Metal Storm Conducts Demonstration of Robot-Mounted Weapon System in U.S.

Business Editors

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 20, 2004

Metal Storm Limited (NASDAQ:MTSX and ASX: MST) International ballistics company Metal Storm Limited has demonstrated the live firing of its electronic ballistics system from a robotic ground vehicle to key defense

The demonstration included the remotely controlled firing of stacked pyrotechnic and inert 40mm rounds from a four-barrel pod with recoiling system mounted on a "Talon" robot manufactured by Foster-Miller Inc. (Foster-Miller) and supplied and operated by the US Army's Picatinny Arsenal facility.

Metal Storm personnel worked closely with US Department of Defense representatives on the Warren Grove Gunnery Range in New Jersey, USA to conduct the demonstrations which were attended by defense personnel including the US Army Research Development Engineering Command (ARDEC), and a number of industry representatives including several from Telecordia - an associate company of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), and General Dynamics Corporation.

Metal Storm's Director of Scientific Innovation, Mr. Mike O'Dwyer said the firing represented a significant demonstration of the capability and versatility of the generic Metal Storm 40mm Ballistics System, combining it with an important piece of existing military equipment with potential to greatly enhance its operational capability.

"Our electronic ballistics system has no mechanical parts and provides a lightweight, compact weapon which carries a payload of 16 shots, 10 more than the existing alternative. The system is capable of variable rates of fire, selected and fired by remote control. We intend to undertake further development of the Metal Storm system with a view to increasing the payload to 48 shots" said Mr. O'Dwyer.

"The Metal Storm robotic weapon system can punch above its weight, offering real potential for robotic vehicles to undertake more offensive roles on operations."

"Because the system is able to deliver a payload disproportionate to its size and weight, it is potentially suitable for a range of different applications that could significantly increase the operational capability for field commanders," said Mr. O'Dwyer.

The Talon robot has been developed by Foster-Miller to operate in rugged terrain up to 1.6 kilometres from its base, and is currently in service in Afghanistan and Iraq.