FN Herstal Smart ProtectoR-303T

2023: Product Announcement

In October 2023, at MILIPOL Paris 2023, gun manufacturer FN Herstal unveiled a smart shotgun that refuses to fire if the weapon is aimed at a person's head. The weapon was named FN Herstal Smart ProtectoR-303T.

These weapons were produced to reduce the number of accidental deaths during the suppression of riots. It shoots rubber bullets made of elastomer. It is assumed that it will be used by law enforcement forces to establish crowd control, riots, riots and ensure security at mass events. The purpose of the weapon is to de-escalate the situation, not to injure. Bullets are made to be destroyed by contact to remove the likelihood of a bullet entering a person's body.

FN Herstal Smart ProtectoR-303T

According to the developers, the gun fires bullets with a diameter of 12.55 millimeters and can hit targets at a distance of 5 to 25 meters.

The gun is equipped with a camera, which, when aiming at the head, gives a visual and audible warning and blocks the trigger. In addition, the camera records the image during use. This can then be used in legal proceedings. The camera can also be used in training to improve shooting accuracy.

The production of non-lethal firearms is considered the most difficult, since it is necessary to find a balance between sufficient force to calm the violent crowd and establish control over it, but not enough to inflict fatal wounds. This problem is especially relevant for weapons that shoot rubber bullets. A shot in the chest can temporarily immobilize the target, but a shot in the head can become lethal.^[1]

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