Safariland has released five 40-mm, specialty impact rounds that allow corrections and tactical officers to deliver less-lethal munitions to incapacitate an aggressive, non-compliant subject, according to the company.
The Defense Technology rounds are point-of-aim/point-of-impact and utilize lightweight, spin-stabilized projectiles for optimal energy dissipation. Smokeless powder is used as the propellant to yield consistent velocities and accuracy at extended ranges. The munitions can be fired from a variety of 40-mm launchers and provide optimal accuracy from 10–70 meters (about 30–230 feet).
The munitions consist of a plastic body and a crushable foam nose containing an OC, CS, inert, or marking payload that disperses upon impact. Deformation of the foam nose helps to dissipate the impact energy. Each variant of the extended range family is distinguished by its nose color and material. The eXact iMpact Extended Range munitions consist of a plastic body and sponge nose that ensures even energy delivery without inducing serious injury.
The LE Direct Impact Extended Range munitions incorporate refinements to the original military design developed in 2005 that featured the performance of the most comprehensive less-lethal human effects assessment in the industry. These included human injury potential assessment by Wayne State University using the three-rib ballistic impact dummy, a biomechanical surrogate of a human rib cage.
Other tests included penetration assessments using a validated ballistic gelatin penetration surrogate, and back face signature measurements in clay according to the NIJ 0101.04 testing methodology. The testing results were used to develop the optimum combination of less-lethal performance and effectiveness when deployed by trained professionals.
The LE Direct Impact and eXact iMpact Extended Range munitions range in price from $27–$28.50.
