Posted on 09/22/2005 6:49:30 AM PDT by SJackson
Tel Aviv-based defense equipment company ODF Optronics has signed an agreement to allow Remington Arms to exclusively sell its Eye Ball R1 product to the US Army in a deal worth at least $10 million over the next year.
The Eye Ball consists of a camera installed into a wireless spherical device that soldiers can throw, roll or drop into enemy positions, providing them with the visible intelligence they need before they attack.
Once deployed, the Eye Ball, which is about the size of a cricket ball, transmits live pictures and sound to a Personal Display Unit up to 200 meters away, and its near-infrared capability allows it to be used in day and night operations.
With the company due to make a net profit for the first time in its four-year history this year, ODF is considering a listing on Nasdaq and will make a decision at the end of the year, chief executive Ehud Gal said in a telephone interview Wednesday.
The company, which is part of the Wave Group, has about 30 employees and in 2004 it broke even on revenue of $5m., a figure that Gal expects to rise to $6m.-$10m. in 2005.
The deal with Remington is for 10 years and will bring in "tens of millions of dollars," Gal predicted. It builds on a year-old deal between the companies under which Remington has been selling the Eye Ball to US law enforcement agencies, he added. Remington will also have exclusive distribution rights for an urban-warfare product that ODF plans to launch next year.
In addition to US security forces, the IDF and French and Singapore armies have bought the Eye Ball. Gal said demand is high, although he declined to provide details. It has been in development for three years but ODF has only been selling it for three months.
The device can be fitted with camouflage casings and is designed to absorb a few hundred Gs, and it has even survived the explosion of a stun grenade. One kit – which includes two Eye Balls, a training ball and a maintenance and accessories kit – costs approximately $6,000.
Gal said the agreement with Remington allowed ODF to concentrate on the development of its products rather than worrying about marketing and distribution.
"It's easier for Americans to buy from Americans," Gal added.
Sounds like a pretty cool gadget.
so if you're the enemy and one of these things comes hurtling at you, you're supposed to sit there and let it transmit it's images (assuming it lands pointed in the right direction)? Sure. the enemy will destroy it before its' attendants can orient it correctly.
This adds new weight to "do not taunt Happy Fun Ball."
He who taunts Happy Fun Ball will not last long.
Not to the Brits. I presume, like batons and leg cuffs, selling eyeballs is illegal in Great Britain.
I hope we will see soon live pictures from "eye"ball being hit in the baseball games - it's home run!
LOL, so true!
Sorta like the Luke Skywalker practice ball?
(kids)
It's Happy!
It's Fun!
It's Happy Fun Ball!
(announcer)
Yes, it's Happy Fun Ball,
the toy sensation
that's sweeping the nation.
Only 14.95 at participating stores!
Get one Today
(background voice)
Warning: Pregnant women, the elderly, and children should avoid
prolonged exposure to Happy Fun Ball.
Caution: Happy Fun Ball may suddenly accelerate to dangerous speeds.
Happy Fun Ball contains a liquid core, which if exposed due to rupture
should not be touched, inhaled, or looked at.
Do not use Happy Fun Ball on concrete.
Discontinue use of Happy Fun Ball if any of the following occurs:
* Itching
* Vertigo
* Dizziness
* Tingling in extremities
* Loss of balance or coordination
* Slurred speech
* Temporary blindness
* Profuse Sweating
or
* Heart palpitations
If Happy Fun Ball begins to smoke, get away immediately. Seek shelter
and cover head.
Happy Fun Ball may stick to certain types of skin.
When not in use, Happy Fun Ball should be returned to its special container
and kept under refrigeration.
Failure to do so relieves the makers of Happy Fun Ball, Wacky Products
Incorporated, and its parent company, Global Chemical Unlimited, of
any and all liability.
Ingredients of Happy Fun Ball include an unknown glowing substance which
fell to Earth, presumably from outer space.
Happy Fun Ball has been shipped to our troops in Saudi Arabia and is
also being dropped by our warplanes on Iraq.
Do not taunt Happy Fun Ball.
Happy Fun Ball comes with a lifetime guarantee.
(announcer)
Happy Fun Ball! Accept no substitutes!
Sounds suspiciously like the Gao'uld Spy Ball...
Ping!
about the size of a cricket ball...
Just wait until the accessories come out: A cricket bat to launch the eyeball out to 200 yards, Milspec Visine to get the red out, an eyeball shade for bright light,glasses with fake mustache and large nose, etc, etc....
Neat!
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