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Congrats SNSR to the OTC! Said it-Did it.
Brochure is very nice indeed!
WarpCore, that was a hell of a call, taking on a pro-offered bet like that. Kudos for being both accurate and gutsy. Am betting also, that both of these attributes will further be polished with events to come.
Go Dr. Kroplin!
ssparsons, so kind to write that -here's more
The source of the pdf obviously is the lockheedmartin site, which is periodically being combed through. The purpose: to better comprehend the LM simulation division and roughly guage just how extensively the threat-fire belt could be utilized by the various programs.
If you can squeeze a moment, check out a few of those sims from the full list -with an eye toward Threat-fire sales:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/sts/products.html
Ssparsons, as far as the estimate on Q2, it's just that (was a bit generous in the net income department...lol).
But it does accurately exclude one important sale, as it should.
Have come across a bit of info the Australian sale, which recently stated the $500,000 IVR system has yet to be installed, so that amount was not included in the second quarter sales.
Which is kinda cool really, because it will set-up another VTSI quarter nicely.....$$
take care,
pete
Tbonaces80 for laughs here's Earnings est. Q2
Just a guess based on the tidbits we know on sales and past earnings trends:
Virtra tops over 1 million for Q2 in total sales revenue, continuing a trend of beating quarter from previous year. Breakdown is as follows:
New system sales: 1,100,000
other............. 200,000+
Total sales.......$1.3 million
Net Income (barring extraordinary events)
...................$350,000
----------------------------------------------------------
Am not looking for Lockheed Martin announcement prior to earnings. Am hoping LM announcement is a fait accompli for Virtra, timing of deal though appears less certain.
Threatfire belt tied directly to the LM Next Generation Convoy Trainer appears the trigger point to further expansion into legacy systems:
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/data/assets/sts/ProductCards/CCS_PC.pdf
Next Generation Convoy Trainer systems are initially set for 10 locations, thus:
10 locations X 6 vechicle simulators each X 5 threatfire belts
= 300 Threatfire belts @ $2500 = $750,000 (or greater if they charge more) order split in some fashion between LM and Virtra based on current TF belt price.
More importantly, the NGC Trainer is meant to intergrate with legacy LM trainers, potentially creating a super training environment inclusive of local/regional/national/international elements, depending on the training parameters.
If the Threatfire belt is envisioned to be incorported into such a setting (and personal hunch it is), training simulators for tanks, personel carriers, supply viehicles, etc. etc. could be configured to support the use of the belt.
Imagining competiting defense contractors of simulation training systems licensing with Virtra for the same is definitely intriguing....
Am looking for an announcement on ThreatDynamics expansion, sometime after Sept., -breaking ground- not ready to open.
Obviously very optimistic here, but believe that this group is very aware of market forces within new industries, thus they will seek to run quicker than average. Would not be surprised if multiple unit announcement by one year anniversary.
Quarterly results of this magnitude, coupled with Virtra's purchase (w/ cash) of Dalby 5 million share pool, and a very quiet Virtra also re-enforces the belief (by myself at least) that this company is geared for continued double digit growth for the forseeable future.
just my take,
pete
Family+ThreatDynamics+youtube=Disneyvideoalbum
As a marketer, this is exactly what you strive for.
An environment that the whole family can be involved in, which they in-turn seek to memorialize -and what better way then on Youtube!
Mom shooting:
A customer can ask for anything he/she wants
"HiSentinel clearly doesn't meet these requirements"
coastiretired
Real simple for you: Right now, who looks to even remotely meet the gov'ts demand for this project?l
Read anybody testing that kind of cake? me neither.
If they are crashing (hisentinel) with 50 lbs payloads, gosh
2500lbs for WEEKS on end. Right....
So if NOBODY can do it RIGHT NOW, then maybe they will take what they can get in the NEARFUTURE? yes?
If this thing were so nearterm, Lockheed should be able to RIGHT NOW, slap solar cells and electric engines on the GOODYEAR BLIMP, add autopilot and motor around for nearly a month.....
Nobody, as you keep insisting, is stating SWRI "SELL PRODUCTS" or even needs to. Right now NOBODY IS SELLING what the gov't wants on this project, anyway.
Gov't would be more than happy with a great design on this.....SWRI's forte perhaps, yes?
Do you see any one even remotely close to moving 2500 lbs, autonomously, using hybrid propulsion (solar+electic) a fuel source self generated, launched remotely, reusable, no aistrip, and for NEARLY A MONTH?
no
Altitude is almost a bad joke at this point because NOBODY has even come close to this at ANY ELEVATION. Hisentinel-50 handled 50 lbs and crashed with solar/electric.
LEMV CAN BE STRATOSHPERIC
YES, the Gov't as customer can ask for anything they want. The contention by some on this board, myself included, is that they (gov't) are not going to get it, Not even close, especially FAST-TRACKED as they are attempting to do.
Which OBVIOUSLY leads us to REDUCED LOADS, questions elevation (because frankly 20,000ft wind-wize is not even close to the sweet spot in the sky), and much more dollars spend.
ON THE SURFACE, this looks more like a gov't handout to research, so yes, IF NO ONE IS EVEN CLOSE to the govt specs,
SWRI should put their name down based on the work of the HISENTINEL. $5 million would help nicely am sure. Hey, at least they are closer to this project then anyone else i've seen who is throwing airships up.
Oh, simple solution for the weight. Gov't just buys more airships handling less payload.....boy, that was hard.
Most importantly, the gov'ts vision here is exactly what Kroplin warned about: solving a problem with flawed design (in this case the classic blimp design the big military contractors so love) by making it BIGGER (say for payloads sake) is doomed. This thing is going to be Streamlined like HISENTINEL/STS, and payload flexible, elevation is where ever is best to stay up for nearly a month.
COASTIE:SWRI designed the HISENTINEL, u deny?
SWRI designed the HiSentinel and provided the telemetry, flight control, power and propulsion system, and that's why they are some of people behind this project. To state otherwise is a lie.
And who better to know the design specs (ie. payload parameters than SWRI).
So yes, SouthWest Research Ins. name on the interested party list obviously involves the HiSentinel offering, since it is a nearterm LEMV.
Who better to make craft changes for the military then the architect of the airship. And is there really a need to place the names of all the other subordinate partners on the list. Apparently not.
Coastie refer to this article found at the bottom of SNSR board post #107826.
--------------------------------------------------------------
STRATOSPHERIC AIRSHIP CRASHES HERE
By DWAIN LAIR
Times Staff ” dwainl@harrisondaily.com
08/06/2008
Updated 08/13/2008 02:06:04 AM CDT
Joel Hartlerode's eyes may have blinked in wonder about dusk Wednesday, June 4.
A giant balloon, like space vehicles imagined by science-fiction writer Jules Verne more than 100 years ago in "Master of the World," floated past the family's house near Compton.
He videoed a "huge, long floating balloon," according to his mother, Diane Hartlerode. His video recorded the time as 8:23 p.m. June 4 (2008).
The video shoes the balloon changing position, first horizontal, then vertical, with what appears to be an antenna pointing downward.
She said the family watched the balloon until it went over the slope and out of sight, descending in the direction of property owned by Ronnie Ramsey.
Sunday afternoon, July 20, Ronnie Ramsey rode a tractor on his farm near Hill Top, clipping grass and weeds on roads and fields. Easing down a steep slope, he spotted what looked like a long tarp. He thought it must have blown off a neighbor's round hay bales.
Closer investigation revealed the lines of a tall balloon, a carcass he estimated at 75 yards long.
He eventually located a part number and manufacturer on an electronic component connected to the balloon. The manufacturer said four identical electronic components had been sold since 2000 and all to Southwest Research Institute.
A phone call to the San Antonio, Texas-based company answered his questions, and the phone call ended Southwest Research Institute's hunt for the balloon.
According to William Perry and Steve Smith of Southwest Research Institute, the stratospheric airship failed about noon June 4 (2008), descended near Roswell, N.M., and was pierced by a barbed-wire fence. They said high winds tore the airship free from its 400 to 450-pound pod. Without guidance or GPS tracking equipment, the balloon ascended into the jet stream, where it traveled from near Roswell to Hill Top in about eight hours.
At 180 feet long and 40 feet in diameter, they said the HiSentinel50 that landed in Boone County isn't one of their larger airships. But the solar-powered, self-propelled airship is capable of cruising in the stratosphere at 65,000 feet.
It is being designed for use by the Department of Defense, Homeland Security and other agencies that need to carry payloads into the stratosphere, anything from spy satellites to disaster relief.
The craft is called a HiSentinel stratospheric airship, and the hull is sewn by Aerostar International. The exterior resembles a dirigible like the Hindenburg, but the interior isn't supported by a metal frame. Perry and Smith said the hull is partially inflated with helium at launch. Rising vertically like a tall, thin balloon, the helium expands. When the hull is completely filled, the craft has a rigid aerodynamic shape and stretches out horizontally.
In late 2005, Southwest Research Institute, in a project supported by Aerostar International and the Air Force Research Laboratory, reportedly launched a 146-foot-long airship with a 60-pound equipment pod from Roswell, and it attained an altitude of 74,000 feet.
Designed for launch from remote sites, these airships don't require large hangars or special facilities. "There are a number of stratospheric airship programs being promoted around the world, but this is the first of these programs to successfully fly a real airship in near-space," Perry said in 2005, speaking as assistant director of Space Systems.
Southwest designed the airship and provided the telemetry, flight control, power and propulsion systems. Aerostar International fabricated the hull and participated in the integration and test flight. Air Force Research Laboratory developed the launch system, provided facilities and supported the launch and recovery.
Perry and Smith recovered the solar panel Monday evening, and were joined by Aerostar International representatives Tuesday morning as they recovered the damaged airship. Treetops on Ramsey's property apparently had pulled the solar panel off the airship about 200 feet south of where the airship eventually landed. The fabric was threaded between trees, with the tail twisted and its attached fins wrapped around the top of a tree.
The HiSentinel50 that landed on Ramsey's farm is in a class of long-endurance autonomous solarelectric, stratospheric airships capable of lifting small to medium payloads to near-space altitudes for durations of longer than 30 days for communications, military and scientific applications.
--------------------------
Thanks for all the LEMV feedback
Just one question. Why do you suppose Southwest Research, the people behind the HiSentinel, are on the LEMV list of "interested parties", yet they clearly state the payload range for their production model is 200lbs max.?
http://pdf.aiaa.org/preview/CDReadyMLTA09_2108/PV2009_2852.pdf(Hale-D is Lockheed Martin HAA)
Coastie makes a valid point: 2500lbs is beyond STS-series payload range, but Hi-Sentinel's 200LBS.....come on, and they signed-up!
Like Just John alluded to....Maybe the military needs to buy a few more ships with a little less payload each...ya think? lol
Can't blame them for wanting 2500lbs under one airship, but they also want it portable, not airstrip dependent, yada, yada ,yada.
Sanswire's name might not be on the interested parties list, but the need for such a craft exists well beyond Afghanistan's borders.
Thanks again to all.
pete
STS-230 a LEMV so read this!
-----------------------------
Quick note: Sinful & Nirlemerlin Thanks for the comments, but really it's Sami that is owed kudos. He got me off the couch, with his emails...lol. Sami, Ok Am back!! thanks
Who on I-HUB has the specs on Sanswire STS-230? Could you share them, please? Cuz am thinking it's a LEMV.
DOD/ARMY want to move fast in developing LEMV hybrid airships for work in Afghanistan. 21 days up time, no airstrip, portable, reusable, hybrid propulsion, 2500 lb payload, 16kw of power etc.
Here are a bunch of super current articles: on this latest development. Hybrid refers to the engine propulsion options: Switching from running off solar cell/fuel cell/battery or *other motor/propulsion sources. So Fuel/Gas works here.
The STS-111 is too small for this operation but....am thinking Big Brother STS-230 at what 70 meters long! Hey, it's part of the spiral development program (tail end) and man that could store a lot of gas.
Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle
---------------------------------------------------------------
Cost money article 1: (just a summation cuz am too cheap to buy!lol)
http://www.defensenewsstand.com/
DOD Seeks to Launch Hybrid Airship Program As Soon as This Summer
DefenseAlert, July 17, 2009 -- The Pentagon wants to accelerate the launch of a new Army-led rapid-acquisition program to field a combat hybrid airship, seeking permission from Congress to immediately fund a Long Endurance Multi-INT hybrid air vehicle (LEMV) program -- a program that aims to provide U.S. troops in Afghanistan with a quantum leap forward in overhead surveillance.
------------------------------------------------
cost money article 2:
http://defensenewsstand.com/insider.asp?issue=07212009
July 21, 2009
DOD Seeks to Launch Hybrid Airship Program As Soon As This Summer
The Pentagon wants to accelerate the launch of a new Army-led rapid-acquisition program to field a combat hybrid airship, seeking permission from Congress to immediately fund a Long Endurance Multi-INT hybrid air vehicle (LEMV) program -- a program that aims to provide U.S. troops in Afghanistan with a quantum leap forward in overhead surveillance.
On July 8, Pentagon comptroller Robert Hale sent all four congressional defense committees a $3.6 billion proposal to shift funds within the fiscal year 2009 budget from lower- to high-priority needs. Within that proposal is a move to direct $5 million for the new LEMV program, which will be run -- with cooperation from the Air Force and Navy -- by the Army Space and Missile Defense Command in Huntsville, AL.
"Funds are required to support the initial acquisition planning and development for a Long Endurance Multi-INT Hybrid Airship," states the reprogramming. "This will provide operational forces with a persistent platform of up to two weeks on-station time, with an integrated multi-INT [intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance] sensor suite."
----------------------------------------------------------
Free article:
http://www.dtic.mil/descriptivesum/Y2010/Army/0603308A.pdf
Project #978 funds Space Control and the Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV). The Army Space Superiority (SS) Family of Systems (FoS) provides groundbased tactically centric space information superiority capabilities to meet current Joint Requirements and validated Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) capability gaps.Space information superiority has gained importance with proliferation of satellite technologies and availability of space data products. Adversaries now have near equal accessto a full array of space data products which reduces our information superiority. The Army Space Superiority (SS) Family of Systems (FoS) concept consists of ground basedsensors for space situational awareness and advanced ground based tactical capabilities to establish and maintain assured space data access and information superiority for support of tactical operations.
----------------------------------------------------------------
http://www.army.mil/standto/
7-21-09
Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle
What is it?
The Long Endurance Multi-Intelligence Vehicle (LEMV) is a state-of-the-art hybrid airship that will provide persistent time-on station for additional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) to the theater commander. LEMV will add ISR capability to meet the growing needs of the combatant commanders. Combined with an array of payloads - including ground moving target indicator radar, electro optical/infra-red sensors, communications relay, blue force tracking, signal intelligence and electronic counter measures - the LEMV will augment existing ISR platforms to provide additional capabilities.
LEMV design requirements include the capability to operate at 20,000 feet above mean sea level, a 2,000-mile radius of action, a 21-day on-station availability, consume 16 kilowatts of electrical power, reduced flight-hour costs compared to manned flights, be runway independent and the ability to carry several different sensors at the same time. LEMV will be a recoverable and reusable multi-mission platform.
What has the Army done?
The Office of the Secretary of Defense intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (OSD ISR) task force has selected the Army Space and Missile Defense Command/ Army Forces Strategic Command as the lead for this joint program. USASMDC/ARSTRAT is currently in the process of building a joint team to ensure the LEMV program benefits all services as well as numerous other U.S. government agencies. LEMV is working with the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program manager for the use of existing UAS architecture for ground control and to meet future needs.
What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?
The Army is slated to demonstrate the first LEMV in Afghanistan (18 months after contract award) with proposed plans to build five others following mission completion. The Army, as well as other services, is interested in the latest development of ISR payloads that can be flown on a hybrid airship platform of this type.
Why is this important to the Army?
The LEMV will offer payload flexibility and a persistent ISR capability that currently does not exist in theater today. LEMV will provide a possible solution to communications beyond the line-of-sight to the user, signals intelligence collection and almost any other type of payload configuration that meets the power, weight and size requirements. By providing this all-source sensor data to existing ground stations, the data is available to multiple users and analysts. This interoperability with existing tasking, processing exploitation and dissemination has the potential to improve information-poor situations, mitigating warfighter gaps and existing shortfalls through multi-intelligence sensor integration. The LEMV will enable OSD to fly the most technologically advanced payloads in the near term as they become available.
Resources:
USASMDC/ARSTRAT Web site
Document: USASMDC/ARSTRAT High Altitude Efforts
Nice to see our guys out last Thursday testing...
Man, what a beautiful day, with some wind for a change. Check out the article/pic:
http://www.teckbote.de/region/lokales/Artikel2066668.cfm
Interesting that Stuttgart has reverted back to the
"Luftwurm" moniker. Always makes the search a tad more challenging that way.
Bacchus17 and all.....a correction
Post #23694 falsely stated a connection between a building of 18,622 sq. ft. and a Cawley Architect design labeled Virtra Systems 29,879 sq. ft.
The 18,622 pad was owned by Bob Ferris under Ferris Holdings LLC, and sold in 2006.
PR Sept. 2006
"Ferris Holdings LLC, owned by VirTra president Bob Ferris, on Sept. 15 sold its building at 5631 S. 24th St. for $1.21 million, according to a VirTra Form 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The purchaser was MW Building LLC.
All proceeds from the sale were applied to repayment of the existing bank loan, company officials said in the SEC filing."
http://www.loopnet.com/property/13616700/5631-South-24-Street/
Thus, this is unrelated to the much larger Cawley/Virtra vision.
Bacchus, thanks for pointing this possibility out.
pete
Bacchus17, thanks, just got home, will look see
Yeah, looks too quick on the draw on my part with that second post connecting a smaller facility to the much larger Cawley development.
Was not aware of the transaction 2 years ago.
Thanks again.
You folks are not going to believe this....
Well, was very close in the last post. Virtra did not lease an older warehouse...........
they bought one.
cash must not be a problem.
So here's what obviously transacted:
Virtra went cruising for an upgrade, found it in a 18,622sq.ft. facility. It's a buyers market, and they got the cash flow, so they got the price they wanted. Probably a steal. Cawley was consulted at some point, drew up plans to tack on the extra 11,300 odd foot addition, which obviously is the office and presto Virtra has a facility they will be in (probably not fully completed) by this November.
So, is this company amazing or what!?!
TEEROY, got to think you are right. Threat Dynamics is going to help pay the morgage! Got to love it. Good call.
And all for .04 @ share. CAN YOU BELIEVE IT?!
A company that can afford to buy their own showroom/production
site.........
http://www.cmnphx.com/BrokerResumes/Rob.Martensen.pdf
[excerpt]
Vertical Communications Industrial (Lease) 19,180 sq.ft.
Virtra Systems Industrial (Sale) 18,622 sq.ft.
CC Converting Industrial (Lease) 18,026 sq. ft.
-------------------------------------------------------
bacchus17 send a throw away email address to:
samsonssocks@gmail.com, thanks.
T, multi-use facility is a good fit...
Ferris' instincts have been dead-on. From the development of the IVR systems, to the string of patent apps in 2004, to last years major redirection of the company, one can't help but see the man has a major league game plan -and most likely a timetable.
While not everything has gone his way, those events that have, show themselves to be industry/company changing. And it is now, after 5 years short years of selling the IVR line, Virtra appears to be hitting it's stride.
Lockheed, Threatdynamics, PEO STRI partnership, growing distribution infrastructure, and now what appears expanded production facilities would only naturally fit into such a mix.
So given the above, with a lease soon to be up, and in the middle of a collapsing commercial market, what to do?
Running fast and hard, focus on vacant appropiate sized pads, hire an architect for remodel rendering, (mostly front office stuff, the rest is warehouse anyway), and negotiate hard.
My area is loaded with vacant overbuild commercial units, so a national downturn like this pays for the remodel pretty much, so Bob splurges.
Plus, as you say TEEROY, throw a ThreatDynamics facility into the mix, so paying the rents no problem. Nice.
Whether or not the office portion remodel is finished in November, Virtra moves into the backend (only slight remodel here) warehousing/production facility, and surprisingly enough it's not much different from the digs they left.
Looking at the Cawley site, Virtra's pics are different from almost every (only one other had them) project or board rendering. The focus on the interior shots was not characteristic of the architect. Makes one think they were selling Virtra on the added aesthetics in the task of changing something rather then building from scratch.
Also, building from scratch is time consuming, dealing with city demands etc........ remodel is much more run-n-gun. Like a man with a plan.
Anyway, that's one angle.
Learned...am just as pleasantly perplexed.
And the reason was apprehensive about posting this stuff from the beginning. What a fantastic structure, and the computer renderings of the office interior make quite a statement to me.
Is this an envisioned project for way down the road?
A nearterm remodel of an existing structure?
Have they started?
Have we grown that much?
etc.
L, what is known:
Virtra's lease on the current building is up in November.
This rendering is for 30,000 sq. ft., which is nearly 4X current digs. Even if this project never sees light, there has to be a reason for establishing the parameters of size.
Anticipated growth defines projected production space.
Virtra's current bill on facilities is $8000 a month. That equates to $1 dollar a square foot, or just under $100K a year. Looked at another way, the gross profit from the recent sale to Bellavue W. (including threat fire belts) would cover the majority of that cost.
Have no idea what it would run to lease a pad like we just viewed, but it sure looks like it would take a lot of system sales to cover that nut...lol.
So maybe that won't be such a biggee in the Future for Virtra
New facility for Virtra?...take a peek
http://www.cawleyarchitects.com/projects.php?type=On the Boards
(cut and paste the whole address including "the boards")
There were no objections from the company to posting this info.
NicoleMarie & bacchus17...........
Nic, if we only focus on the company-side of the equation, selling 1 million shares for $35K, yes it could seem odd matched against the buyback.
But remember, there was an earnest buyer here of those shares.
And said buyer:
1. Was motivated in some fashion to want to purchase a chunk of shares.
2. was unsolicated (i believe a requirement for this sort of transaction but don't quote me.)
3. Got a 3.5 cent purchase price, which sure looks good right
now.
So, we are saying that maybe someone wanted those shares and the companys buyback was, as the PR stated, an unrelated concurrent event.
-----------------------------------------------------------
On another matter, I am unable to respond in-like-kind to either you or bacchus17's private email. Having a free membership sucks in that way. Friday's one hour free slot is not an option here.
To get a reply, please go to swami profile page and under
LOCATION is an email address. Send a contact point and will respond. Sorry, you two, for the delay.
Too much work!
pete
Teeroy, thanks for that notice....
".....I think everyone who participates on this board should be aware that certain info should not be disclosed until contracts have been finalized." T
That is a very prudent policy TEEROY, that personally believe should encompass not just contracts, but strategic events/decisions on the company's part that we stumble across on the net.
No need to tip off the competition on current direction or developments for Virtra until such time they publicly disclose.
In that vein, am personally refraining from discussing or sharing such a particular piece of information that strongly reflects on the condition of this company's present/future operations.
pete
WildWest & rwehapi2003
AT 11:48:08-14 and 11:41:20-33 as the craft is moving/turning, one can see six small opaque white arms extended out perpendicular to the body. Three on each side.
Now it is possible that these represent the stabilizing elements mentioned in the PR, but they look indentical to the small arms used to mount small clear/opaque fans that propelled a similiarly sized airchain in a vid (unfortunately no longer available) from the INVEST-IN-THE-BEST Tao technologies site.
In that 8-10 second video, the camera was literally at launch with airchain rising corkscrew fashion from in front of the lens, starting no farther than 10ft away. At that distance one could see the clear plastic fan blades and lightweight mounts protruding from the side of the craft 3X3.
The problem is that at the distance the camera is from the craft in this latest video, the fan blades would be next to impossible to make out.
I simply came to this conclusion (engines) when i saw what looked like the identical set of 6 arms, mounted as i remember in the same spots, not suspended on a framework below the craft as other (older?) versions show.
I wish the vid was still available, but can tell you, it was very cool, and the motors themselves very plastic looking and small. As for how much weight the 6 motors would add, plus thin film, can't say. Just wish it was still available.
Maybe they simply used the same arms to mount the stabilizing sensors. Am also wondering if there is a smiggin of hydrogen in the proprietary fuel/gas mix, you know, to keep the bag neutrally bouyant....don't suppose they could add a dash more?
Nice Vid...everybody see the 6 elect. engines?
No wind (wind sock nearly dead), single fuel/gas engine humming, and the stability as expected (little wind), flawless.
So, why are the six electric engines still even mounted on the thing? It's fuel/gas run at the moment, so those non- functioning engines are just.....well, extra drag.
Truth is, (opinion here) Tao is sandbagging. They know, that by slapping on thin-film solar, for day use only (no inefficient fuel cell storage at the moment) they can jump the flight specs. significantly....otherwise those electrical engines would not be present on the craft during the trials. At the moment, they represent the "spiral" in our development, and the reason they are still mounted on.
This test is a night cycle test. No electrical coming in (so no thin film mounted yet), so the six auxiliary engines (cuz in part they could serve that purpose in daylight) are just along for the ride, so it's all pure fuel/gas on this run.
Thin film will go on last. Fuel gas is still the primary propulsion for the ST-111.
So if the "newly" discovered stabilizer (more sandbagging again in my opinion) can just we whipped-up out of thin air and add significant air time (so what are we looking at now.... 3 days or 72 hours...what UAV can do that?) what happens when we hybrid this puppy with non-stored thin-film solar energy?
Don't know, and don't care. Dr. Kroeplin knows, and frankly that is all that matters. Fuel/gas is a brilliant adaptive angle for moving LTA through a profitable evolving state.
Am satisfied i hung on to witness this.
pete
Hey ssparsons, interesting change in purchase
Bellevue, added the threat-fire belts on to the order after the initial proposal as with the custom fit work. Initial order was for ceiling mounts, gratais.
Looks like a little horse trading maybe went on. Bellevue asked for some custom work creating a retractable unit, and Virtra might have said, sure, and maybe you guys could buy those threat-fire belts a bit earlier (planned upgrade to ivr-300). At $2500 dollars a pop, the profit margin on those wireless stun-gun belts must be astronomical.
Virtra get's an order for 4 units, and retractable work is free. Like it. With the knowledge gained, Virtra get's to add a line on future billings to clients requesting the
"retraction option".
AK, a quick question
You mentioned a while back that you were interested in meeting Sir Felix at the Threat Dynamics facility. Did you go, and if so, what was you impression of the product?
I apologize for any missunderstanding with that past post. Not one of my better ones. Was grandstanding on the disconnect this stock has between it's price and current fundamentals and used your post as a springboard.
VTSI operations are performing so well, yet the S.P. does not reflect this. It's cool though.
Am continuing to accumulate.
ps. sorry for the tardy reply. computer problems yesterday/today.
AKFish...Concern? 4 not reaching 10X from here!?
AkFish, like your style, but heck, would be more than satisfied if, based on fundamentals, we first leveled-off at .10 for awhile.;^)
Would not normally touch a pricing post, or a TA one for that matter, with this exception: They ask, "your thoughts?"
Personal Thoughts:
Focus on astronomical price targets is missplaced. Price and performance (sales) in the land of the OTC is typically mutually exclusive. Thus, Lockheed contract would not be necessary to attain such a goal.
Look at what MOMONK's Den did to a stock this month:
Cascadia inc. (CDIV) without any corporate fundamentals, on a whisper of potential (buying an internet site), easily glided past the 10X mark.
This is all really rather rhetorical on this end, as am sure we all have seen this kind of stuff on the small boards. Just as am equally sure that you have not recently purchased this stock (or contemplated the act) in anticipation of a ...
MOMO play.
No, we are all here because NicoleMarie is absolutely right.
God bless'em, this stock has great financials. A sample:
--------------------------------------
Total Cash (mrq): 495.59K
Total Cash Per Share (mrq): 0.004
Total Debt (mrq): 12.65K
Total Debt/Equity (mrq): N/A
Current Ratio (mrq): 0.394
Book Value Per Share (mrq): 0.041
Operating Cash Flow (ttm): 566.03K
------------------------------------
So, if Nic is right, why does VTSI trade at less than book value per share (close of .04), on a trend of improving fundamentals? Answer: N/A -but that reality is why we are all here......
AKFISH, for myself, the real question being asked here is this:
"What could provide dramatic growth for VTSI's financials?"
You've eliminated the easy LM option, so short of receiving 10X the current orders from various law enforcement or international military entities in a condensed period of time....
VTSI would have to introduce their product into a new market channel which has:
1.) Limited to ZERO exposure to the type of product Virtra peddles.
2.) Handicapped to ZERO competition upon entry & for an extended period of time.
3.) Rapid & Strong consumer response that builds on itself longterm.
4.)Expandible offering existing or readily producible (line extensions) to feed/expand customer base.
5.) yada yada yada.....
AKFish, the Answer to our mutual 'concern' is.............
Threat Dynamics
http://www.threatdynamics.com/civilian/calendar/
No competition, rapidly growing, exclusively Virtra's
and God Almighty, am praying it's time has come!
AK, no disrespect intented with this post, just an honest answer.
And NIC -hope you hang in there with this company. Watch the industry along with those Virtra financials. Knowing what we hold will get us through the illogical point of holding a market leader (in product characteristics), in a high growth industry.....at below book value!
http://www.policemag.com/Print/Articles/2009/04/Virtual-Reality-Training.aspx
nite all.
p
Bellevue, WA authorizes purchase IVR-180
This is follow-up on #23485, a post by Sir Felix on the city of Bellevue's bidding process for a shooting simulator.
On 6-15-09, B.W.'s city council authorized purchase and shared some it's perspective of the simulator industry and Virtra's product. Besides the nascent comments for single screen, one dimensional [notice the repetitive use of
"one-dimensional", essentially equating the effectiveness of live-fire range training to primitive 90's home projector style sims.] simulators, the 14 yr. interval between system purchases spells big-money for Virtra.
From system upgrades (implied advancement to IVR-360), added peripherals (Bellevue did not purchase threat fire belts on this go-around, so did not mention this additional attribute in the discussion), software (scenario updates), to extended warranties, the initial $123K was just the appetizer. Word-of-Mouth -priceless.
pete
http://www.bellevuewa.gov/pdf/City%20Council/PacketRegularSession6-15-098f.pdf
--------------------------------------------------------------
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA MEMORANDUM
Subject:
Resolution No. ^^3^- authorizing execution of a $122,957.55 contract with VirTra Systems to purchase a Police Small Arms Training Simulator.
Fiscal Impact:
Signing this contract will obligate the City to pay $122,957.55, including Washington State SalesTax, for the purchase of a Police small arms training simulator. The source of funding for this purchase is the Equipment Rental Fund (ERF). Sufficient funds exist in the ERF for this replacement.
Staff Contact: Linda Pillo, Police Chief 452-4334 Jim Jolliffe, Captain 452-4443Carl Krikorian, Fiscal Manager 452-6961 Police Department
POLICY CONSPIRATION
Should the City execute a $122,957.55 purchase agreement with VirTra Systems for a Police Small Arms Training Simulator?
A firearm simulator is used by the Police Department to enhance the skills that are developed in a traditional shooting range. The simulator assists the instructor in evaluating overall shooting strengths and weaknesses; improve target acquisition and marksmanship; and, most importantly, stress the officer on judgment and decision making (shoot/don't shoot.) Shooting live rounds in a shooting range is one dimensional and only measures the ability to hit a paper target in a static environment. A shooting incident on the street is vastly different, incorporating stress, decision making and other external factors that affect shooting accuracy. Nationwide, the average hit ratio for officer-involved shootings is 20%.
The Police Department recognizes the potential danger to our community from errant shots and is committed to giving our officers the best framing available, blending traditional range training with virtual simulation training. This blend also saves costs in the form of purchasing ammunition, travel time and wear and tear on our shooting range.
The Police Department's current firearms simulator was purchased in June 1995. This system is a one-dimensional, scenario-based system that supplements live-fire exercises in the Police shooting range. It is now outdated and the vendor has gone out of business so the system cannot get necessary repairs.
New generation shooting simulators offer enhanced features such as 180-degree (or greater) field of view in high-definition, a Windows based operating system, tethered weapons in a variety of weapon types, play-back capability for instant feedback for instructor and students, competition and low light features, as well as a wide variety of scenario-based modules.
The Department has evaluated several current simulators and has determined that the VirTra Systems Small Arms Training Simulator is the only product that meets departmental requirements for modern-day training on small arms and other firearms. It is a 180-degree video simulator that can be expanded to a 360-degree system at a later date, if desired. It is portable and designed and coded to be used with very little advanced training. It will be installed in the Police Emergency Operations conference room, so it can be utilized by officers on a 24/7 basis. The simulator includes a library of various law enforcement scenarios and drills, and trains officers in marksmanship, weapons manipulation, and combat shooting skills. It is the only manufacturer of multi-screen video-based firearm training equipment.
Industry and law enforcement research has demonstrated that the VirTra system has improved shooting proficiency for other Police Departments, will reduce the necessity of training with live ammunition, and will extend the life of the existing Police shooting range.The Police Department's Firearms Trainer and Range Master has tested several other interactivesimulators (AIS, IES, FATS, and Laser Shot) and none of them offer a 180-degree (and up to360- degree) video simulations; nor do they have the ability to offer a simulated recoil of rifles,pistols, and shotguns, and most do not offer the simulation in High Definition.
Because of the necessity of having these extensive features, a Competitive Exception to the City's purchasing guidelines has been approved by Finance and the City Attorney's Office. In addition, the City posted a "Notice of Intent to Contract without a Call for Bids" in two local publications and received only one response, which was evaluated and found to be inadequate for the Department's needs.
EFFECTIVE DATE if approved by the Council, this Resolution will be effective immediately.
OPTIONS1. Adopt Resolution No. *H3 (¿>, authorizing execution of a $122,957.55 purchase agreement with VirTra Systems for a Police Small Arms Training Simulator, using existing MERF replacement funds.
2. Do not adopt Resolution No. ~W5¿> and provide alternative direction to staff.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution No. "l3g¿> , authorizing execution of a $122,957.55 purchase agreement with VirTra Systems for a Police Small Arms Training Simulator, using existing MERF replacementfunds.
MOTION
Adopt Resolution No. Tíažf» , authorizing execution of a $122,957.55 purchase agreement with VirTra Systems for a Police Small Arms Training Simulator, using existing MERF replacementfunds.
ATTACHMENTS
Proposed Resolution No. ~ffi 3 4
»AVAILABLE IN COUNCIL OFFICE
Proposed Purchasing Agreement
VTSI Rep. Tess-Com invited to It. Gov't Summit
The OSN or Osservatorio Sicurezza Nazionale, Italy's Ministry of Defenses' (Ministro della Difesa) equivalent of our NSA (National Security Agency), is holding a conference next week focusing on organized crime/emergency response and their synergistic efforts to these conditions.
Tess Com Italia, a Virtra Systems Distibutor, is one of the companies/organizations invited to join the discussion. Tess does handle a selection of Homeland security products, including emergency response software, so the company does seem to have it's bases covered well for this shindig.
A bit of back story: Currently the national response to organized crime in Italy is impressive. Not yet as dramatic/ or violent as the Cartel Wars now unfolding in Mexico (Virtra's best international customer...no coincidence), but growing.
Here's a bit of local media mentioning the summit, followed by the appropiate italian links and a scoop of translated gelato.
pietro
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KFRY-TV North Dakota
ND AG Headed to Rome to Discuss Crime
6/18/2009
Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem and his counterparts from two other states and Mexico are slated to attend a conference in Rome next week to discuss how Italian authorities battle organized crime and other issues.
Stenehjem says the conference is important because most illegal drugs distributed in the U.S. and North Dakota come from Mexican drug cartels.
Stenehjem says attorneys general from New Mexico, Idaho and several Mexican states will participate in the weeklong conference.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Ministro della Difesa & OSN
http://www.difesa.it/SMD/CASD/Istituti+militari/CeMISS/Pubblicazioni/OSN/
http://www.difesa.it/NR/rdonlyres/01C5E93C-EF10-4A07-A5AD-F1EE175FE75B/18228/INVITO_programma24giugno.pdf
[a portion below. translated by google.]
Rome, 24 June 2009
National Security:
Operating Synergies
OSN
This conference wants to propose its own methodology
work completed and the first results from the different agencies concerned with the security system of our country, promoting the cross-fertilization of skills and sharing
patterns of reference, norms, values and meanings, which are
the basic elements of a culture on Security
National.
In this sense, the research and study conducted by the focus
group of OSN - emergency management, terrorism and crime
in metropolitan areas, critical infrastructure - will produce
knowledge, based on solid theoretical foundations and skills,
empirically verified, expressing in this way Synergies
Operational.
joining osn:
(tess-com & other organizations and corporations were listed..pete)
----------------------------------------------------------------
UNDERWORLD
SAFETY
Terrorism and crime
in metropolitan areas:
guidelines dell'OSN
The focus group was proposed to produce a series of practical guides
aimed at the characterization, in terms of risk analysis,
of the phenomena of terrorism and crime in the metropolitan area.
The first guide is now presented to the context-oriented transport
metropolitan public.
It follows a first job for the definition of a model
analysis of the terrorist threat, with the objective
to provide a methodology capable of estimating the level of alarm
based on the value that are relevant indicators of risk.
The focus group on Critical Infrastructure has been entrusted
by the Office of the Prime Minister - Table PIC - to "acquire,
with the assistance of the Italian experts Amenities
Criticism and the Ugo Bordoni, suggestions and
proposals of the operators and managers, including private ones, in order to support
the Interministerial Technical Committee for Defense
Civil. The focus group has begun work to integrate
contributions, to promote synergy between institutions and professionals,
so that the process of building a proposal for the
definition of criteria for the identification, at national,
Critical infrastructure "is shared and is - the most
possible - the country.
Thanks Tbonaces80, but easy on E.P.U.
Tbonaces80 appreciate the input on your specialty TA, but as for E. pluribus unum, he has a strength in financials. And personally do appreciate that perspective. Keeps us all questioning how we perceive our investment here -whether or not we would agree on any particular point.
Thanks again for your comments.
pete
pluribus: 'telegraphing' is Creber
Helping a company get a contract, then raiding/buyout/whatever is acceptable. It's frequent enough that those from any biz background would know the game.
Back then it was C4ISR, now it's called global security, and simulation plays a part. Again, just personal opinion on Lockheed's intent, but "tipping-the-hand" is part of the play.
Daily Transcript - Wednesday, October 22, 2003
Smaller fish wary of larger competitors controlling the pond
By TIM COFFEY
Small defense firms in San Diego are keeping close tabs on Lockheed Martin Corp.'s entry to the local defense market.
They worry Lockheed (NYSE: LMT) will wield its substantial bank account and newly acquired market position to muscle out smaller firms from participating in government contracts. This past summer, Lockheed acquired local defense companies Titan Corp. (NYSE: TTN) and privately held Orincon Corp.
"The smaller companies are potentially concerned because less prime contractors means potentially less entry points for a small business to become a subcontractor," said Greg Stein, president and chief executive of San Diego Defcomm, head of a consortium representing 60 small defense firms in San Diego.
While Lockheed is not the only concern of small firms -- another is a former General Dynamics (NYSE: GD) executive taking over SAIC -- it is the most pressing. Lockheed expects to close the Titan acquisition in January. It closed the Orincon deal in June.
However, Lockheed companies, such as Orincon, see the $9.5 billion defense giant as the adhesive to keep defense jobs in San Diego.
"That's the reason they acquired us," said Bill Kincaid, executive director of corporate development at Orincon. "They have a foothold here and they wanted to grow it."
Consolidation in the defense industry has been rampant since 2001. Big defense firms have bought smaller competitors or add-on firms as the Department of Defense budget has grown. The Bush administration requested $399 billion for military spending in fiscal 2004.
The primary acquisition target has been companies with expertise in C4ISR, an acronym for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and an area in which local firms excel.
In the last several years, defense acquisitions related to San Diego include the 2002 acquisitions by Northrop Grumman Corp. (NYSE: NOC) of TRW Inc., the maker of the unmanned aerial vehicle Predator in Rancho Bernardo, and the United Defense Industries purchase of United States Marine Repair Inc., which owns local shipyard Southwest Marine.
Small defense firms fear the larger competitors won't honor contract details calling for participation of small businesses, according to Stein.
"The truth is that goal is very poorly monitored by the acquisition professionals and rarely, if ever, is a large company penalized for not meeting that goal," he said.
"And ... quite frequently a large company will ask a small company to bid on a project and overtime will either purchase the intellectual capital by hiring away the employees or simply, once a contract has been established, buy out the company."
"Even when an effort is made to abide by the small business requirement, it is rare for those relationships to remain throughout the life of the contract," Stein added.
Although Lockheed has completed only one acquisition in San Diego, it is already bringing work to the region, said Kincaid.
The company transferred parts of the $15 billion Future Combat Systems project to Orincon and is expected to work in San Diego on a C4ISR contract code-named Posheng, which would integrate different weapons systems for use by the three military services. Lockheed could hire as many 1,500 new employees to work on it.
"As far as we're concerned, we think it's a very strong story and very positive for San Diego," Kincaid said.
bacchus17....on the same page with you.
Personal perspective/opinion here: this is an acquisition play for LM. Have seen this too many times in consumables, where small manufacturers of great products/concepts can't solidly break the retail/distribution 'lock' by oligarchs of industry. B&B or Bankruptcy/buyout is the typical fate of the smallfry 'ahead of the curve' in this retail setting.
The threatfire belt in the pr. (again this is all personal opinion) is an opening gambit misplayed.
LM- "Hey we liked the belt, so now that your company is in awe that we would come calling for such a triffle, what say you Virtra to an acquisistion?".
And we both know Bacchus how well those updated versions of LM's Close Combat Tactical Trainers, et al., would look in 360 degree HD, plus all the bells and whistles (threatfire inserted here) VIRTRA could offer them. STOCII is exactly right as you've mentioned.
Boy, LM sure is too smart for VTSI to figure what they are really after.....
And what a surprise when, VTSI politely declines, over the veiled threat of lost sales to a BIG FISH, and Virtra is back to square one, as far as Lockheed is concerned.
Fortunately, Virtra has something much more powerful than it's current US gov't sales division.
Growing international muscle is certainly bulking up VTSI, as is the steady dose of law enforcement orders that specifically request Virtra Systems-only exclusive features.
But truthfully was not referring to either of those, rather Threat Dynamics and the consumer channel to immersive simulation that it has just created.
Exposing the public to this level of training/recreational simulation is a FIRST, and as first-mover within an industry it has created, inherits major advantages.
The key here is that Threat Dynamics and Virtra must move quickly to capitalize on the uniqueness/novelty such experiential outlets would offer the public.
Yes, rapid outlet expansive is important, but will Threat D. hold the public's interest (post year 1) with purely training-centric content? More opinion but, my guess is, Virtra is not geared towards content outside of pure training.
The public is fickle. Entertainment elements must become more pronounced. Incorporating the style/feel of theatrical movies (altered not licensed viewings) to reinforce training. Music would help - if you've got the amps us them.
Example: Sampling the Downtown LA scene similar to the movie HEAT (Al Pacino/Robert DeNiro) -a running gun battle involving shooting within modern metropolitan setting/crowds/cars/etc.
With the training element reduced, perspective and pacing could also change.
A moving screen approach where the screen shows scenerio moving forward toward user, forcing a response. Scene continues to progress forward if user eliminates opponents or, as opponents naturally move closer to user, generate a threat-fire response, ending the scenario at that point.
And lastly:
"We needs guns......lot's of guns"
Neo, The Matrix
Why Lockheed is eyeing Virtra?
Licensing Threat-fire belts for legacy systems or out right acquisition of the whole.....yeah, those are 'value-adding'.
And notice the timing (dates) here w/virtra pr.
CEO didn't miss a beat.
-pete
----------------------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------------------------------
Weapons makers look overseas as Pentagon cuts back
By STEPHEN MANNING – 1 day ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Foreign governments looking to kick the tires of fighter jets and cargo planes at this week's air show in Paris will likely hear a clear message from U.S. defense contractors: We need your business now more than ever.
With the United States looking to cut defense costs and rethinking the way it fights wars, many defense companies are looking for international buyers to take the big, pricey weapons that the Pentagon no longer wants or needs fewer of. U.S. contractors are chasing some lucrative deals, but could also face some legal and political hurdles as they hawk weapons overseas.
Boeing Co. and Lockheed Martin Corp. are competing to sell fighter planes to countries such as India and Brazil. Boeing is trying to spark international interest in its C-17 cargo plane. Middle Eastern nations fearful of threats from Iran are bulking up on missile defense equipment from Lockheed and Raytheon Co.
"This is a world market right now," says Chris Chadwick, Boeing's president of military aircraft.
Globalization is nothing new for many U.S. industries, which often use overseas operations and sales to tap into fast-growing areas like China and as a hedge against domestic downturns. Some of the nation's biggest manufacturers, companies like Caterpillar and General Electric, make more than half of their sales overseas.
But the defense industry is closely tethered to one primary buyer — the U.S. government. It has been a lucrative relationship. Defense spending is up more than 40 percent over the past eight years, fueled in part by spending on wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Much of the money flowed to defense contractors that supply the Pentagon with everything from warships to bullets.
Overseas arms sales represent a relatively small segment of defense contractor sales. But many are turning to the global markets for growth now that the appetite for big and expensive weapons is waning in the United States. The push is helped by countries worried about security threats from nations such as North Korea and Iran. Many European allies need to upgrade their aging equipment, and are turning to U.S. companies as likely suppliers.
However, budgets for big weapons are getting tighter as costs like personnel expenses eat up more Pentagon resources. Defense Secretary Robert Gates proposes spending more money on tools like unmanned drones to fight insurgencies instead of big and pricey equipment like $140 million apiece for F-22 fighters jets meant for more conventional wars.
In the 2008 fiscal year, the military spent $164 billion to buy weapons. For the 2010 fiscal year, the Pentagon proposes spending only $131 billion, though that number will probably grow when Congress adds weapons spending as it reviews the budget.
Big defense companies would take a hit. Lockheed will have to shut down its assembly line at its big Marietta, Ga. plant, putting thousands of jobs at risk. Boeing, which gets 80 percent of its defense unit sales from the Pentagon, could stop selling the $276 million C-17.
"There is a softness in the home market right now," said Richard Aboulafia, an aerospace analyst with the Teal Group.
That could grant some new life to programs that would be cut under the Pentagon's new budget.
The F-22 program is slated to end at 187 planes for the U.S. Air Force, far fewer than originally envisioned. Japan and Australia are considered potential sources of new sales, but federal law barring export of the technologically sensitive plane would have to be overturned. The prospects of that remain unclear.
Congress put eight more C-17s back into the budget. Boeing wants to make 16 per year and hopes to cover the shortfall overseas. It recently cut a deal to make four for the United Arab Emirates. The contractor is also trying to persuade foreign governments to buy the F-18 instead of the F-35, made by a team led by Lockheed.
Defense companies will display their jets, engines, missiles, pilotless drones and other hardware for several days this week at an airfield outside Paris. The show is one of the biggest that brings together contractors and militaries from around the globe to broker weapons deals.
New markets have emerged. Iraq wants to buy Lockheed fighter jets, Boeing helicopters and Abrams tanks made by General Dynamics Corp. to rebuild its military. The nation was the second largest potential buyer of U.S. military equipment last year, behind Israel, according to a March report by the Arms Control Association, a Washington think tank.
The Pentagon notified Congress it planned to sell $74.5 billion worth of U.S. military equipment to 25 countries in 2008, nearly double its proposed arms sales from 2007. Iraq accounted for $18.7 billion of that total.
Congress must approve weapons sales to foreign governments that are negotiated between U.S. contractors and foreign countries through the Defense Department. Not all notifications lead to sales and they cover mostly large purchases, but Congress has never moved to block a sale once it was formally notified.
But providing weapons to foreign governments is often politically sensitive. The Pentagon and Congress are supposed to consider the effect that helping nations increase firepower will have on regional conflicts or stability, like the rivalry between Pakistan and India or rearming Iraq in a volatile Middle East. For example, the sale of F-16s to Pakistan was long delayed due to Pakistan's development of nuclear weapons.
Regional stability could be an issue for sales to India, which is being courted by Lockheed and Boeing for the right to build 126 fighter jets, a contract potentially worth $11 billion. India already bought $2.1 billion worth of anti-submarine planes from Boeing earlier this year.
"Fighter jet sales to India would most certainly be viewed by Pakistan as a problematic development," said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association.
In Europe, U.S. defense companies will face stiff competition from suppliers like Saab, European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., and BAE Systems. Lockheed, for example, is trying to hold together a coalition of nine potential F-35 buyers also being courted by makers of the Eurofighter jet.
Affordability remains an issue, especially for European buyers saddled with struggling economies. But defense analysts said European nations that need to upgrade their aging equipment and those like India that are building their militaries will provide ample markets for U.S. defense companies.
"Weapons could be the single biggest U.S. export item over the next 10 years," said Loren Thompson of the Lexington Institute.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5goTTC10BhWtcRxEBr2TJXEQ3QwhgD98PVF581
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Weeble thanks/first time viewing CAE..eom.
actual sales vs. market cap.
Personally would take sustained incremental rise in sales from Threat-fire over short term pop in stock price/market cap. News fades too quickly in this market.
To witness the transitory nature of such PR's -on market cap and stock price, look no further than the last press release:
"80% jump in growth"
"“I think you have to learn that there's a company behind every stock, and that there's only one real reason why stocks go up. Companies go from doing poorly to doing well or small companies grow to large companies.”
Peter Lynch
Agreed, more press on large contractors as customers would be fantastic.
Lockheed & ThreatFire for Close Combat Sys.
If L&M sought to license the use of the Threatfire belt within
the narrow band of their Close Combat Systems (not flight simulators but armor/convoy vehicles), then product could be pitched as accessory to 420 systems currently placed and 200 more ordered.
http://www.lockheedmartin.com/products/CloseCombatTacticalTrainer/
These CCTT or Close Combat Tactical Trainers are mostly multi-user systems, so pass the ThreatFire belts around.....
Estima-guessing 4 belts per system, w/620 systems, & full $2500 dollar Virtra unit price could yield:
$6.2 million in sales...
Obviously, we are just goofing around here. Lockheed has not even done the evaluation, nor do we know how many systems could be sold to, if, L&M bit -nor price to Virtra (obviously full mark-up will not fly but it's fun anyway to punch in).
Further, and on the flip side, must the Threat-fire belt be limited to soldier/armor/convoy simulation training?
Why not, aircraft etc.?
And what of competitors to Lockheed? Might they be tempted to license such tech for their training systems, current or contemplated?
Would love to see Threat-fire licensed to L&M, motivating other Simulation/Training peddlers to do likewise.
-Like one selling those live exercise systems, with thousands of soldiers going head-to head with laser-tag rifles and
threat-fire belts!
Keeping in mind past posts......
"Keep in mind that Brazil follows the US government model. Each state or local agency decides for itself what firearms training system they like, hence the two Brazilian articles could have been in different states. Brazil is a very large country. Here is some info:" S.F.
------------------------------------------------------------
#23476
Posted by: imawswami Date: Sunday, May 31, 2009 2:35:55 PM
In reply to: imawswami who wrote msg# 23475
Brazil starts producing immersive simulators
Less commentary and more undigested info is the new motto here. Came across this last week.
Same player: Secretaria Nacional de Segurança
Different results for Virtra.
This is January 2009 [from post #23178]
http://www.diariodaamazonia.com.br/canais.php?ch=Capital¬i=1490
This is May 2009
http://www.stylofm.com.br/noticias-da-stylo/policiais-de-sc-treinarao-por-sistema-virtual-de-tiro
-----------------------------------------------------------
S.F.,
Secretaria Nacional de Segurança Pública or Senasp
is half the purse, and calling shots. It's Federal, not State agency. Here's the footwork for you:
http://www.mj.gov.br/data/Pages/MJ1BFF9F1BITEMID540715BB1C9B47D395499FA38E3E99FAPTBRIE.htm
See X for specific scope of job as it pertains to training/simulation.
This will be the last post on the subject for myself. Feel free to continue.
pete
What we are witnessing in Brazil..
What you are describing, and what was presented in the second Brazilian article are classic signs of a maturing industry.
The shades of distinction between competing products become fewer, the barriers to market entry (think technology & cost) lower, more players entering the field, competition becomes more intense, and at some point pricing pressures come into play.
In the end, the consumer perceives such an extreme level of parity between competing offerings, that the industry as a whole is considered-
commoditized.
Brazil simply recognized that fact, and believing that "any technical person with a hacked Wii game can make a firearms training system" [great quote btw], entered a commoditized market.
Like milk, like eggs, like AIS.
Yet the government is importing Virtra Systems IVR-360, and giving the system a HUGE write-up! Why?
Because that nation does not question whether their homegrown system works as well as an IVR-300, they already know it does not.
The nation has come to the realization (as have other cities/gov't who specifically request Virtra-exclusive features) that Virtra Systems,
is not a commodity.
Being so far removed from the competitive fray of the common system, that our product stands apart.
So the question Brazil is asking is, "How many?"
As an investor, am exceedingly appreciative of this condition, and would not have invested (as am sure others on the board would state the same) into VTSI if they were simply peddling a commodity.
pete
Sir Felix...not following you here.
Don't understand your comments as they relate to the two Brazilian articles posted earlier.
--------------------------------------------------------------
"My point? The winning of the New Zealand bid over several larger companies is proof that Virtra's system has all the right parts. NZPD did their research. Not all foreign and US agencies will do this and end up buying the cheapest crap pitched to them.
Again, marketing is the key here. As the word gets out, more agencies will spec their needs toward Virtra products. More on this tomorrow afternoon." S.F.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Neither the Brazilian government/articles nor myself (including probably anyone on this board with a working knowledge of the IVR system) would question whether Virtra has "all the right parts", as you write. It is readily apparent that Virtra handles a top-tier system, if not the best.
You write that NZPD did their research, yet Brazilian Gov't released 124 page white paper extolling the virtues of the IVR-360. Where's the Australian version? Believe me, BR did their research just as well, if not better.
Brazil is not buying the cheapest crap thrown at them. They are buying our stuff and buying into domestic development.
Obviously, they wish to buy what they make, on some level at least.
The first article states that Brazil just bought an IVR-360.
Not cheap. Also two more systems down the road, which is more than the Australia commitment.
The second, as i follow it, is that the Br. Gov't helped develop/fund? (through University & Federal Defender? of Santa Catarina) a single screen system for that city's police force. It was a two year project, involving $ and manpower to produce the system & scenarios for use by police and the military.
So the central issue contained in article number two is not whether the Brazilians have produced a system equal to Virtra's, it's that they now have, with gov't assistence, a homegrown version of a simulator which they will support. Read buy.
It would have been nice to review your take on this situation.
Personally, Brazil looks to be establishing a dual level of training, where domestic systems (like article 2) will eventually sop-up all the business that normally would go to local law enforcement, while more elite forces train on better systems. This is assuming the local system is not found to be wanting.
So essentially the AIS's/Ti-Training types would never be imported while the flow of superior systems continues....
That's one take at least.
As far as "Marketing", as you write, is not as crucial, as it pertains to this kind of scenario of "local boy" vs the "out-of-towner". Cost vs Benefit perhaps, but even with that it's tough to crack the good-ol-boy network.
And yes, throughout the world Virtra is marketing and getting the word out, and yes this is important, but this is oblique to the issue presented in these two articles.
Just so we are clear as to the second article, here's the translation am referencing. Feel free to comment based on this, or even another. No problem.
Look forward to further comments and your discussion on B. tomorrow.
pete
"SC police to train a virtual system of shooting
Program simulates scenes of gun crimes and has the same features used by the police
Felipe Pereira | felipe.pereira @ diario.com.br
The Secretariat of Public Security announced that Thursday the purchase of a virtual system of shooting that will be used to train police. The intention is that the number of shots in the course of the current 450 increases to about 3 mil.
Call Interactive Training System for Shooting, the simulator consists of a 150-inch screen that displays images from a stand of shots and scenes of crimes. The police training in a gun safe that has adapted the same weight, shape, size and impact of use by civilian police and military. A fire equipment and read laser beams emitted by the gun. The unit also has sound film. It is operated by software.
The simulator was developed by the Federal Defender of Florianópolis. The social director, Márcio de Castro, said they were two years developing the system. During this period, nine professionals, from engineers, software developers and designers have worked on the project that had support from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC).
The system will cost between $ 350 thousand and R $ 500 thousand, depending on the specifications ordered. The money will be disbursed through partnership with the National Security. The simulator should become operational in two months, time for completion of the bidding.
State will save U.S. $ 1.80 per shot with simulator
The Secretary of Public Security, Ronaldo Benedet, said the system costs less than half of a similar American and has the advantage of reflecting the characteristics Catarinense. The scenarios are the cities of the state and the people speak Portuguese. He stressed that this is a company based in the capital maintenance is much easier.
Benedet said also that there will be less consumption of bullets. Today, each shot in the police academy costs $ 1.80. The Secretary tested the simulator and said it is very similar to reality. He said that he felt within the scene and the adrenaline and the pressure rose."
Training on Virtual crime scene
Would love to see this as an addition to the Training software Virtra offers it's customers. Use-of force-training for officers, and Crime Scene scenarios to instruct/sharpen investigative skills for detectives, both of which would complement each other nicely. Maybe even overlap if the perp is discovered in suti...... 360 degree system would be ideal for this new program.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Virtual-reality-to-aid-crime-investigation/articleshow/4598724.cms
Virtual reality to aid crime investigation
31 May 2009, 0159 hrs IST, TNN
HYDERABAD: Crime investigation in the state will soon go hi-tech. The Andhra Pradesh Police Academy (APPA) has introduced 3D virtual reality
simulator software for reconstructing a crime scene as part of the training programme for the officers.
On the occasion, APPA director C N Gopinatha Reddy said for a professional police officer the knowledge to collect and assess evidence is most important during investigation of crimes. "With changing nature of crimes, the investigator needs to have the technical knowledge and expertise to deal with crime scene management," he said.
The traditional method of imparting the knowledge pertaining to forensic science and forensic medicine is a difficult exercise. The new software has been developed with simulated crime scenes and the virtual software will also train the police officers. "The purpose of this software is not only to train but also to test. It took 18 months to prepare the software," said Gopinatha Reddy.
The animated software explains how to collect and preserve the evidence from the scene of offence. Officials said the software is useful to improve the skills of the investigating officers of different wings of police department. "The software can also test the skill of the officer in collecting the evidence and the trainee or the officer will be judged by the software by giving the performance score," said additional director APPA Rajiv Trivedi.
Participating in the inaugural event, director of National Police Academy, Hyderabad K Vijay Kumar said skill upgradation programmes need to be conducted as criminals are also using latest technology. According to officials, the software will simulate the crime scenes related to burglaries, explosions, homicides, firearm usage, DNA related cases, narcotic drugs, food adulteration, document frauds, and computer forensic cases.
Brazil starts producing immersive simulators
Less commentary and more undigested info is the new motto here. Came across this last week.
Same player: Secretaria Nacional de Segurança
Different results for Virtra.
This is January 2009 [from post #23178]
http://www.diariodaamazonia.com.br/canais.php?ch=Capital¬i=1490
This is May 2009
http://www.stylofm.com.br/noticias-da-stylo/policiais-de-sc-treinarao-por-sistema-virtual-de-tiro
pete
Sir Felix & others thanks
Appreciate everyone's input. Not knowing the current status of our relationship with Ti Training, was careful to preface the post with the question that was kindly answered:
"I believe Virtra and TI no longer have a relationship, and from what little info I have heard it is for the better. TI wasn't the type of girl you brought home to mother."
Should have remembered Sir Felix's post back in January:
------------------------------------------------------------
Posted by: SirFelix Date: Saturday, January 31, 2009 5:19:35 PM
In reply to: TEEROY who wrote msg# 23177 Post # of 23474
TEEROY, I don't have a source but I believe TI's Training Lab is not made by Virtra. It is made by AIS.
http://www.titraining.com/products/lab.aspx
http://www.ais-sim.com/training_products/training_products_prisim.htm
Whether TI still sells Virtra products is in question.
Another concern, the City of Phoenix Police Department (Virtra's Home Turf) appears to have recently chosen TI Training to replace their existing training system. With AIS?
I also noticed that TI has recently hired an ex-FATS employee:
http://www.policeone.com/police-products/training/simulator/press-releases/1733142/
“Vince will be the new vice president of business development,” stated Greg Otte, president of Ti Training. “He will lead our Military division inside of the U.S. and direct all international sales programs for Ti Training worldwide. We are thrilled to have been able to attract someone of Vince’s expertise and reputation to head this new division of Ti Training.”
This all boils down to one main issue.... marketing. TI has it and Virtra seems to be trailing them. Does Virtra want to stick with manufacturing or round themselves out by adding a more aggressive sales and marketing department? Virtra is not making money on TI sales. Ferris has a tough decision to make regarding Virtra future business plan.
Sometimes shareholders need to ask the tough questions. I'll be sending this post to Ferris along with some questions.
[end of S.F. post]
--------------------------------------------------------------
Relationships, products, & competitive environment are so fluid now-a-days that in a matter of a few months, outlooks can change. This is kinda of why am trying to stay on top of these shifts.
The next post is an example.
pete
Things happening at Ti-Training
Quick question before going forward: Does anyone know Virtra Systems' current relationship with Ti Training? Has it been modified since VTSI PR in 2006?:
"As the manufacturer in the partnership, VirTra Systems developed a customized single-screen simulator for Ti Training, based on our successful IVR® simulator technology, that is both full-featured and highly portable with important new capabilities not yet seen in the marketplace," commented Bob Ferris, VirTra Systems' president. [Ti Training Lab™ is what is being referenced here...pete]
In trying to stay on-top of competitive changes in the industry, came across an interesting transition point involving Ti-Training this month.
Here's their press release mid-May. See if it reads familar:
Ti Training 01 May 2009
Ti Training, Corp. incorporates cinematic 3D technology to create the most realistic simulation training.
Ti Introduces next generation of training simulators.
Golden, Colorado – May 1st, 2009; Ti Training Corp, a supplier of interactive training products and services to the law enforcement, military and public safety markets today announced the next generation 3D scenario training.
Using a combination of HD video/computer graphics and cinematic 3D technology Ti has produced to[sic] most realistic training scenarios on the market today.
The Ti Training Lab™, and Tactical Lab systems now offer a proprietary module that includes full branching, high definition (HD 1080i) 3 Dimensional video. The video not only represents true-life proportional height and width accuracy but also adds the element of depth, giving the viewer a fully immersed experience, as if stepping into a true virtual environment. This type of 3 Dimensional training provides a realistic simulation and forces the brain to process the perceived information consistent with a real world event.
“This new technology will set Ti Training apart in the small arms training simulation world,” stated Vince Greiner, V.P. of Business Development. “We have taken simulation training to the next level.”
About Ti Training Corp
Ti Training Corp, USA, an employee owned company , is a provider of training products, services and programs with it’s focus on interactive digital video training technology. Reaching law enforcement and public safety agencies throughout North America, Ti’s team of industry veterans provide up to the minute technology, tactics and teaching to Federal, State and Local law enforcement, public safety, security and homeland defense agencies. Most recognized for the innovative creation of the “Training Table”, a library of training content authored by the most respected names in the training ind. -------------------------------------------------------------
Now here's a VTSI PR from 2007:
VirTra Systems Exhibits World's Most Advanced 3-D Immersive Dismounted Infantry Training Simulator
November 27, 2007
HOUSTON, Nov. 27 -- VirTra Systems, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: VTSI) today announced it will be demonstrating the most technologically advanced dismounted infantry simulator yet developed at this year's Interservice/Industry Training, Simulation & Education Conference (I/ITSEC), in Orlando, Florida.
VirTra Systems, in conjunction with Christie, EON Reality, Inc., and InterSense, Inc., has developed advanced tactile infantry training simulation technology, using high-quality head tracking, allowing interaction in real-time with dismounted infantry warfare content.
Major General Perry V. Dalby (USA-Retired), VirTra Systems' chief executive officer, commented, "VirTra Systems continues to advance critical small arms training simulation to meet the changing needs of dismounted infantry engaging today's fourth-generation, insurgent fueled urban warfare.
"We invite our customers to experience this new technology by visiting our display at Christie's booth, #3339, this week in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida."
"This new ultra high-resolution system uses 3-D, stereoscopic technology that enhances the viewer's depth-of-field allowing very realistic targeting," explained Bob Ferris, VirTra Systems' president. "Furthermore, real-time tracking of the trainee allows more natural interaction within the environment. Essentially, this technology enables trainees to look around corners or over cover, and brings us one step closer to holographic or "holodeck" type simulation conceptualized by the popular Star Trek television series."
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So what's the point of all this & why is it important to us with Virtra?
3-D technology provided by Christie, Eon Reality, Intersense, in partnership with Virtra Systems went pretty much.........
NO WHERE.... since it's debut in 2007. Maybe it was overkill for a multi-sided, topline simulator like the IVR-360 to offer.
f-35 fighter anyone?
But imagine for a second that such technology, might muscle-up a smaller/inexpensive system (like the Ti Lab), offering it a competitive angle on other single screen systems.
So a department (like say D. Homeland Security) who typically buys training systems in bulk (and thus by-passing the IVR-300 platforms on cost considerations), might be more inclined to swing orders Ti Training's way, then say a Meggitt.
And if Virtra's original Strategic Partnership is intact, that which Ti-Training sells, we build. And like the disclaimer in the Ti PR reads, Virtra may well be handling content:
"...a library of training content authored by the most respected names in the training industry."
------------------------------------------------------------
Now a bit more info. This PR for Ti-Training was released on the eve of ITEC 2009, probably the largest international training system venue in the world (held this year in Belgium).
http://www.itec.co.uk/page.cfm/action=Press/PressID=50
Click on the ITEC 2009 AD above the Ti PR and go through the exhibitors list. Yes, TI is there, along with Christie and Intersense. But, Virtra appears absent.
Odd, unless Virtra wanted the spot light on TI. Gut says this is so, that Ti Training is a marketer and NOT A MAKER. For this they rely on Virtra to build the Ti Labs and provide content. Clean hands.
Thus, this competitive shift at TI is good for Virtra on multiple fronts. That's one take at least. Your thoughts?
pete
ps. apologize for the length of this post, but do try to share issues found that seem applicable to our position in VTSI.
Unannounced: IVR-300 sale and a new distributor?
You're going to like this :)
http://www.ceftimexico.com/flash/simulador.swf
The lastest owner of an IVR-300 is CEFTI, a buyer/seller of security goods in the mexican marketplace -they also run a training facility. This is where the IVR-300 is parked.
http://www.ceftimexico.com/
That they've bought one is without a doubt, but are they a very specific distributor of Virtra's equipment is in question.
Cefti has a catalog of products it reps, everything from gloves to twin engine planes. As of yet, the IVR-300 is not in it.
But, if you read about our product throughout the CEFTI website, you get the very distinct feeling that these boys are
....SELLING.
Now Lonexi has got an exclusive distributorship in Mexico, but am wondering...TO WHO..they are allowed to make-a-market with. Maybe it's to public organizations (Feds/State/local agencies), so other channels would be open to peddle.
Anyway, take a look and see what ya think. Am definitely believing like Sir Felix, we are holding back on PR'ing our earnings so we can bundle up a grip of news.
Kinda like this!
Bacchus17, thanks for your comments. Appreciate the insight.
pete.
Board quiet...VTSI...Full-Auto!
...but suppressed.
Today's website is one Contrall Systems, it's the consulting/marketing firm being used by Lonexi,
(one of our distributors in Mexico...will get to what is believed to be another in the next post) to help rep
the IVR products down south.
This appears to be a new addition for Lonexi, because the search parameters normally used daily (for the past 8 months) picked it up this weekend.New marketing push? That's one take. Here it is:
http://contrallsystems.com/
click on the Capacitacion Virtual for video on IVR-300 and proyecto comments.