Metal Storm says progress made in US weapons contract
19 Dec 2008 1:44 PM
SYDNEY, Dec 19 AAP - Budding weapons maker Metal Storm Ltd says it has successfully completed a significant testing requirement of an agreement with a US defence contractor.
The Brisbane-based Metal Storm said its US operation Metal Storm Inc (MSI) was working through a $US220,000 ($A322,297) contract with an unnamed US defence company.
"Work has been proceeding on this contract through 2008 and MSI has today successfully completed a significant test-firing milestone under this contract," Metal Storm chief executive Lee Finniear said.
"Further details cannot be released at this time due to the confidentiality agreement within the contract."
Meanwhile, the company said it would conduct man-fired testing of its 3GL three-shot grenade launcher in the new year after the weapon received a favourable audit by independent Australian military consultants Nova Defence.
Metal Storm said the weapon was a world first, being light and compact enough to attach as an accessory to an assault rifle.
"We can confirm that early in the new year we expect to qualify the 3GL and ammunition tail for safe man-firing using inert warheads," Dr Finniear said.
"With the ability to demonstrate man-firing of 3GL, and with full high-explosive dual-purpose ammunition qualification in sight, we will be able to ramp up the sales process for 3GL in earnest."
