ISSN: 1945-7553
CODEN: JTEVAB
Page Count: 4

Evaluation of the FN 303 Less Lethal Projectile

Mesloh, CT
Director and Program Manager, Weapons and Equipment Research Institute, Division of Justice Studies, Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft Myers, FL

Thompson, LF
Director and Program Manager, Weapons and Equipment Research Institute, Division of Justice Studies, Florida Gulf Coast University, Ft Myers, FL

(Received 6 December 2005; accepted 13 March 2006)

Abstract

FN 303 less lethal launcher is at the forefront of less lethal weapons technology and exceeds the standards for accuracy and range. While the manufacturer stated maximum effective range for the FN 303 against a point target is 55 yards (50.29 m), this study found that it was possible to strike a point target at even greater ranges. Additionally, as the projectile descends quickly due to gravity and slowing velocity, an operator cannot rely on sights that are zeroed at 30 yards (27.43 m) to achieve point target strikes at 60 yards (54.86 m). This study produced a linear model to adjust an operator's point of aim to achieve the desired point of impact. At distances of 40 yards and greater, point of aim should be adjusted 13.7 in. (34.80 cm) for every additional 10 yards (9.14 m) of distance between shooter and target.

Keywords:
less lethal, FN 303, nonlethal, accuracy, projectile

Paper ID: JTE100134
DOI: 10.1520/JTE100134
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