First Non-Lethal Wireless TASER Projectiles Demonstrated at Ranges up to
30 Meters
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- TASER International,
Inc. (Nasdaq: TASR) today announced that it successfully completed a live-fire
demonstration of the TASER XREP(TM) (eXtended Range Electro-Muscular
Projectile), completing a research and development program for the Office of
Naval Research (ONR). Multiple rounds were fired from a 12-gauge shotgun, one
of the most prevalent shoulder fired launchers in use today, at ranges up to
30 meters demonstrating a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6 (system
prototype demonstration in relevant environment).
"The Marine Corps Systems Command conveyed an interest in this type of
technology to ONR. The requirement was to 'clear facilities,' basically what
our Marines are doing today in Iraq and elsewhere, going building to building
and room to room. Our goal was to 'cut the tether' by projecting non-lethal
electro-muscular disruptive effects to ranges greater than existing handheld
devices. The XREP demonstration is a significant milestone toward providing
America's war fighters with this non-lethal option," stated Mr. John Beadling,
an ONR support contractor working for Ms. Vickie Williams, the government
Project Officer for XREP.
In addition, more than 35 human volunteers have been exposed to the
electrical discharge from the TASER XREP demonstrating a similar
incapacitating bio-effect to the TASER X26 device used by law enforcement and
military personnel around the world. Mr. Stephen Kunich, representing the Air
Force Air Combat Command Security Forces, volunteered for a five-second
exposure during the demonstration. After the exposure, Mr. Kunich commented,
"The effect locked up muscles and totally overwhelmed the senses. I was
completely incapacitated. Additionally, I was amazed at the instantaneous
physical recovery. There isn't much doubt of full compliance after exposure
to a TASER weapon like XREP."
"This was a major technological breakthrough -- a wireless projectile that
contains a fully operational TASER circuit payload, packaged in a non-lethal
12-gauge shotgun round," said Rick Smith, CEO of TASER International, Inc.
"This demonstration was the culmination of several years of intensive research
and development funded through ONR. The XREP technology will now begin the
transition from research to production. For this reason, specifications and
visual images of the XREP will not be released until a formal product launch,
expected in 2007. The TASER XREP will augment our current product offering of
hand-held non-lethal weapons with a long-range shoulder fired option. The
XREP provides a higher level use-of-force response delivering blunt impact
similar to other impact rounds combined with the revolutionary wireless
advancement of continued incapacitation from our proven TASER technology,"
concluded Mr. Smith.
About TASER International, Inc.
TASER International provides advanced electronic control devices for use
in the law enforcement, military, private security and personal defense
markets. TASER(R) devices use proprietary technology to incapacitate
dangerous, combative or high-risk subjects who pose a risk to law enforcement
officers, innocent citizens or themselves in a manner that is generally
recognized as a safer alternative to other uses of force. TASER(R) technology
saves lives every day, and the use of TASER(R) devices dramatically reduces
injury rates for police officers and suspects. For more information on TASER
life-saving technology, please call TASER International at (800) 978-2737 or
visit our website at http://www.TASER.com.
Note to Investors
This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning
of Section 27A of the Securities Act of the 1933 and Section 21E of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the safe harbor created by
those sections. The forward-looking information is based upon current
information and expectations regarding TASER International. These estimates
and statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, are not
guarantees of future performance, and involve certain risks, uncertainties and
assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and
results could materially differ from what is expressed, implied, or forecasted
in such forward-looking statements.
TASER International assumes no obligation to update the information
contained in this press release. TASER International's forward-looking
statements in this press release and future results may be impacted by the
completion of the restatement of the Company's financial results for the first
quarter of 2005 and the second quarter of 2005, risks associated with rapid
technological change, new product introductions, new technological
developments and implementations, execution issues associated with new
technology, ramping manufacturing production to meet demand, litigation
results from Company filed lawsuits and other litigation including lawsuits
resulting from alleged product related injuries, media publicity concerning
allegations of deaths occurring after use of the TASER device and the negative
impact this could have on sales, product quality, implementation of
manufacturing automation, potential fluctuations in quarterly operating
results, adjustments to these amounts which may be reflected in our 10-Q
filing, competition, financial and budgetary constraints of prospects and
customers, international order delays, dependence upon sole and limited source
suppliers, negative reports concerning TASER device uses, governmental
inquiries and investigations, medical and safety studies, fluctuations in
component pricing, government regulations, variation among law enforcement
agencies with their TASER product experience, TASER device tests and reports,
dependence upon key employees, and our ability to retain employees. TASER
International's future results may also be impacted by other risk factors
listed from time to time in its SEC filings, including, but not limited to,
the Company's Form 10-QSBs and its Annual Report on Form 10-KSB.
The statements made herein are independent statements of TASER
International. The inclusion of any third parties does not represent an
endorsement of any TASER International products or services by any such third
parties.
For further information contact Steve Tuttle, Vice President of
Communications. Visit the company's web-site at http://www.TASER.com for facts and
video.
SOURCE TASER International, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.TASER.com
CONTACT:
Steve Tuttle, Vice President of
Communications of TASER International, Inc., Media ONLY Hotline,
+1-480-444-4000
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