TEMPE, Ariz. — October 31, 2019 — VirTra, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTSI), a global provider of training simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational and commercial markets, today announced that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued the company two new patents: patent 10,438,503, which relates to VirTra’s TASER® cartridge kits, and patent 10,436,539, which relates to mechanical malfunction of real firearms used in simulation training.

Based on the parameters of patent 10,438,503, VirTra is the only company in the United States that can produce or sell a specially triggered training cartridge for the TASER line of products by Axon, the global leader in connected public safety technologies. The patent covers VirTra’s proprietary method of reliably triggering the training device based on the unique acoustic sound produced by a TASER Conducted Energy Weapon’s (CEW) electrical arc. This innovation allows trainees to deploy the cartridges from a real TASER CEW during simulation training and avoid high-voltage feedback. It also allows trainees to practice with a TASER CEW’s “ARC” and/or “Re-ARC” functions, which increases the realism of each training session. By using a live CEW while training in VirTra’s simulators, trainees are able to improve their technique and develop proper habits that carry into real world situations. The patent applies to both legacy units and the latest multi-cartridge systems used for the TASER X2 and TASER 7 weapons.

“TASER CEWs have been classified as ‘less-lethal’ devices, and as such, require the same type of high quality, judgmental use-of-force simulation training as lethal devices like firearms,” said Lon Bartel Director of Training and Curriculum at VirTra. “By combining live TASER CEW and VirTra training cartridges with VirTra’s simulators and library of content, trainees have an opportunity to develop critical decision-making skills when under stress as well as further develop safe weapon handling by practicing the removal and replacement of cartridges during simulations that escalate.”

Based on the parameters of patent 10,436,539, VirTra is the only company in the United States that can produce or sell a specially designed kit that affordably converts a live firearm into a safe and reliable training tool that can simulate mechanical malfunction and therefore increase realism. This patent addresses the growing need to safely, affordably, and accurately reproduce the intricacies of real firearms for training purposes. Patent 10,436,539 expands VirTra’s growing library of intellectual property related to affordably converting real firearms (whether pistol or rifle) into suitable training tools that can be used in realistic simulation training without the expense or hassle of modifying the original firearm.

Bob Ferris, VirTra Chairman and CEO, added, “These new patents are the latest progression in the strategy we outlined at the beginning of the year to bolster our technological capabilities. These patents not only expand our competitive moat by protecting important simulated weapon technology, but they also help ensure that VirTra remains an industry leader and continues to offer the highest quality judgmental use-of-force simulation training available.”

About VirTra
VirTra (NASDAQ: VTSI) is a global provider of judgmental use of force training simulators, firearms training simulators and driving simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational and commercial markets. The company’s patented technologies, software, and scenarios provide intense training for de-escalation, judgmental use-of-force, marksmanship and related training that mimics real-world situations. VirTra’s mission is to save and improve lives worldwide through practical and highly-effective virtual reality and simulator technology. Learn more about the company at www.VirTra.com.

About Axon
Axon (NASDAQ: AAXN) is a network of devices, apps and people that helps public safety personnel become smarter and safer. With a mission of protecting life, its technologies give customers the confidence, focus and time they need to keep their communities safe. Axon’s products impact every aspect of a public safety officer’s day-to-day experience.

Axon works hard for those who put themselves in harm’s way for the rest of the community. To date, there are more than 397,800 software seats booked on the Axon network around the world and more than 223,000 lives and countless dollars have been saved with the Axon network of devices, apps and people. Learn more at www.axon.com or by calling (800) 978-2737.

Facebook is a trademark of Facebook, Inc., Twitter is a trademark of Twitter, Inc., TASER 7, TASER X2, Axon and the Delta Logo are trademarks of Axon Enterprise, Inc., some of which are registered in the US and other countries. For more information, visit www.axon.com/legal. All rights reserved.

Follow Axon here

• Axon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/axon_us
• Axon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Axon.ProtectLife/

Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release includes certain information that may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by terminology such as “could,” “may,” “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “proposed,” “planned,” “potential” and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements about VirTra’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although VirTra believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. VirTra cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Accordingly, due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking information, readers and prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof, is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof and is subject to change. The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update forward-looking information to reflect new circumstances, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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Investor Relations Contact:
Matt Glover or Charlie Schumacher
VTSI@gatewayir.com
949-574-3860

From Immersion to Presence

What is it like using a use of force training simulator? The call comes through your radio, “Armed robbery in progress at the corner market.” At once you feel a rush knowing the seriousness of what you are responding to. Upon arrival, the backdrop of your locale surrounds you, immersing you in a familiar environment. In the background, the sound of multiple sirens gets louder and louder as backup is screaming towards your location. Over the radio, dispatch relays that they are on the phone with a customer inside the store who says the gunman is still inside. You begin to feel the tension in this high-risk situation that has the potential to go very bad, very quickly.

As you set up a perimeter, the suspect emerges as you draw down on him with your weapon, one that has the same familiarity of your own duty weapon. When he sees you, he fires a shot in your direction. The sound of the gunshot reverberates around you. You begin to experience an adrenaline dump under immense pressure. You return fire as he darts back inside. This has now become a hostage situation.

As things deteriorate, you are startled by the distinctive sound of shattering glass as the suspect breaks out a window and begins barking orders to back off.  Suddenly and unexpectedly, someone runs out of the front door and you must make a split-second use of force determination if it is an unarmed civilian or the suspect fleeing the store. After making a near instantaneous assessment, you hold your fire when you don’t see a gun. You then realize that the suspect is still inside when he continues to appear in the window every few moments while screaming demands.

Your senses are in a state of heightened awareness as you have felt the percussion of occasional gunfire echoing around you, the vibration of a police chopper overhead, and the anxiety of knowing that you could ultimately experience the very real pain of an electric jolt simulating being shot.

During this law enforcement training situation you understand the reality of your use of force actions and how it determines if people live or die. You are keenly aware that you must slow the situation by using law enforcement de-escalation skills to bring emotions down until a negotiator arrives, or it’s resolved without injury or loss of life to innocent civilians.

How this incident plays out depends on your abilities and the actions you take, while the trainer ultimately directs the scenario accordingly. Once the simulation training scenario is complete and you take a step back, you realize that you were immersed in a tense use of force training scenario in a virtual reality simulator. The feelings, sounds, pressures, and even the anxiety were real.

Immersion Use of Force Training

This judgmental use of force scenario represents true, full-immersion, virtual law enforcement simulation training. Immersion into a training simulators virtual reality is the perception of being physically present in a non-physical world. Not only will what you see and hear appear real, you will also feel as though you are physically present. Everywhere you look you are met with the engrossing sights and sounds of a completely virtual world.

Immersion use of force training for law enforcement focuses on features that influence or invoke a sense of realism. At the low end, features are used to construct a representation of the environment. Higher levels of use of force simulator immersion have the potential to enhance learners’ feelings of presence, or the perception of actually being in a particular environment.

Law Enforcement Simulation-Based Training

It is important for law enforcement and military personnel to train with as much realism as possible to better prepare for active threat situations that they will inevitably encounter. Real-world in field performance is often directly correlated to the realism of use of force training. In short, the more realistic and intense the training exercise, the more skills that can be transferable to a real-world situation.

It is critically important to make law enforcement simulated training as realistic as possible. This higher standard for law enforcement simulation training in engagement skills and judgmental use of force simulation training leads to improved real-world skills for the trainees.

Simulation-based training can engage the officer in the simulation training they need to respond, think through, and successfully end a critical incident.

Simulator Training Content and Special Effects

One of the most important aspects of any law enforcement and military use of force training system is the quality of the content. The degree to which the virtual or artistic environment faithfully reproduces reality determines the degree of suspension of disbelief. The greater the suspension of disbelief, the greater the degree of presence achieved. This is achieved through law enforcement and military training quality content and special effects.

Intense, realistic simulator scenarios, which are displayed using a combination of excellent visual and audio equipment, provide the most realistic simulation scenario-based training content for both law enforcement and military.

To enhance the richness of a truly immersive virtual reality simulator training experience, accurate environmental sounds and spatial characteristics are a must. Additional features, such as still images/graphics, 300° HD video, surround-sound, and special effects can be added to the information stream. It should also include the ability to adjust atmospheric conditions, and integration of other tools such as flashlights, Axon® TASER®, lethal, and less lethal use of force training scenarios.

Interactivity Simulator and Collaboration Training

Interaction is the technology’s ability to change the scene from the point of view of the participants and the ability to alter their physical position and to manipulate objects. Interactivity is itself an important design consideration. It captures an important structural element of training – the level at which the training is offered.

In addition, interactivity is critical for ensuring the simulator training realism of team or collaborative performance. The technology must offer a level of information richness capable of supporting the high degree of interactivity inherent in collaborative learning and performance environments.

VirTra Simulators

A key component of the VirTra mission is to make firearms training simulators as realistic as possible. VirTra invests in simulator technology and actors to recreate the real-world in simulation training exercises. This investment provides realistic 3D audio and special effects, realistic recoil training firearms, electronic impulse return fire device capabilities.

From marksmanship to the most challenging judgmental use-of-force decision simulation, the VirTra 300 LE is an essential tool for law enforcement training programs. Judgmental use-of-force training mode supplies a library of realistic scenario training taken from after action reports in a highly challenging 300-degree training platform. The optional stage and audio system provides over 2,000 watts of audio, and transducers mean simulated sounds feel real and adrenal is felt during training.

Contact VirTra today to arrange a demo on how our immersive simulator technology can help train your officers in a realistic virtual environment.

Patent Pending, Less-Lethal Training Simulator Cartridges for TASER X2 and X26P Expand VirTra’s Offerings

Tempe, Ariz. — December 5, 2017 — VirTra, Inc. (OTCQX: VTSI), a global provider of training simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational and commercial markets, today announced a new series of training cartridges for the Axon® X2 and X26P TASER® handles. The VirTra® less-lethal training accessories utilize patent pending, state-of-the-art electronic sensing technology that enhances the safety, durability, and maintenance of the cartridges and addresses the full and accurate deployment of training points within VirTra’s virtual reality training simulator.

“Almost every law enforcement officer trains with a TASER or similar conducted electrical weapon (CEW), less-lethal option for de-escalation training which is a vital portion of the training program,” said Jason Mulcahy General Manager of VirTra. “Real training goes beyond the daily spark test to learning to manage target distance with a cartridge’s 8-degree spread. VirTra prides itself on providing the most accurate and realistic training system, with the goal of saving lives and supporting law enforcement officers around the world, and bolstering our product line improves our ability to meet this important goal.”

The newest non-lethal force options in the VirTra product offering, the training kits for the X2 have cross link arcing, arcing of two individual characters, and re-arc capability features. These cartridges interact dynamically with the new custom VirTra training scenarios recently released and newly created interactive characters.

The cartridges use an officer’s own X2 or X26P handles, have patent pending electronic sensing and filtering and employ rechargeable batteries. There is no on-off switch to worry about. Instead, an embedded smart motion sensor automatically turns the unit on when picked up, puts it to sleep when stationary, and turns the unit off when inactive for extended periods of time. The new, user-friendly RGB LEDs let the trainer know the status of the batteries, mode of operation, and indicate charge status. All of this technology combines to provide a trainer-friendly device that is easy to operate, prolonging training times between charges, and making the cartridge easy to maintain. The internal rechargeable battery and charging circuitry has been selected to provide years of training activity, uses a standard micro-USB charger that is supplied as part of the kit, and is also designed so that the end user could use almost any standard micro-USB cell phone charger if needed.

The VirTra cartridges are factory aligned to match the AXON X2 and X26P TASER handle’s red laser dots that aim onto the screen for real life training similarities. The quality of the laser components and factory alignment process improves precision, accuracy, and reliability within the VirTra software. The lasers are class 1A (<0.850mw) skin hazard from direct beam and eye hazard when viewed directly. Each TASER laser or ECW device can be assigned a unique ID, to individually track and score each cadet or officer.

The kits are more durable than ever for the training realism covers verification of cartridge readiness, transitioning rapidly to other force options and re-loading without fear of harming the VirTra cartridges.  The VirTra technology enhancements solve today’s industry training issues by enhancing the safety, durability and maintenance of taser training, while addressing the full and accurate deployment of training points.

About VirTra 

VirTra is a global provider of training simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational and commercial markets. The Company’s patented technologies, software and scenarios provide intense training for de-escalation, judgmental use-of-force, marksmanship and related training that mimics real world situations. VirTra’s mission is to save and improve lives worldwide through realistic and highly-effective virtual reality and simulator technology. Learn more about the company at www.VirTra.com.

Forward-looking Statements 

This news release includes certain information that may constitute forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are typically identified by terminology such as “could,” “may,” “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “proposed,” “planned,” “potential” and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events.  All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements about VirTra’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.  Although VirTra believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. VirTra cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.  Accordingly, due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking information, readers and prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.  All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof, and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof and is subject to change.  The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update forward-looking information to reflect new circumstances, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Media contact:

Susan Lehman
Slehman@virtra.com
(510) 599-6555

Investor relations contact:

Brett Maas
vtsi@haydenir.com
(646) 536-7331

*AXON, TASER, X2 and X26P are registered trademarks of AXON ENTERPRISE, INC which can be referenced at www.TASER.com/legal

Police officers today have a wide range of crime-fighting tools available to them beyond just their service weapons as they perform their duties on the streets. They also have access to less lethal options, such as Axon® TASER®, kinetic energy rounds and OC or pepper spray, giving them additional choices when dealing with suspects in tense situations.

VirTra OC Spray Training

Yet to be ready to use those additional tools at a moment’s notice, officers need to regularly and safely practice operating them when dealing with criminal suspects and real-time crimes. That’s where the kinetic energy rounds, TASER and OC spray accessories available for VirTra’s use of force training simulators can be brought in to help officers better train for incidents when they will need to use de-escalation techniques and non-lethal force to control and subdue a suspect.

VirTra’s 12 gauge/37mm/40mm kinetic energy round accessories uses a laser within the simulator to represent these direct fire options. These dynamic training tools allow for higher stress, repetitive, skill building on these vital longer range less lethal options.

VirTra’s TASER accessory is modified to use a laser that “fires” at the display screens of the training simulator, rather than standard TASER stun equipment that strikes and disables suspects when they are shot. By allowing officers to use the same kinds of Taser devices in training that they will use on the street, it ensures they get and maintain real-world experience in operating the non-lethal devices so they are ready if they are needed.

The VirTra OC Spray accessory is a realistic-looking OC spray canister that is also modified to fire a laser rather than actual gas, giving officers the ability to train with the non-lethal crime-fighting tool while immersed in a training scenario on a VirTra use of force simulator.

The lasers in all products interact in real-time with the scenario videos being shown in the VirTra simulators, giving police officers the most realistic training they can receive. The suspects in the real videos featured in the simulators are affected by and react immediately to the officer’s use of the kinetic energy rounds, TASER or OC spray as part of the simulations.

By providing these training tools, officers get positive experiences in operating them to build their confidence and help them replicate their real-world, on-the-street use as closely as possible.

Several other accessories are also available for use with the simulators, including a low-light package that includes two special flashlights and other hardware and software which allows officers to simulate operations in low-light situations. The low-light option exposes the officers to the proper use of the flashlight and their weapon in such situations and teaches how to determine proper threat and target identification.

A specialty “breach door” accessory allows officers to practice how to break through a door when responding in an emergency. The device, which is specially designed to be re-useable for repeated entry by officers in training for close quarters battle (CQB) or room-clearing operations, gives officers experience with movements that are often not provided in standard training exercises. Officers can train in how to properly enter a room with their partner after breaching the door – when they still don’t know what is on the other side – enabling trainees to simulate this high-stress situation.

VirTra System Upgrades

In addition, VirTra offers other system upgrades that can enhance the use of its simulators. One upgrade is a 16-inch raised training platform for the simulator that brings officers up to the level of the display screens used by the systems, as well as an optional sound system that includes an amplifier and transducers to let officers “feel” the sounds they are hearing as they train. Also available are borderless display screens to make the videos seen by the officers even clearer and larger, eliminating a 5-inch black border between each screen in the standard versions. A touch-screen display option is also available for the computer system which is operated by an instructor to run the VirTra use of force training simulator.

All of these accessories and options are available in addition to VirTra’s patented Threat-Fire® Return Fire Simulator, which is a wireless, battery-operated electronic accessory that clips on an officer’s waist on a belt or clothing and can be used by a training instructor to add real-time threat and return fire simulation to an officer’s training experience.

Law Enforcement Use of Force Training

The patented VirTra Threat-Fire brings the ultimate in realism to law enforcement use of force training by adding the simulated – but noticeable – “consequences” of a suspect attacking an officer. The Threat-Fire jolts the trainee officer with an ultra-low-dose of an electrical charge to replicate the sensation of being assaulted during a high-stress situation on the street. The device safely simulates the pain of hostile attack using an electric stun, which can be adjusted in duration to up to 2.5 seconds.

The activation of the Threat-Fire Simulator is made even more effective because an officer undergoing use of force training in the V-300 or other VirTra use of force simulators doesn’t know when it will be activated by the training instructor. By randomly adding this consequence to the video training, officers can practice de-escalation techniques as well as the use of non-lethal weapons as they react to situations from domestic disputes to hostage use of force scenarios and more.

V-300® Use of Force Training Simulator

VirTra’s judgmental use of force training systems, such as its five-screen V-300 simulator, provide police officers with video-enhanced, real-world training scenarios that mirror situations officers experience on the street regularly in their jobs. The V-300 allows police officers to be surrounded by 300 degrees of realistic video simulations which allow them to become enmeshed in the crime incident scenarios unfolding around them. VirTra also offers a full line of other simulators in three-screen and single-screen configurations for every training requirement.

Tempe, Ariz. (July 14, 2016) — VirTra Systems, Inc. (OTC Pink: VTSI), a leading provider of use of force simulators and firearms training simulators, today announced that it has released a new patent-pending training capability for VirTra’s simulator product line that is compatible with the TASER® X2™ conductive electrical weapon (CEW). The new device will allow officers to practice the deployment of the X2 in a simulated judgmental use of force scenario without deploying actual cartridges and with the goal of providing them increased experience and confidence with the TASER X2.

“Many of our customers utilize TASER’s world leading conductive electrical weapons and see value in compatibility between our products. Our simulator training device is incredibly similar to using the actual TASER X2,” said Bob Ferris, Chairman and CEO of VirTra. “VirTra’s innovative approach and the increasing need for realistic and affordable training products of this type justified a patent application. I’m pleased to report that the first of these new products are now shipping to an international customer.”

TASER® and TASER® X2 are registered trademarks of TASER International, Inc., registered in the U.S. All rights reserved.

About VirTra

VirTra is a global leading provider of the world’s most realistic and effective judgmental use of force simulators. VirTra is the higher standard in firearms training simulators, offering a variety of simulator platforms, powerful gas-powered recoil kits and the patented Threat-Fire™ simulated hostile return fire system. VirTra’s products provide the very best simulation training available for personnel that are entrusted with lethal force and critical missions.  The Company’s common stock is not registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Company does not currently file periodic or other reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

www.VirTra.com

Forward-looking Statements

This news release includes certain information that may constitute forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking statements are typically identified by terminology such as “could”, “may”, “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “proposed,” “planned,” “potential” and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events.  All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements about VirTra’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.  Although VirTra believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. VirTra cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.  Accordingly, due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking information, readers and prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.  All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof, is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof and is subject to change.  The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update forward-looking information to reflect new circumstances, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Investor Relations Counsel

Larry Clark
Financial Profiles, Inc.
(310) 478-2700
vtsi@finprofiles.com

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