Metal Storm has demonstrated the live firing of its electronic ballistics system, from a robotic ground vehicle, to key defence personnel in the US.
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.
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 defence 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, 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," Mr O'Dwyer said.
"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."
The Talon robot has been developed to operate in rugged terrain up to 1.6 kilometres from its base, and is currently in service in Afghanistan and Iraq.
It is an all-weather, all-terrain, tracked robot with a day/night capability, and can be configured for many different types of missions. It provides a potential first strike option that does not risk soldiers' lives.