This is a SBIR but could lead to big bucks downstream for them. Interesting idea - kind of like the Phallanx anti-missile systems on ships.

Metal Storm Selected by the US Navy for Anti-RPG Feasibility Study  

Tuesday August 31, 9:39 AM EDT


ARLINGTON, Va., Aug 31, 2004 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Pioneer of electronic ballistics technology Metal Storm Limited (Nasdaq:MTSX; ASX:MST) will take the lead role in a US Navy program to develop a system to defeat incoming rocket propelled grenades (RPGs). The program is part of a Phase 1 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award to the company's US subsidiary, Metal Storm Inc.

Metal Storm will be prime contractor in this funded program designed to demonstrate the feasibility of producing an RPG defense system that integrates Metal Storm's electronic ballistics technology with the sensor, mount and fire control system of subcontractor Northrop Grumman (NOC).

Metal Storm Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Charles Vehlow, said the company is now recognized as having the capability to take the lead in critical defense feasibility projects, such as the RPG defense system, and has the engineering and technical depth to deliver on such a significant program.


"Increasingly, US and allied forces are finding themselves vulnerable to RPG attacks, which generally occur at short range and allow only a fraction of a second for a response. We believe Metal Storm technology provides unique advantages to address the threat posed by RPGs. Importantly, this project will draw on the technology platforms already being developed by the company," Mr Vehlow said.

Phase I of the program aims to develop the system concept, and will span a six-month period commencing August 30, 2004. If successful, the program would then proceed to Phase II, during which a demonstrator system would be developed.

www.metalstorm.com

About Metal Storm

Metal Storm Limited is a defense technology company, employing approximately 50 staff, headquartered in Brisbane, Australia and incorporated in the US, with offices in Washington DC and a defense engineering capability located in Seattle, operating as ProCam Machine LLC. The Company has invented 100% electronic ballistics technology that has no known conventional equivalent. Metal Storm is working with government agencies and departments, and the defense industry to develop a variety of systems utilizing the Metal Storm non-mechanical, electronically fired stacked ammunition system.