Defence technology specialist Metal Storm has announced it has successfully completed design verification testing for its Multi-shot Accessory Underbarrel Launcher (MAUL). The testing culminated in a series of shoulder firings at Metal Storm's test facilities in Chantilly, Virginia, USA on Friday, 24 April 2009.

The MAUL is an ultra-light shotgun attachment that fits under the barrel of an individual combat weapon including the M-4 and M-16 rifles.

Metal Storm Incorporated (MSI) General Manager, Peter D. Faulkner said the company had completed the test series in advance of its original scheduled completion date. The weapon was integrated onto an M4 rifle and shoulder fired using 12 gauge Blunt Impact rounds which are one of several rounds to be offered by Metal Storm for the MAUL.

Mr. Faulkner said, "We are pleased to have achieved all of our design objectives for the MAUL, especially the weight, which at 1.8 lbs is ten percent less than our original expectations." A weapon of this size and weight would not have been possible without Metal Storm's unique Electronic Ballistics Technology.

Mr Faulkner said MSI will be making a formal product introduction at the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) Joint Service and Small Arms Symposium and Exhibition in Las Vegas next month. Public live firings of the MAUL will be conducted in conjunction with the symposium to demonstrate the effectiveness of the MAUL.

Metal Storm CEO, Dr Lee Finniear, said the MAUL joins the company's 3GL grenade launcher product which was certified earlier this year for safe shoulder-firing.

"The MAUL is capable of firing munitions across the lethality spectrum and is attracting considerable interest within the international military and law enforcement communities. We are looking forward to the NDIA public demonstration where the public and defence industry representatives will see the considerable progress made with the weapon on its path toward commercialization," he said.