Bradley and Abrams to CCTT thus allowing other than heavy units to use CCTT.
PEO-STRI and TCM-V worked with both DAMO-TRS and JIEDDO to find the funding necessary to provide simulation support for dismounted Soldier training. The first dismounted Soldier-1 simulations systems will arrive in the second quarter of FY09. TCM-V has asked PEO-STRI to support MCoE requirements in three tiers: Dismounted Soldier (DS) I, DS II, and DS Future. The systems are designed to follow each other as new technologies become available. The first system, Dismounted Soldier I (DS I) is funded by JEIDDO and is designed to support C-IED lanes. The second system, Dismounted Soldier II should follow within 12-24 months and Dismounted Soldier Future that will support both training and rehearsal will follow as lessons are learned with its predecessors and as technology improves.
The GSXXI Team is also working with TCM-V and JFCOM on the Future Immersive Training Environment (FITE) Joint Capability Technology Demonstration (JCTD) which will ensure Joint monitoring of GSXXI efforts and allow the Joint forces to take advantage of the MCoE simulation successes over the next few years. The spinouts from this effort will serve to improve training across the services and not just the Army.
In the final sentence in the GSXXI Executive Summary Capabilities Based Assessment (CBA) it is stated that, “There is a need for families of reconfigurable simulators that are integrated and interoperable with instructional and gaming tools in the future network-centric environment. These simulators must not only support training but in-theater rehearsal. Every effort should be made to re-use or upgrade current systems as a potential solution to resolve maneuver requirements.” The direction TCM-V and PEO-STRI are pushing for show great promise to fulfill MCoE requirements through current program of record improvements. The second quarter of 2009 promises to be an exciting one as the first of these improvements arrive.
Would only add this. Watch the very end of Sept.
for a "wild card". The potential for a multi-system order is to be found then.......No quarantees, and no feelings, other than a bit of factual basis for such an event.
Consider this for one moment....
Mind Experiment
You are Lockheed Martin. You are not satisfied with the future product offerings your sub-contractor, Meggitt/Fats, is preparing to install in wireless upgrades of LM legacy simulation systems. This is equipment that was placed with Army/Marines over the past 5 years or so.
You've identified a likely candidate (Virtra) to replace the current sub, so the first action is to prepare to purchase and test a wireless......
Threatfire-belt?
Wait-a-second? What happened to the bread-n-butter, the principle product that Meggitt was to supply...
the wireless M-16 simulator weapon? Why isn't the Virtra drop-in the first to bat for evaluation by LM?
And more importantly, the drop-in kit, plus magazine(s), plus airstation, and magazine recharger represents 4-5 TIMES MORE SALES DOLLARS for LM than the Threat-Fire Belt & standard base station, if used within the same LM convoy system...So what gives?
Ok, so after over two months of testing the Threatfire belt,
Lockheed then requests the drop-in kit?
Nope, now it's the wireless base station for the TF belt.
And the following Lockheed purchase is for the upgraded TF BELT!
But finally, after all this TF stuff, LM gets down to the brass tacks and gets the Drop-in kit for evaluation.....
Going through this scenario in the head for a bit, it really starts to hit home. What ever LM is doing, Threat-Fire belt is the lynch pin not the weapons system.
So replacing Meggitt is not the priority here(though it does appear that will occur if Virtra gains the LM contract), and thus the in-house legacy systems upgrades are also not the primary target (though that too would seem obviously a done deal if this goes well).
Focusing so intently on the Threat-fire belt, an interface device that NO OTHER DEF CONTRACTOR possesses, could indicate a Much larger role for this product in LM's plans.
Well beyond in-house products, and into the realm of
INTERGRATOR
for the whole of the military's simulation hodge-podge.
Which is exactly what the US military has as an ultimate goal:
all branches of the military virtually training together, to practise bringing to bear their combined might on a single opponent.
Of course to do this, on various contractor's systems would take some "shared" attributes. The systems might not change but the software and the peripherals (like Threat-fire belts & other wireless devices...weapons [like those that could drop into everyone's service weapon...]) sure might need too, in order to bring much needed uniformity to the mix of platforms.
Personally would be more than satisfied if Virtra does the in-house thing for LM.
But, could you imagine going beyond?
Tradingbroke, kind words. Virtra is a curious.....
beast -small, historicallly (till recently) undercapitalized, squaring off against gaints, but with great products and an extremely innovative leader in Ferris.
This company has actually broken out of the typical trajectory of such a scenario (acquired or bankrupt).
Finanlly, after years of perseverance, comes the recognition by industry that Virtra products are top tier. Lockheed Martin has (not single handedly, but close) put them on the map. It's been over due.
But even without LM, Virtra with it's own marketing and the promise of Threat Dynamics is moving forward extremely well.
This is what makes this company appear ready to fly at any given moment. The Dual threat.
I hope you hang in their Tradingbroke. Personal opinion. We will not recognize this company in a year.
peace.
peter
Man, Weeble, we think alike!....more
Thanks Weeble, worked extremely hard the last few days on that. It is difficult tracking down #'s of various units contained in a convoy suite. Probably am off, underestimating the vehicles simulated per system sold, but better to err on the conservative side than otherwise....
Was taking a break then going to post a defense contractor & article that dovetails nicely with what you posted. That is,
the intergration of heterogeneous systems for the Warfighter, or just as easily, an added interface tool (in the Threat-fire Belt) to any other convoy/dismounted simulation trainer besides Lockheed Martin.
CAE is a wonderful example of a simulator which the Threat-Fire belt could potentially be adapted too.
Here is the swami pick:
Raydon:
Which probably has the most sims in the National Guard than any other contractor. Hope they, like LM, are seeking to update their systems a bit....perhaps with a no-brainer like the Threat-Fire Belt.
http://www.raydon.com/military2.html
Great article below describing system #'s and the general goal of intergration into "the mix" of other convoy trainers in the US arsenal.
http://www.raydon.com/marketing_CD/pdfs/ConvoyTrainingEnablersMT2V13Iss1.pdf
Weeblewobble09, thanks much for posting that info....
nite,
pete
How much Lockheed dollars for Virtra?
A fateful quote on a competitor?
"Firearms Training Systems, Inc.'s precision, small arms weapon simulators will be integrated into CCTT-RVS and will have the capability to incorporate additional new weapon systems in the future...
2005
On FAT's/Meggitt being the subcontractor for Lockheed Martin on the Close Combat Tactical Trainer (CCTT)
---------------------------------------------------------------
So what happens if Virtra picks up the upgrade/future project work that LM has been evaluating VTSI for these past weeks?
Of course all of this represents a best guess on this end, but for what it is worth, take a look at the individual dollars generated if each of the various Lockheed Martin legacy convoy systems (can't begin to estimate work on future sims placed) were upgraded with a Threat-Fire System and State-of-Art tetherless recoil kits + assorted support systems, all quoted at Virtra retail pricing (versus what LM might actually charge gov't for upgrade).
--------------------------
Lockheed Martin Convoy Systems
1st Generation
VCCT Virtual Combat Convoy Trainer
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/11986.wmv
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_Combat_Convoy_Trainer
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/9976.jpg
23 systems comprised of a suite of 4 vehicle simulators each supporting 5 users operating 4 m-16's and 5 threat-fire belts
Total upgrade dollars based on Virtra retail pricing & :
(368 wireless m-16 drop-in kits + support equip. & 460 TF-belts + support equip.)
$5,485,040
------------------------------------------
2nd Generation (3 systems: CCTT, CCTT-RVS, RVTT-CCTT-RVS)
1)CCTT Combat Convoy Tactical Trainer
Single user system either for driver/gunner/etc.
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/CloseCombatTacticalTrainer/index.html
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/5379.jpg
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/5385.jpg
620 (420+200production)
Total upgrade dollars based on Virtra retail pricing & :
620 TF belts + support equipment
$2,728,000
2)CCTT-RVS CCTT-Reconfigurable Vehicle Simulation
(2 vehicle sim per trailer/180-360 degree/supporting assorted vehicles)
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/sts/ProductCards/CCTT_RVS_PC.pdf
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/11912.jpg
NOTE:[For FATS alone, CCTT-RVS was a 3.4 million dollar contract from LM in 2006. This for low tech weapons and no TF belt.]
3)RVTT/CCTT-RVS Reconfigurable Vehicle Tactical Trainer
(2 vehicle sims per trailer/360 degree/mounted and dismounted troops/assorted vehicles)
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/sts/ProductCards/CCS_PC.pdf
(combining both cctt-rvs +rvtt/cctt-rvs system sales below)
Total upgrade dollars based on Virtra retail pricing & :
38 systems (10=recent sales) comprised of a suite of 6 vehicle simulators each supporting 5 users operating 4 m-16's and 5 threat-fire belts:
$13,359,360
-----------------------------------------------------------
3rd Generation
CCS Close Combat Simulation
(6 sims per system/360degree/mounted & dismounted/assorted vehicles)
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/sts/ProductCards/CCS_PC.pdf
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/sts/Images/ccs2.jpg
Total upgrade dollars based on Virtra retail pricing & :
10 systems comprised of a suite of 6 vehicle simulators each supporting 5 users operating 4 m-16's and 5 threat-fire belts
$3,577,200
----------------
TOTAL ORDER ON LEGACY SYSTEM UPGRADES
$25,149,600
Again, this is assuming a full embrace on LM's part to upgrade all it's current convoy systems fielded (or on production) with Threat-Fire system and State-of-Art Tetherless m-16 drop--in unit and support equipment (magazines [guessed 2 per weapon needed, and a 1 recharging unit per vehicle. All support eq. was also figured at 1 per vehicle simulated).
This is all a "Best Guess Scenario", and not grounded on anything Virtra Systems currently is contracted for. Feel free to change, trash, or otherwise disregard this piece. Hope the math is right.....
Go Virtra!
imawswami
Rainmaker, thanks for your contribution.....
to the board. Am always glad to read what others find and share here. It is very encouraging to see lately all the attention this small company has been garnering. And that other investors are beginning to take notice of what Virtra is doing.
Please continue to search and share here. Would add one other thing: there is another large, potentially company-changing event (if it comes to pass), to be found floating out there. It is not being publically discussed (for competitive reasons). No guarantees, but best to everyone here.
imawswami
Tbonaces80.....thanks. Yes, nearterm resolution.
Near Term Resolution....
both in the charts and with recent events surrounding VTSI.
In the past eight days we have seen three separate requests from Lockheed Martin for accessories and custom ware
from Virtra Systems. If this was a previously planned undertaking (well in advance of need), LM sure has a very unusual way of expressing it. One simple order would have sufficed, in preparation for competition in a contract award.....say for PEO-STRI II.
While STOC II represents the overarching framework for change toward simulation in the military, it is a long-term project. To be played out over a ten year period.
Like yourself, have been struggling to comprehend what appears and imminent event for Virtra as it regards Lockheed Martin.
When one does a search, only Virtra comes up as being evaluated by LM for small arm simulator accessories. If this was a full on, planned evaluation protocol by LM, several subcontractors names would be popping-up concurrently with Virtra, which is not the case.
This only encourages speculation that some strong force is driving the quick decision. And while such an undertaking may occur under the general heading of STOC II, it would seem such a close-pressing driver to update/upgrade could be summed in one word:
AFGHANISTAN.
Much as the article we just read reflects.
As far as the charts, can't help noticing the spinning tops. One way or another it seems, things are going to happen fast for Virtra.
Tbond, would love to read your indepth take on the charts.
Thanks again.
imawswami
Lockheed Updating Convoy Trainers
Judging by the article below & the staccato pace of evaluation requests Virtra System is receiving from LM, it would appear that Lockheed Martin is attempting to rapidly upgrade their convoy systems (both legacy & Next Generation) for the war in Afghanistan.
Here is a brief video intro and a list of the various Convoy Training Systems affected with article to follow:
------------------------------------------------
Introduction
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/how/stories/convoy.html
Close Combat Tactical Trainer (reconfiqurable version)
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/CloseCombatTacticalTrainerReconfigu/index.html
Close Combat Tactical Trainer
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/CloseCombatTacticalTrainer/index.html
Combat Convoy Simulator http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/CombatConvoySimulator/index.html
Virtual Combat Convoy Trainer
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/VirtualCombatConvoyTrainer/index.html
Next Generation Convoy Trainer
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/sts/ProductCards/CCS_PC.pdf
------------------------------------------------------------
ARTICLE
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-defense-firms-afghanistan-090309,0,5906496.story
Stepped-up Afghan War Brings New Work for Local Military Contractors
By Richard Burnett Sentinel Staff Writer
September 3, 2009
The U.S. military's shift in emphasis from Iraq to Afghanistan has generated a flurry of high-tech work by defense contractors in Central Florida to meet the unique demands of the Afghan war.
The region's defense industry is working on a variety of systems specifically for the fighting in mostly mountainous Afghanistan — from advanced drone technology and long-range surveillance cameras to virtual 3-D maps and urban-warfare trainers.
A lot of the new business still involves the guns, missiles and conventional weapons used there during almost eight years of fighting, but some of the latest technology has a much different purpose, one learned in Iraq: training troops to relate to the country's people.
That's more than a matter of teaching soldiers how to speak the language; it's also getting them to understand the social, cultural and religious ways of the war-torn country's residents, military-training experts say.
"The rules are different now than when we first went into Afghanistan," said Lt. Col. Charles Stein, a senior official for the Army's training-systems agency, which is based in Orlando. "It's more than ever a matter of winning the hearts and minds of the people. Sure, you want to get the bad guys, but you know you have to protect and save the rest of the population."
Much of the military's cultural training of U.S. troops takes place at a military base tucked in rural northeast Florida. Known as the Camp Blanding Joint Training Center, the sprawling complex has more than a dozen replica villages modeled on Afghan and Iraqi locales. It is there that the National Center for Simulation, an Orlando-based industry trade group, is working with Lockheed Martin Corp. to develop a multimillion-dollar research center designed to find new ways of training U.S. forces to win over the Afghan people.
"The shift to Afghanistan has been a pretty recent thing, and it hasn't been a seismic shift yet," said Ken Kelly, chairman of the national center. "Some of the problems in Afghanistan are the same as those in Iraq, but there are some clear differences, and I think we will see the priorities change significantly in the near future."
Iraq has offered lessons
The U.S. has honed much of its military technology during more than six years of sometimes heavy fighting in Iraq, much of which has taken place on that country's broad, flat plains and deserts. But the stepped-up deployment in Afghanistan is creating demand for new and better systems, said Stein, who has spent time in both countries on training-related assignments in 2006, 2007 and earlier this year.
"Obviously, we have to adapt to the Afghan terrain, the people and the tactics of the insurgents," he said. "That is something we're doing successfully, and we believe it is saving lives."
In bringing the realities of Afghanistan to military-training simulators, defense contractors are incorporating detailed surveillance video of its mountains, towns and Taliban-held villages into interactive war-game programs such as the Engagement Skills Trainer, a virtual firing range developed by Cubic Corp.'s Orlando-area training unit.
Area contractors already reconfiguring their training systems for the war in Afghanistan also include Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training/Support in Orlando(convoy operations)
and SAIC's Orlando division (armored-vehicle operations).
But the local simulation-training industry expects many more companies to get involved as the war in Afghanistan moves to the top of the Pentagon's annual budget.......
[rest of article is available from link above]
imawswami
ps. Bear in mind that convoy simulators are multi-manned sims that would require 5-6 sets of each of the various Virtra equipment options. These trainers are extremely resource hungry.
pete
Virtra's 2003 foray into head-mounted system....
proved a commerical dead end for the company. As am recalling,
there were sanitation issues also. Whether they ever applied for a patent on this am unsure, but just perusing goggle- glove-immersive-simulation, one comes up with quite a few patents awarded for such systems, many no later than 2006.
This blog, does not represent much of a patent application, only a very cursory summary of interesting tidbits. So, it would be extremely difficult to state it's overall similarity to other systems, beyond the goggles and hand controller....
Am more than sure LM's pool of patent lawyers have done their search on prior art, so they are more than aware of what exists within the field.
The byzantine PTO seems to favor the big players, and one get's the feeling it's easy for micro companies with great minds to get tied up trying to pass one through. Looking at the many Virtra attempts only reinforces personal beliefs here.
Whether or not this is a system LM is looking to intergrate VTSI eq. is unknown. What is undestood is the timing of both this patent app. and V. evaluation of equipment that
could obviously be used for such a system.
2003 is a century ago in techland. Let's see if things have since been upgraded a tad.......
Where Lockheed is taking Virtra Systems....
It would seem probable, based on the current trove of Lockheed Martin simualtions, that Virtra's cutting edge peripheral equipment ( the distictly original and patent pending threat-fire belt + wireless base station, and the industry leading drop-in CO2 conversion kit/station for real weapons), would initially be intented to be adapted for all of several legacy close combat convoy systems LM sells.
An aftermarket sale of system enhancements like the Threat-fire system seem the perfect value-added proposition for LM.
No need to look beyond this, it would seem...
But is this really the primary goal?
----------------------------------------------------------
Take a look at this patent application filed by Lockheed Martin, first posted Sept. 1st.
Remember, timing is everything here...
---------------------------------------------
[patent digagrams are viewable at site]
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/technology/2009/09/lockheed_martins_portable_imme.html
Lockheed Martin's virtual reality simulator worthy of The Matrix
"A recent patent filing by defense contractor Lockheed Martin gives us a peek into a portable virtual reality simulator the company is cooking up.
The patent application is titled: "Portable immersive environment using motion capture and head mounted display." Basically, it includes head gear and handheld controllers and a powerful computer system that integrates motion capture, virtual reality, kinematics and computer-aided design.
A motion-capture camera system captures the users' motions and a virtual reality simulator then generates "scaled avatars within a three-dimensional virtual reality simulation." So not only are you viewing virtual reality, your motions can move your avatar through the virtual space.
Cue the virtual reality movie references..........now. The Matrix, anyone?
One nifty trick the patent app cites: the simulator is able to scale a person's avatar in real time. For instance, a 5-foot 4-inch user of the device can be scaled in real-time to be a 6-foot 2-inch avatar, and the images that the person sees through their headset will be from the perspective of the taller avatar. Get it?
What's different about their system, the Bethesda, Md.-based Lockheed Martin notes, is that it integrates motion capture and virtual reality. People who use it can interact with both real and artificial virtual reality environments, according to the patent application.
And it's not just for one user -- you can get immersed in a virtual reality with a group of people, include a trainer in whatever training exercise you can dream up. Below are detailed diagrams of the headset and the portable computer system.
Such a system has all sorts of implications and applications, from military training scenarios to virtual gaming. Wonder if Lockheed Martin has ever considered putting out a kicking high-end video game system for consumers?"
-----------------------------------------------------------
So, what is being described here is a method by which participant(s) can maneuver throughout a virtual world, well beyond the current static scenarios played out by LM's close convoy systems or Virtra's IVR platform.
Dynamic vs. Static
Further, this is a dismounted system. Individual soldiers now are able to move throughout the artificial environment (through the benefit of personal video goggles) versus staying together as a squad in a standard projected screen style scenario -a la IVR or LM CCT system.
This is truly a whole new paradigm.
Now it would seem highly beneficial for Lockheed Martin to launch such a system with Virtra's Equipment. Creating the perfect cutting edge system by which LM could establish and dominate the first truly artificial environment for mounted/dismounted soldiers where realistic(actual weapon, pain, etc.) interaction with opponents across an open expanse is possible.
Simply put:
Lockheed Martin has created EVERQUEST for the military, and the peripheral tools to tap into it.
Our small Virta Systems is there in the middle of a grand play by the largest defense contractor in the world.
This is swami's way of thinking. May be completely wrong here.
But it does seem timely and quite possibly the correct approach to controlling national and international gov't dollars in ground force training.
HE who controls the software, controls the $$$. Just ask Microsoft.
imawswami
Fair enough.....a personal perspective than.
Elf,
Share price growth -is that something company/we can control?
Example: AIG is going to the moon on a short squeeze. The market cap. pales in comparison to the debt load that company owes the govt., yet it's climb is meteoric.
You can find a dozen stocks in the OTC/Pinks rising rapidly on the vapors of potential. Not sales, just a.....
>website bought
>a product release
>a product in development
>testing
" just have a general concern that the +7% increase we experienced on Friday would be short lived( nearly a million shares were bought and sold and yet we dint see much pps growth)."
Elf, there is not one person in the world that could state, with foreknowledge necessary, that this rise in the stock is permanent.
We don't deal in absolutes, we make investment decisions based on the information given us, and our resolve to execute.
This is the information am basing a personal decision to buy this stock at current or lower price point, in descending order of magnitude:
[Note: am encouraging everyone else to add, arrange, remove, laugh at this list. Would love to read another's thought process here.thnx]
1) Technological Leaders (2)
Tech. Leader (1)
A Steve Jobs type is rare. I believe this industry has one in Bob Ferris. Doubt? Just look at LM Next Generation Close Convoy Trainer 2008. It's a copy of the IVR-300 circa 2004, and it's STILL missing half the good stuff. This, from the largest defense contractor in the world. Nuff said.
Tech. Leader(2)
VIRTRA's product is superior to anything else out there. Enough so that LM came knocking. Or, just ask Threat Dynamics people. It's why they wrapped TD around the IVR.
2) New Industry Creation (2)
(1) FIREARMS IMMERSIVE SIMULATIONS CENTERS
(Show me the equivalent offering to the public, anywhere in the world. Does not get more NEW INDUSTRY than Threat Dynamics.)
PS -This is the crown jewels of VTSI. Give it a year-
(2)THREAT-FIRE PRODUCT LINE
Imagine multiple peripheral items like the Threat Belt being used by other systems -am talking outside small arms here. If you use the TD belt in someone elses jet fighter sim, that's called a new industry. Using a product where it was not originally designed to go is like inventing FIRE. It's big.
3) New Market Generation
Take your pick: Threat Dynamics, LM subcontractor, the latest rep. Agora Telecom peddling Virtra in Brasil, or the hint of a FAMILY of THREAT-FIRE products we received in the PR.
4) Double Digit Revenue Trend
5) Managed Debt (lower the better)
6) Great Margins
7) Strong and Improving Balance Sheet
8) Strong Cash Flow
9) Low PE
10) Manageable Share Count
11) Retained Earnings Growth
Elf, right now (in my book), Virtra Systems possesses all of these characteristics. Am figuring that, without any extraordinary events, Virtra will net over a million for 2009, so at current share price forward PE is pegged at 5.
This low PE, for a company that is creating new industries and managing double digit growth in it's normal niche, is way, way out of whack.
Again, the largest military contractor in the world sampling VTSI wares ( LM just produced their own Next Gen system that should be the twin of Virtra's built 2004!)....
why are they knocking?
Further, Virtra now has the financial chops to market the crap out of the IVR platform. Thus, all the trade shows.
Let's see how this tactic affects our revenues going forward in Q4. Q3 is already in the bag!
Elf, personally am done questioning this stocks gyrations. MM's do not want us to understand them. When "they" take it up, they want us in. When "they" take it down, they want us out.
Am focused on fundamentals, and at some point, they mean something. Call me crazy, but Virtra has not even begun to hit stride.....Extraordinary events are coming for this extraordinary company. That is personal opinion.
Oh, and what is the ultimate contract award from LM? Right now it seems to read that Lockheed is in evaluation mode, sampling Virtra's equipment and gauging it's usefulness for their own systems or other intentions. These PR's read like small unit orders.
But at some point, LM with decide on another subcontractor, or they wil make a commitment with Virtra on acquiring such items as the THREAT-FIRE BELT, WIRELESS BASE STATION, DROP-IN CO2 WEAPONS CONVERSION KITS, etc. in larger quantities over an extended period of time. This to me, is the ultimate contract award. Not just sampling, but commitment.
Hope this helps,
imawswami
Gosh Elf, up +7% on "Dutchess Dumping" lol!
Let's hope they keep it up!" ;>)
Elfload2, on a no-news day Virtra up over 7%, and as you state, Dutchess is Dumping? It's not having much of an effect, son.
How much of the paltry 2.4 million shares do you figure they have left to drop since June 30th record of payments in the 10Q? You realize, it is now over 2 months since this payment in shares, right?.....
At this point, you're probably guessing that Virta has/is feeding Dutchess (at around 4.5 cents) the second part of 5 million share purchase of General Dalby's shares that Virta scooped up for a song of... 1.37 cents? Yes?
But, you must have read that there is no time limit or penalty for payment? So, Virtra's next payment to Dutchess could be a year from now, or 6 months. Or in cash.
Since we are guessing here, am picturing Virtra making it's next payment sometime after the 3RD quarter. You know, the one that ALREADY has announced sales of $1.237 Million.
This is Virtra's best Rev. Q ever, and has not finished yet, so one can only imagine how much higher it goes.
What do you think, $350,000 net income too much?
Will ultimate Lockheed contract award crush this upward?
Keep working it Elfload2, i need the shares.
pete
From Q2 2009
"During 2nd Quarter 2009, we had three large projects nearly completed in the production stage.... Of the partially completed work at June 30, 2009, we have incurred total costs of $290,925 on contracts totaling $1,237,243 of total revenue".
Teeroy, logic says that LM system........
..should have been subbed out to Virtra for the whole system long ago. But, who goes by logic now-a-days, lol.
In 2007, when LM was awarded the $52 million contract, it was to Develop the NEXT GENERATION Close Convoy Trainer.
Guessing Lockheed had to Earn the money so....they peeked at our system then built their own stripped down version. Cuz that's the way it looks.
Each IVR-300 equivalent system Lockheed produces is sold for
just under...........
$900,000.
Virtra, without the mock-up vehicle (Virtra convoy sysem uses real vehicle so no cost to military their)
runs under 1/2 that amount.....
Hard to believe that LM does not include in their NEXT GEN...
Virtra's current generation equipment like:
>Threat Fire system
>drop-in tether-less system for in-service real weapons
>360 degree LIVE Film capability + Blue Screen + CGI MIX MEDIA
>Sound & Stage vibrational system
>Dual use: Screen configuration for shooting range/convoy training
> X factors like system uptime, etc. etc.
-------------------------------------------------------------
LM is currently filling it's orders for the N.G.C.C.T. with units they build in Florida + Meggitt weapons. Will they change that up now? Not sure.
Seems more likely they are anticipating additional future business in the peripheral department as the gov't seeks to intergrate legacy systems (LM's + others) around these new tech LM systems.
This way, they've sold their original Next Gen stuff, and
then the NEXT NEXT GEN stuff -Virtra equipment that they brand as LM's and offer to all systems as UPGRADES.
It's a racket.
Hopefully, Virtra can expand off the Threatfire into a family of products.
Am not going to hedge a price target, but execution of planned Threat Dynamic expansion alone could drive us strongly upward if done rapidly enough.
pete.
When the 4th LM order comes..........
So, is it just me, or do all these separate purchases by Lockheed Martin seem a tad bit off-kilter?
For the record am not complaining but....
Ordering accessories piecemeal (for evaluation), from an obvious system competitor (LM's Close Convoy Trainer is the spitting image of Virtra's IVR-360), at the very least reflects dissatisfaction with LM's subcontractor, Meggitt.
[M. orginally was the sub for LM's mobile Close Convoy Trainer, and looks to have been bumped down to weapons provider for the next generation system now being sold. Guess they could be completely dumped if this latest PR from Virrta fully develops into LM contract.]
Or, in a larger sense (which am strongly leaning towards at this point), apparent weaknesses in the original design and intergration of various components of LM's Trainer, suggest production changes on current simulation models are planned, or more likely upgrades to sold systems (for both LM's and competing systems) are anticipated. See post #23896
[BTW: LM started delivery of the Next Gen. Convoy Trainer a little over a year ago. Camp Pendelton has one]
Am curious at this point, if the 4th Lockheed order with be for:
>360 Degree LIVE Film ability + blue screen additions of live characters + CGI for computer animation creating a multi-mix
(versus LM's computer animation)
>Reconfigurable Screen Marksmanship Mode
(save the gov't some coin by pulling double duty (range training by folding out vid panels + convoy training)
>3-D Spatial Audio with Sound Transducers to Replicate Shock
of Heavy Guns and Mortar Fire
>IVR Raised Trainee Platform (for vibration sensory affect)
----------------------------------------------------------
Would it be fair to say that LM is about 2 generations behind Virtra here? [you'll have to imagine a Virta convoy scenerio below based on the vid, best that could be done on this end.]
LM
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/how/stories/convoy.html
VTSI
Where Lockheed takes VTSI...2D Moon!?
There has been some specific speculation on this board (yes, am guilty, lol) of exactly how extensively Lockheed Martin intends to utilize Virtra Systems dynamic interface device, the ThreatFire Belt.
Sure, we know of LM's next generation Close Convoy Trainer & obvious suitability with the TF belt:
---------------------------------
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/how/stories/convoy.html
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/CombatConvoySimulator/index.html
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/sts/ProductCards/CCS_PC.pdf
----------------------------------------
But, are there stated, grander ambitions here, which Virtra Systems could build off of, beyond 300+ belts necessary for the first installment of this next generation CCT among
10 military bases X 6 vehicle groups X 5 man crew that is initially committed?
Personally believe the answer is a resounding, YES.
And it goes beyond custom wireless bases we have just read of in the latest PR (which is great, because initially we were factoring only the sale of belts to LM).
INTERGRATION & UPGRADES
Not just the merging of geographically diverse units in virtual training [as if that were a small thing!], but the intergration of assorted developer's training devices themselves -the jumble of legacy stuff.
Upgrading pre-existing equipment for the purpose of configuring a singular (or certainly larger) virtual environment is the idea here.
So imagine Lockheed Martin, with a successful presentation of their NEXT GENERATION Marine CLose Combat Convoy Trainer (incorporating Virtra's Threatfire equipment), given the mandate to intergrate this specific tech. (+upgrades) into various manufacturers simulation equipment, to wrap everything around the centerpiece:
-LM's CCT product....and software.
Everybody plugged into a giant virtual convoy training exercise.
Virtra's Threatfire belt becomes Lockheed Martin's "HOOK" by which to draw-in and intergrate other manufacturing systems around their (LM's) Proprietary Trainer. Smart.
Imagine the unit sales of belts & now bases.....
Crazy idea from a VTSI poster boy?
maybe. Have been wrong before, and right a few.....
But read this first, then judge.
---------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.raydon.com/marketing_CD/pdfs/ConvoyTrainingEnablersMT2V13Iss1.pdf
Military Training Technology
ONLINE EDITION
Convoy Training Enablers
4-1-08
"There is a sense of urgency on the part of the military-industry team to field technology enhancements and new systems that will better allow the services' convoy operators to train as they will operate."
By Marty Kauchak
In December 2007 Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and General David Petraeus, commander, Multi-national Force Iraq, provided a cautiously upbeat assessment of recent U.S. and coalition military developments in Iraq. The two leaders reported progress in bringing down the U.S. troop numbers in Iraq, and reducing the number of Iraqi deaths and acts of violence against that population by about 60 percent during the last six months.
These gains aside, Iraq and a second theater of operations, Afghanistan, remain dangerous places for U.S. forces. While the requirement to operate in convoys continues for the services' ground personnel, the service men and women assigned to convoy duty must also detect and defeat new asymmetric threats that continue to be introduced by a very adaptive and agile enemy.
There is a sense of urgency on the part of the military-industry team to field technology that will better allow the services' convoy operators to train as they will operate. Convoy training systems' hardware and software are being upgraded to increase the fidelity of the virtual training
experience -with the promise of more enhancements and new systems in the near future.
The Requirement
The Army's expanding fleet of convoy trainers supports a mission that has not waned with troop redeployments and reported Improvements in in-theater security conditions. "The requirement for convoy training has not slackened. Its emphasis remains as important and as a high priority as it was 6 or even 12 months ago", pointed out Lieutenant Colonel Scott Pulford, product manager, Ground Combat Tactical Trainers (GCTT), U.S. Army PEO STRI.
The Marines will also complete convoy training well into the foreseeable future. "Convoy training requirements will not change. Marines must be prepared to respond as directed by higher authority", remarked 1st Lieutenant Géraldine Carey, PAO, Marine Corps Systems Command.
Against this broad requirement, industry is providing hardware and software upgrades for the services' convoy trainer fleets to better prepare warfighters for a dynamic battlefield.
One Army Product - Line Evolves
While the Army's growing fleet of convoy trainers allows its training audiences to complete virtually individual and unit training, and tactics and procedures, before they utilize them in a live-trainingevent or combat, the scenarios' instructional design remains focused on higher-level skills. "They really focus on challenging the leaders and building their decision-making skills that they go through related to any kind of incident," observed Pulford.
Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training & Support (STS)-delivered Virtual Combat Convoy Trainer(VCCT) and Close Combat Tactical Trainer-Reconfigurable Vehicle Simulator (CCTT-RVS) have been used to train Army and other services' warfighters to achieve higher-level skills and other competencies needed for these missions since 2004 in the case of VCCT, and 2006 for CCTT-RVS.
Lockheed Martin has delivered 23 VCCT and 28 CCTT-RVS systems, which have provided training to over 108,000 service members through October 2007, according to Andre Elias, director, virtual training solutions, Lockheed Martin.
The VCCT consists of a 53-foot, self-contained, déployable commercial trailer, capable of integration with other company training devices, including the CCTT-RVS and other CCTT family trainers. The trainer uses a full-scale HMMWV and simulation system that replicates scenarios troops might encounter, and it enables combat crews to communicate, maintain situational awareness and acquire targets, while moving at highway speeds operating in a convoy environment.
The Army's plan for upgrading its VCCT and CCTT-RVS trainers to keep them relevant includes both technology enhancements for both trainers, and capability improvements such as integrating route clearance units and the mission into its VCCTs. The highest priority upgrade would increase the VCCT's current 270-degree (horizontal) field-of-view (FOV) visual system to 360 degrees. "This is a spin-off of the CCTT-RVS that feeds into Lockheed Martin STS's Marine Corps' combat convoy simulator that just [went] underway.
We have seen the importance of giving the crew a more immersive feel for their training experience, "reflected Pulford. The second PEO STRI priority will further integrate the VCCTs into the legacy CCTT family of systems.
[EDITED HERE FOR LENGTH.pete]
Second Army Solution
Raydon has supplied a Virtual Combat Operations Trainer (VCOT) and its variant of the VCCT to the Army's active and National Guard components. Both systems are trailer-based and immerse HMMWV crews in an integrated learning, geospecific and cultural-typical environment that is fed to the student via a 360 degree (horizontal) FOV visual display maximizing situational awareness. Upgrades to Raydon's two trainer models allow them to keep pace with its customers' dynamictactics, techniques and procedures. For one application, "we are adding a dismounted capability to allow the crew in back the ability to conduct searches outside the vehicle as their evolving doctrine requires," said Ariel. Two other VCOT and VCCT upgrades are increasing the fidelity of asymmetric training and the scenarios' content library.
While the early trainers supported Baghdad missions, the cultural-typical venues have evolved to include corridors between Baghdad-Tikrit and other Iraqi cities, routes in Kabul and other Afghancities, and in Bosnia. "As we build up that content library, we can also build titles on top of it-ambush, IEDs and those type of things," he remarked.
Raydon has delivered 34 VCOTs to the Army National Guard and nine VCCT units to its Army customer, totaling more than 550 convoy seats. "The Army National Guard has the largest convoy training fleet of all the components", pointed out Ariel.
The company is exploring how to integrate military convoy training missions into other organizations' requirements. "The Defense Language Institute has asked us to configure a unique convoy training application that matches their objectives. And several of the states are now acquiring capabilities themselves as they set up their regional training areas. So we are seeing an aggressive demand with a lot of pull in different directions—beyond getting the technology to the warfighter," he concluded.
New Entry
The U.S. Marine Corps awarded a $52.5 million contract to Lockheed Martin STS in October 2007 to develop a new generation of immersive convoy simulators. The company is using its technology foundation on which to build the next-generation combat convoy simulator (CCS). The system is being produced by Lockheed Martin STS at its Orlando facility.
Initial CSS unit delivery is expected in summer 2008. The proposed locations for the 10 CSS systems are "Camp Pendleton, Calif.; Camp Lejeune, N.C.; Marine Corps Base Hawaii; Camp Hansen, Okinawa; and various reserve training sites that haveyet to be announced," said Carey.
Each simulator will have six, five-man crew simulator student stations, representing four HMMWVs and two Medium Tactical Vehicle replacements. The stations will be located in adjoining rooms in one building and linked together to allow deploying units to virtually train as they will operate. The student stations will be networked to an instructor-operator workstation.
The current generation of simulation weapons in a convoy trainer is commonly tethered to a workstation. As a weapon is fired, machines send pulses of pressurized air through a cable to simulate the recoil. One of the CSS's technology improvements will be the inclusion of wireless weapons.
FATS (Meggitt Training Systems) is the CSS sub-contractor for supplying the weapons simulations. "The customer wanted the small-arm weapons to be wireless to make it much easier for trainee tomaneuver in and out of the vehicle, and complete other tasks," remarked Lockheed Martin's Elias. The STS team will also use technology enhancements that were developed through in-house research and development efforts. "We've invested in better visual fidelity. When you see the imagery you will see a more visually-rich environment over the full 360 degree (horizontal) field-of-view," said Elias. The CSS's imagery will be projected on eight screens and on a vehicle's rearview mirror.
The fidelity of the CSS scenarios has also been bolstered over existing systems. "The animation of the characters has improved. There are a larger number of moving vehicles and people, and there are enhanced crowd and vehicle behaviors. These are things the trainees will notice and appreciate,as they add to the realism of the mission," noted Elias.
The Army is also watching with interest the progress of the Marine-specific program. "From my program office and PM CATT as a whole, we are going to watch how that develops and evolves.
As the technologies mature, the training tasks and technologies that support them will certainly be eligible to migrate to the Army VCCT and CCTT- RVS programs of record or to future service contracts," added PEO STRI's Pulford.
[EDITED FOR LENGTH HERE..pete]
No big secret Bearslayre...read it here:
http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2009/08/18/331107/pictures-sanswire-makes-engine-progress-for-its-airship.html
DATE:18/08/09
SOURCE:Flight InternationalPICTURES: Sanswire makes engine progress for its airship
By Rob Coppinger
Airship development joint venture Sanswire-TAO has completed testing of its STS-111's propulsion system at 9,000ft (2,750m) with a goal of operating at 15,000ft. The next step will be testing of the propulsion system at increasing altitudes.
The company says that flight tests to date, with its 23m scale-model prototype at 3,000ft, have increased manoeuvrability, reduced overall drag through its own adaptive trim system and extended endurance
AKFish, thanks and more.................
When we look at what Virtra recorded in the 10Q with that 5M share purchase and subsequent payment to Dutchess, it was cool to see the transaction ADDED over $30,000 to Shareholder Equity! Not often a company makes a payment and pockets cash on the deal, lol. Fact is, that was the only payment recorded as doing such in the 10Q....
But really, the quarterly was littered with unique events which caught/defied the general read.
Sure it's easy to see the paydowns on the liability-side and say "This is significant!"
Because everybody understands the sign of recovery/health this represents and the importance of lessening the debt burden during this economic climate.
But what about the "other-side" of the equation?
The GROWTH SIDE.
Are we honestly casting a critical eye to Capital Goods, at the funds poured into tangible/intangible assets that provide the infrastructure for future expansion?
Me? Just started last night...lol.
So, what's the skinny?
For all of 2008, Virtra spent on Capital goods:
under $48,000
(not refering here to R&D which VTSI expensed during first three quarters 2008.)
--------------------------
For 2009 2nd quarter alone, Virtra spent on Capital goods:
$97,000 or more than double all of 2008.
If you add the $33,000 from Q1 2009 that's 2.7 Times all 2008.
These transactions were covered by the cash flow for each respective quarter. No financing recorded.
Same for Capitalized Development Costs (video production) of $127,522.
So, for six months of 2009, Virtra spent
better than:
--------------------------------
1/4 million on Capital Goods/Development
out of approx.:
2 million Revenue
OR
1/2 million Net Income
--------------------------------
AKFish, am no expert on corporate growth, but i like what Virtra has done with it's assets in the past. And have got to imagine, based on the strength of ratios we can draw from the general figures above, Virtra appears to have
recently structured itself for strong sales expansive going forward.
Sure seems they are not shy to invest in themselves, and that's why we are here!
Anyway, this is all a personal take on this. Have been wrong in the past....and right a few...lol.
Peace, brother.
imawswami
AKFish, was studying that when you posted!
There must be some sort of psychic link here between us....lol
Here is the statement from the 10Q
------------------------------
"On September 30, 2008 VirTra Systems, Inc. entered into a Settlement and Release Agreement with Dutchess. The agreement
states that VirTra agrees to pay Dutchess $550,000 in stock or cash without a prepayment penalty. No interest shall accrue on
the Principal Settlement Amount. This agreement supersedes and clears all prior obligations with Dutchess. As of June 30,
2009 the total amount owed to Dutchess was $450,660."
--------------------------------
The thing that i was looking into was how much it cost Virtra to eliminate $76,244 from our debt to Dutchess, thus reducing us to the $450,660 figure above.
Turns out that when Virtra bought the 5M Dalby shares from Pine Springs Capital, it was at .013 @ share. Virtra used 2.401M of those to eliminate $76,244 of our debt to D.
So, math says Virtra paid .013 but "converted/sold/whatever"
them to Dutch at .03175 @ share.
So on the good side Virtra saved a grip of money, but since they chose to pay D. in stock rather than cash it is causing this dilution we are currently seeing in the stock price. Dutch dumping shares....that what it seems to me at least.
AKFish, hope that helps,
pete
Hey Teeroy, glad to hear from you.
Let's ask a question: Is an extended warranty recorded as income or as revenue?
If an Extended warranty is immediately accounted as a source of income, then in theory, there could be no matching future costs associated with it (e.g. a customer in the future needs repairs on this IVR, thus incurring a cost to Virtra). Income is final, not fluid.
But if the extended warranty is treated as Revenue -because a future claim or cost may need to be applied against it, then we would be able to account for future costs of goods on such a service, yes?
In this simple accounting example, revenue recognition is recorded on the second line of the income statement.
'Other Revenue' covers the sale of extended warranty. As proof this is correct, the third line reads....
Cost of sales and SERVICES.
Thus, any service calls or other costs pertaining to issuing an extended warranty would be recorded on this line.
Teeroy, let me ask you, what services is Virtra selling, that they would need to record 'Cost of Goods and Services Sold' against, besides maybe warranties?
Anyway, that's the way am accounting for Virtra's extended warranties -in my mind. Would gladly read and learn from your take on things, especially since you have been reading VTSI reports far longer than i....
Nite now.
Hey blackfish: am looking at the 6th record!
Blackfish,
Totally agree. With these kinds of quarter-on-quarter results coupled with our share price in the 4 cent range (....or less! lol) it's an easy call. Like MC1005 wrote a few days ago. Look to acquire 1% of outstanding and sit on it.
Took his advice a year ago, and still going strong.
But, really, 3rd quarter (our sixth record) is in the bag already, lol, i find that incredible!
As you write, " it's really quite amazing considering the economic environment. 99 percent of companies can't match their success over this same time period."
Sargeant-Preston,
Too funny, couldn't have written that any better. Got to believe this little gem has got an extra mag on the hip, back-up on the ankle, and a boot knife for sure!
Bucchus17,
Margins are so scary strong here, it's being capitalized by Ferris as we are reading in the uptick in marketing and discounting going on at the NY trade show, and guessing others.
Can only imagine that the HD system price drops we are seeing in retail outlets are also padding Virtra's bottom line. Allowing them the luxury of spending more on expo exposure and general marketing....
Which, of course, only perpetuates sales.....
Ruffieruff,
What's there to say,
Virtra may choose the format of public release if they wish, so it might be up to the investor to visit the company website. Got no problem with that. Look, did they PR next quarters revenues that are prebooked? no. Did they expound on the ThreatDynamics profits? no.
Yet, the DD is publicly available within the 10Q. Just got to dig....no biggie. So too with Threatfire II.
Hope you're working on that 1% stake now, Ruffieruff. When ThreatDynamics Store #11 opens, it'll be a little expensive to attempt at that point. There, can't say you have not been informed publically....pete
(obviously, opinion only here. Buy if you wish or not it's always an individual call. peace)
What Bob left out of the PR........
Such a solid and building 10Q, am totalling impressed by Virtra.
The VTSI PR for the 2nd Quarter just pounds away at the stats, and for myself it's all they pretty much need to say.....
With two exceptions: Guidance & Threat Dynamics Investment
GUIDANCE
How many of us have silently or openly voiced the opinion on this board of a lack of guidance on future business for Virtra?
As investors, probably to the man. But the reality is, in a low unit sales model, where one less/more sale can make or break a quarter it's pretty hard to be accurate.
Further, orders based on local/state/national gov't purchases add time and complexity to the equation of "future sales".
But as business starts to "thicken", rise in bookings and move beyond an unsteady flow of orders (through heavier marketing, discounting, etc.), investors can begin to see more of the business.
Case-in-Point is this from the latest 10Q:
----------------------
"During 2nd Quarter 2009, we had three large projects nearly completed in the production stage. Our percentage of completion
is based on total costs incurred to date compared to the estimated total cost of each contract. Of the partially completed work at
June 30, 2009, we have incurred total costs of $290,925 on contracts totaling $1,237,243 of total revenue..."
---------------------
Put in perspective, the best quarter VTSI has had grossed 1.22 million and the above amount does not reflect sales actually made during the 3rd quarter.... So we are looking at a record 3rd qrt. 2009.
Additionally, "funds" coming into Virtra for this upcoming period should include Threat Dynamics monies, yes? Which brings us to the 2nd exception:
THREAT DYNAMICS INVESTMENT
$86,663 for OTHER INCOME line in 2nd quarter 2009 10Q.
That's 10% of our systems sales in the same period. Significant.
How much of that amount is TD? Looks like all or almost all (financing charges Virtra was collecting appear over).
So if Virtra is collecting, this kind of coin (off the top) from Threat D., imagine for a second how well that operation must be going.....
If Virtra was collecting say....10% of revenues (which is substantial BTW), then TD did well over 3/4 of a million in sales for quarter 2. This from a company that began in March. Obviously, somebody did their marketing research. [wonder how soon before TD 2 shows up!]
No wonder they have been working 6 day work weeks, and already have bookings in SEPTEMBER....
Anyway, just two cents worth, and a big thanks to BoB and crew for a great, great quarter.
imawswami
Hey Weeble, it's been awhile, welcome back....
Kind of a refresher here for all, but in case any have forgotten, Virtra's marketing commitment for the New York Law Enforcement Expo was first mentioned in a PR posted by Scruffy89. Post #23644 back in June:
VTSI Purchases 5 Million Shares Of Common Stock
VIRTRA PURCHASES 5 MILLION SHARES OF ITS COMMON STOCK
TEMPE, AZ - June 30, 2009 - VirTra Systems, Inc. Bob Ferris, VirTra Systems' CEO and president (OTC:VTSI.PK), today announced VirTra has just purchased 5,000,000 shares of its common stock.
The stock was originally issued to General Perry Dalby, who sold it to Pine Springs Capital. VirTra Systems purchased the shares from Pine Springs Capital. The shares are to be retired and therefore will decrease the number of shares outstanding.......................
In an unrelated transaction, VirTra recently sold 1,000,000 shares of stock for proceeds of $35,000. Revenue from transactions like this will likely go toward fees associated with upcoming trade-shows.
VirTra signed the contract today to have a 40 x 40 booth with an IVR-300 HD™ simulator at the New York Law Enforcement Expo, which will be held on September 9th and 10th on Pier 94, in New York, NY. VirTra has already committed to a total of 4 tradeshows between now and the end of 2009.
“VirTra is committed to making smart decisions with regard to our equity. There are times when it serves the company’s best interest to purchase back shares of our stock and there are times when it serves the company’s best interest to sell shares of our stock. Every move we make is designed to strengthen and grow VirTra, while eliminating remaining liabilities.” said Bob Ferris, CEO and president of VirTra."
------------------------------------------------------------
Weeble, personally, this is exactly the aggressive attack marketing a leader (on the high end) needs to pursue during hard economic times.
Budgets are constrained, yet the need (as we read in past posts) and the cost savings for departments exists in spades.
What better incentive is their for the decision makers?
Plus, the unique on-site discounting might just streamline the whole process. Take some of the slack time out, which only equates to more wasted dollars for both parties involved.
For us investors, a solid game plan now is revealed. 4 TRADESHOWS where all the stops are pulled. Expediated sales in exchange for deeper discounting on a long term cash cow for Virtra.
I like it!
IN u'r Face competitors: VTSI Biggie @ NYLAWEXPO
Virtra centerstage at NY Law Enforcement Expo this Sept.
(if this brochure has already been posted i apologize in advance for the repetition, but it is just so good to see!)
http://www.palawexpo.com/nylawgrfx/09NYattndmlr.pdf
This is exactly what we have been waiting for: Virtra systems to take the marketing gloves off COMPLETELY.
Forget about just appearing at more trade shows. Forget about just splurging on expo advertising. Yes, it's great to do......BUT, let's pull out all the stops on our high end top-of-the-line product.
LET'S DISCOUNT OUT THE DAMN DOOR!!
Discounts are exactly what we need to see at this point in time.
All exclamation asside, Virtra has been treading too nicely for too long in this industry. They are high end product in a tough economy and the reality is, the winner must fight all-or-nothing to win. And let's be truthful, margins here allow for this.
Has anybody noticed the quarterly uptrend in that? And really,
once we place one of these IVR units, the live span is typically over a decade? Imagine all the dollar added revenue garnered through extended warranty, maintenance, expansion, software content, and peripherals.......
Like an Xbox, just get the thing in the home and live off the margins on content & such.
Anyway, my hyped-up commentary as usual on a very much hoped for move by VIRTRA. Well done Bob!
imawswami