Businessweek

LRAD Corporation develops and delivers acoustic products that beam, focus, and control sound over short and long distances. The company offers various directional sound products which meet a range of requirements from communicating with and deterring threats over distances up to 300 meters with its hand-held LRAD 100X to distances in approximately 3,500 meters with its LRAD 2000X. Products The company’s major technology platforms and related products are as follows: LRAD LRAD hailing, notification and warning systems feature a 15 to 30 degree acoustic beam and a broadcast range in approximately 3,500 meters. LRAD hailing, notification and warning systems also feature a rugged construction that allows the product to meet the environmental requirements of military applications. LRAD hailing, notification and warning systems can emit voice commands, prerecorded messages in multiple languages or deterrent tones to create large safety zones allowing operators to determine the intent, influence the behavior and gain compliance from approaching vessels, vehicles or personnel. LRAD has been deployed by the U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, as well as international military services and commercial maritime, commercial security, and public safety organizations. The company’s LRAD-X product line uses directionality and focused acoustic output to clearly transmit critical information, instructions and warnings in approximately 3,500 meters. The company’s LRAD-X product line provides a range of systems from single user portable to permanently installed, remotely operated. In 2011, the company added wireless capability to its LRAD 100X product. The company’s LRAD-X product line includes the following: LRAD 2000X—launched in 2012 to meet the requirements of larger security applications—is an acoustic hailing system and broadcasts voice communication that can be heard and understood approximately 3,500 meters away. LRAD 1000X—selected by the U.S. Navy as its acoustic hailing device (AHD) for Block 0 of the Shipboard Protection System—can be manually operated to provide long distance hailing and warning with highly intelligible communication. This unit is available in both fully-integrated and remotely-operated electronics. LRAD 500X—selected by the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army as their AHD for small vessels and vehicles—is lightweight and can be transported to provide security personnel long-range communications and a hailing and warning capability where needed. LRAD 300X is a lightweight mid-range AHD developed for small vessels and manned and unmanned vehicles and aircraft. This unit is available in both fully-integrated and remotely-operated electronics. LRAD 100X is a self-contained, battery powered, portable system designed for use in various mass notification, law enforcement and commercial security applications. This unit is suited for short-range perimeter security and communications. LRAD-RX—selected by the U.S. Navy as its AHD for Block 2 of the Shipboard Protection System—is its prescription for remotely controlled security. It enables system operators to detect and communicate with an intruder over long distances. The LRAD-RX features an LRAD 1000X emitter head, integrated camera, high-intensity searchlight and an internally developed Internet protocol-addressable full pan and tilt drive system for precise aiming and tracking. LRAD 360X—launched in 2012—broadcasts attention-commanding siren alarms and live announcements and pre-recorded messages in a uniform 360 degree pattern over distances up to 2 miles. The LRAD 360X is targeted for mass notification and emergency warning for campus, border and perimeter security applications, tsunami, hurricane and tornado warnings, bird safety and control, and asset protection. SoundSaber The company’s SoundSaber thin film magnetic speaker technology, the primary product from its NeoPlanar speaker line, provides clarity throughout the audio range for public address and high-end sound applications. SoundSaber products are based on its proprietary technology incorporating a thin film magnetic speaker that produces sound of low distortion and high volume. The company offers SoundSaber panels in various sizes for custom installation and packaged for installation in mass notification applications. Strategy The company’s overall strategy is to offer an increasing variety of directed sound and other products for an increasing range of applications. In executing strategy, the company uses direct sales to governments, military, larger end-users, system integrators and defense-related companies. Sales and Marketing The company markets and sells products and services through its sales force based in California, Colorado, Maine and Rhode Island. Research and Development As of September 30, 2012, the company spent approximately $1.7 million on company-sponsored research and development. Customers The company’s major customer includes ADS, Inc. Regulation The company is subject to various government laws and regulations that apply to companies engaged in international operations, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, U.S. Department of Commerce export controls, local government regulations and procurement policies and practices (including regulations relating to import-export control, investments, exchange controls and repatriation of earnings). The company’s products are being produced to comply with standard product safety requirements for sale in the United States and similar requirements for sale in Europe and Canada. Intellectual Property The company is the owner of federally registered trademarks including LRAD, LONG RANGE ACOUSTIC DEVICE, LRAD-X, LRAD-RX and SOUNDSABER. Competition The company, in the mass notification market, competes with Federal Signal Corporation, Whelen Engineering Company Inc., and Siemens AG. History LRAD Corporation was founded in 1980.