Introduction

Titan's Advanced Technologies Group (ATG) has a variety of nonlethal weapons in development for both military and law enforcement applications. One of those devices, dubbed Sticky Shocker^® for its ability to both stick to a human target and electrically stun the person, is nearing completion of engineering development. This project is being sponsored by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the National Institute of Justice through the Joint Program Steering Group.

The Concept

The Sticky Shocker^® idea evolved in response to the need for a nonlethal weapon bridging the gap between kinetic rounds (e.g., rubber bullets, beanbags, wooden batons) and devices designed for use at close-in range, such as electric stun devices with darts and pepper spray (effective only within 5 m) or stun guns (arms-length range). The Sticky Shocker® concept puts stun gun technology on a wireless self-contained projectile, allowing temporary incapacitation of a human target at safe, stand-off distance, using a widely accepted 40 mm or 37 mm projectile configuration and conventional launchers. The Sticky Shocker^® can extend the range of electrical stun technology out to 10 m and potentially further. The projectile contains a battery pack and associated electronics that will impart a short burst of high-voltage pulses. Pulse amplitudes are near 50 kV with pulse widths of a few microseconds and repetition rate between 10 to 15 pulses per second. The pulse characteristics are similar to those of commercial stun guns. The pulses are not lethal but will disable a human target temporarily, with full recovery from impact within a few minutes.