Law enforcement technologyTaser, Metal Storm collaborate on less lethal ammunition

Published 26 July 2011

TASER International has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Metal Storm Limited and to develop and market TASER less-lethal ammunition for the Metal Storm MAUL weapon; Metal Storm’s MAUL weighs 800 grams can be fitted as an accessory to an assault rifle, or operated from its own shoulder stock or pistol grip attachments

MAUL mounted under the barrel of an M-4 // Source: defencetalk.com

TASER International said that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Metal Storm Limited and BREON Defense Systems Pty Limited to develop and market TASER less-lethal ammunition for the Metal Storm MAUL weapon.

The MoU calls on the parties to collaborate to develop, produce and market Metal Storm MAUL ammunition that launches the TASER Extended Range Electronic Projectile (XREP).

TASER’s Electronic Control Devices (ECDs) use proprietary technology to incapacitate dangerous or high-risk subjects who pose an immediate risk to themselves or others.

The TASER XREP delivers a similar Neuro Muscular Incapacitation bio-effect as handheld TASER ECDs, but can be delivered to a much greater effective range — up to 100 feet from the operator.

Metal Storm’s MAUL is a compact, multi-shot 12 gauge launcher suitable to law enforcement and military applications. It can be fitted as an accessory to an assault rifle, or operated from its own shoulder stock or pistol grip attachments. Weighing 800 grams, MAUL uses Metal Storm’s patented stacked projectile technology to provide semi-automatic fire “as fast as the operator can squeeze the trigger,” the company says. A full weapon reload of up to five rounds takes less than two seconds.

TASER International chairman and founder, Tom Smith, said that the MAUL and XREP combination would be ideal for sectors of the market where extended range was needed but size and weight had to be minimized.

We developed the XREP to provide an extended range for situations where a close approach was dangerous or not possible,” he said. “MAUL would provide this capability from a very lightweight, compact accessory launcher, rather than the operator having to carry a separate conventional shotgun.”

Metal Storm CEO, Lee Finniear said that the TASER XREP would add a new and highly effective projectile to the MAUL less-lethal capability.

Our objective with MAUL has been to deliver a lightweight launcher that complements conventional assault rifles by providing a broad range of capabilities for non-lethal, door breaching and other specialized missions.” he said. “The TASER XREP ammunition will provide the exceptionally versatile TASER Neuro Muscular Incapacitation from the MAUL weapon, with the added benefit of a longer range. In our view MAUL plus the XREP would be a game changing combination for urban military and law enforcement operations.”