Metal Storm and EOS Unveil Redback(TM) Weapon System
Monday February 20, 8:59 pm ET
SINGAPORE--(MARKET WIRE)--Feb 20, 2006 -- Metal Storm Limited (Metal Storm) (NasdaqSC:MTSX - News) (Australia:MST.AX - News) and Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited (EOS) (Australia:EOS.AX - News) today announced the unveiling of the Redback Weapon System prototype at the Asian Aerospace and Asian Defense Technology Exhibitions in Singapore.
Source: Metal Storm Limited
(click to enlarge)
Redback(TM) is the first weapon system prototype to be produced from the collaboration between Metal Storm and EOS under a Teaming Agreement signed by the two companies in November 2005 to co-develop and market new weapon systems combining the unique features and benefits of EOS' combat-proven sensor and fire control systems with the versatility and firepower of Metal Storm weapons.
Redback(TM) is a lightweight, fast-reaction, remotely operated, weapon system. It is designed to provide intense directed firepower for short periods in applications such as vehicle protection, convoy defense, perimeter control, robotic systems and area denial.
The system is designed to include the following features and benefits:
-- Firepower. Redback(TM) deploys multiple 40mm Metal Storm barrels
firing a range of munitions at selectable rates of fire, including the
ability to engage up to 3 targets in 1.2 seconds. With EOS precision
sensors and control systems, this results in intense directed firepower.
-- Light. Redback(TM) will be available in system weights from 70-100 kg
- less than one conventionally equipped combatant.
-- Fast. Redback(TM) control and servo systems will allow multiple
threats to be engaged, fast enough to engage incoming missiles and
projectiles for vehicle defense.
-- Intelligent. Redback(TM) has proven EOS networking capabilities that
allow multiple systems to operate with a coordinated response to large
threats.
-- Versatile. Redback(TM) can carry a mixed load of munitions to allow
non-lethal and lethal response at the same time. This range of response is
an unmet market need for peacekeeping missions and urban warfare with non-
combatants present.
Redback(TM) has successfully test-fired 40mm munitions jointly developed by ST Kinetics and Metal Storm. In a related development, Metal Storm this week announced the successful firing of jointly developed high explosive, enhanced blast and airburst rounds with ST Kinetics in Singapore. These munitions are compatible with Redback(TM), and add significantly to the versatility of the weapon system.
The Redback(TM) development effort is on schedule for customer trials this year with the objective of having it operationally ready by the end of 2007.
The Chief Executive Officer of Metal Storm, Mr. David Smith, said, "The unveiling of Redback is another major milestone for Metal Storm because it represents our first true product offering to the market. I am delighted with the progress we have made in our collaboration with EOS. Together with the munitions we are jointly developing with ST Kinetics here in Singapore we have unique capabilities we can market to defense customers around the world."
The Chief Executive Officer of EOS, Dr. Ben Greene, said, "Redback is designed to meet an urgent need for defense of convoys and individual vehicles, often in peacekeeping roles. The mixed-mission capability and intense firepower of Redback will be welcomed by our customers internationally."
Notes:
EOS Australian Stock Exchange trading code: EOS
EOS website: www.eos-aus.com
Metal Storm's Australian Stock Exchange trading code: MST
Metal Storm's NASDAQ Small Cap ticker symbol: MTSX
Metal Storm website: www.metalstorm.com
About Metal Storm
Metal Storm Limited is a multi-national defense technology company engaged in the development of electronically initiated ballistics systems using its unique "stacked round" technology. The company is headquartered in Brisbane, Australia and incorporated in the U.S., with an office in Washington, D.C.
Metal Storm is working with government agencies and departments, as well as industry, to develop a variety of systems utilizing the Metal Storm non-mechanical, electronically fired stacked ammunition system.
Metal Storm's weapon technology uses computer-controlled electronic ignition and a system of stacked projectiles, to achieve a completely non-mechanical gun that is very lightweight and compact, providing a very high firepower to weight ratio. The Metal Storm weapons system utilizes multiple barrels mounted together on one platform which allows varying munitions types to be deployed in a single, low cost, lightweight weapon system. Firing the weapons by electronic ignition requires no moving parts, allowing reliable long term unattended weapon operation.
About Electro Optic Systems Holdings Limited
EOS is a public company, specializing in the design, development and production of sophisticated laser technologies, including supporting software and electronic sub-systems. EOS' advanced technologies are applied to a variety of sighting and surveillance applications in the aerospace and defense markets.
The combat-proven EOS sensor and fire control systems are currently deployed in the US Army CROWS (Common Remotely Operated Weapons System) program which has been successfully fielded since 2003, and is used in operations in Iraq. The EOS integrated surveillance and fire control technology employs state-of-the-art multi-spectral sensors and fire control software for direct-fire ballistic weapons.
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