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The FN 303 is a semi-automatic less-lethal launcher developed by FN Herstal.
History[]
The launcher was created in 2003, and is based on a project by the Monterey Bay Corporation known as the XM-303, based on technology used in paintball markers.
At least one lethal incident involving the weapon has occurred: in 2004 during crowd-control efforts following a football game in Massachusetts, a 21-year old student was hit by a round which penetrated her eye socket and caused a fatal brain injury. Analysis following this suggested that the launcher suffers a severe degradation in accuracy after around 300 shots. Several U.S. police forces discontinued use of the FN 303 following this incident.
Design Details[]
The 303 is functionally an extremely high-powered air rifle, with the air stored in a refillable tank off to the side of the weapon. The weapon is designed to inflict blunt trauma on a person to incapacitate them without causing critical injuries. It has a Picatinny rail and iron sights, and can also be mounted as an underbarrel weapon.
Ammunition[]
The FN 303 fires fin-stabilized 17mm projectiles, designed to break up on impact to reduce the risk of penetrating injuries. There are 4 variants of the bullet, each with a different color or filling:
- Clear - Impact-type with a non-toxic glycol base, used when the impact sting is the preferred deterrent or for training.
- Yellow - Permanent paint, has a latex-based paint to mark targets for later inspection.
- Pink - Washable paint, has a water-soluble paint for short term marking of targets.
- Orange - Oleoresin capsicum irritant, filled with pepper spray rated at 5 million Scoville heat units mixed with a glycol base.
References[]
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