For a weapon to fail on the front line it has to be certified for use in theatre (TRL 9+ I would think)
In comparing electronic to mechanical weapon operation Metal Storm is covering all bases with this intellectual property.
US application 10/555,510
Titled ~ Combined electrical mechanical firing systems
This application received NOA (Notice of Allowance) on 2nd December 2009 On the 1st of March 2010 Issue Fee Payment was received. So this one seems to be close to patent status.
So not only will Metal Storm have a weapon that is electronic but a mechanical system for backup should the lights go out. They will also have US patent coverage of the technology..
The full details of the pending patent application can be found here.
http://tinyurl.com/y9a4p6c
MST Price at posting:
1.5¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Held
