Metal Storm Achieves Man-Firing Milestone
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The 3GL three-shot grenade launcher is a world first, being the only 40mm launcher which is light and compact enough to attach as an accessory to an assault rifle, while also providing a three-shot, semi-automatic firing capability.
by Staff Writers
Washington DC (SPX) Feb 06, 2009
Defence technology specialist Metal Storm has achieved a major milestone by successfully certifying its semi-automatic 3GL grenade launcher for safe man-firing.
Following extensive testing and successful certification, several 3 round semi-automatic volleys were man-fired at an outdoor range in Queensland. It was the first stacked-round shoulder firing of a certified grenade launcher from the Brisbane-based weapons developer.
Metal Storm CEO Dr Lee Finniear said the 3GL man-firing in Brisbane was the culmination of a lengthy process to move from initial research prototypes to a safe, certified, shoulder-fired weapon.
"This is a crucially important demonstration for us as part of the detailed process of developing the 3GL for production and sale.
"Up until now we have carried out our testing from the safety of a test firing bench. Today we completed a series of live shoulder-fire trials to demonstrate that the 3GL grenade launcher has been successfully certified safe to man-fire," Dr Finniear said.
The 3GL three-shot grenade launcher is a world first, being the only 40mm launcher which is light and compact enough to attach as an accessory to an assault rifle, while also providing a three-shot, semi-automatic firing capability.
The 3GL effectively trebles the reactive grenade firepower of an infantry squad, making it a competitive alternative to improve the effectiveness of ground troops worldwide.
Dr Finniear said 30 rounds of stacked non-explosive 40mm ammunition were shoulder-fired during the Brisbane tests, with high speed and conventional cameras recording the event for engineering analysis purposes. Video footage will soon be made available by Metal Storm.
He said Metal Storm aims to commence production of the 3GL in 2010.
"With the certification of the 3GL for safe man-firing behind us, we can now demonstrate the weapon to military forces," Dr Finniear said.
"Soon, with the completion of the high explosive dual purpose (HEDP) ammunition qualification that is currently in process, we will be able to demonstrate the man-firing of both training practice and high explosive ammunition which will further expedite the sales process.
"The 3GL has matured rapidly by weapons development standards, with the design of the first stand-alone 3GL prototypes commencing less than three years ago.
"We have fired thousands of rounds over the past two years and performed a range of environmental, electromagnetic, shock and ballistics testing to certify the weapon for man-firing.
"Our next engineering step with 3GL is to complete the detailed ruggedizing of the weapon to qualify it for full military trials, while in parallel conducting a series of live fire demonstrations for military customers."
Military evaluation company Nova Defence has independently reviewed the 3GL and reported that with appropriate planning and support Metal Storm's objectives for the weapon were "entirely achievable."
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06-02-2009, 07:37
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