Scheduled Demonstration In The U.S.

Metal Storm Limited announced Wednesday that it is planning to live-fire its 40mm electronic-weapon system on an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) helicopter in the U.S. shortly. Preparation and fabrication are well advanced and a UAV airframe has already been shipped into Australia to commence the weapon/UAV integration process.

The live firing, anticipated to be held in the U.S. during the second quarter of 2004, is the key deliverable under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that Metal Storm signed with Dragonfly Pictures Inc (DPI) on February 23. Under the MOU the company's electronic-weapon technology will be integrated with DPI's new Dragonfly DP-4X UAV helicopter for these live firings.

The Dragonfly DP-4X is a man-portable, remotely controlled, Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) UAV that is approximately 85.5 inches long, 32 inches wide, 44 inches high, has a rotor span of 118.5 inches, and weighs approximately 140 pounds. It is designed to carry imaging, communications and environmental sensors for aerial intelligence gathering and reconnaissance.

Dragonfly Pictures Inc. chief executive officer, Mr. Michael Piasecki, said the integration of Metal Storm's unique, lightweight, electronic, multi-shot weapon system complemented DPI's 'systems' approach in preparing the new Dragonfly DP-4X as a weaponized UAV helicopter.

"Metal Storm offers a genuinely transformational electronic-weapon system that will allow us to extend the application of UAVs beyond just information gathering," Mr. Piasecki said. "Our affordable and versatile Dragonfly DP-4X is being prepared for riskier and more offensive missions to combat many of the new threats that defy traditional battlefield tactics," he said.

Metal Storm director of scientific innovation, Mr. Mike O'Dwyer, said DPI's UAV helicopters were an excellent platform for demonstrating Metal Storm's technology to the U.S. defense industry and military decision-makers because they have already been used in frontline operational locations.

"Currently, small to medium UAV helicopters and airplanes are restricted to the surveillance role as they have no real offensive capability," Mr. O'Dwyer said.

"Integrating Metal Storm's electronic-weapon system with small, lightweight UAV helicopters, will enable them, for the first time, to undertake small-scale strikes to support ground troops by day or night, escort convoys, clear roads and retaliate against mobile, man-launched ordnance such as those used in Iraq recently," said Mr. O'Dwyer.

"This project allows Metal Storm to support DPI demonstrations for enhanced UAV capabilities now under consideration for the U.S. Army's Future Combat Systems (FCS) program.

FMI: www.metalstorm.com