This new program, funded jointly by the OSD, ARO and the Army's Communications-Electronics Research, Development, and Engineering Center (CERDEC), follows successful completion of a previously awarded $3.5 million contract for initial development of the Pulse(TM) M250 system. Consistent with the terms of the initial program, announced in February 2007, Protonex recently delivered ten units to the Army and other military end users for testing. Raytheon's work on this first program included evaluation of the system's performance under shock, vibration and impact environments. Raytheon will continue to add significant value to advanced development, optimization and testing of the system under this next program.

"Our product development work for Pulse(TM) M250, now supported by a total of $7.15 million from the U.S. Army, has been highly successful to date," said Scott Pearson, Protonex CEO. "We were selected by the U.S. military for this product due to our proven ability to deliver leading-edge, highly durable, affordable power systems that are engineered to meet stringent military standards. This new program will accelerate our efforts to reach field-readiness and evolve Pulse M250 into its final form."

Pulse(TM) M250 is a 250-watt power system that is designed for a diverse set of portable military applications, including field battery charging, auxiliary power units and portable power generation. The system operates on liquid methanol fuel and provides the US military with a power source that is significantly smaller, lighter, quieter and more cost effective than alternative battery or generator systems.