The FN 303 is a semi-automatic less-lethal launcher manufactured by Fabrique Nationale de Herstal.
Overview
The FN 303 uses compressed gas to fire projectiles designed to incapacitate the target through blunt trauma without causing death. It is most widely used for riot control and other kinds of combat where the target's death is undesirable. The 303 can be fired from the shoulder with the aid of adjustable sights, or it can be mounted in an undercarriage configuration on most assault rifles, provided its stock assembly is removed (in this configuration, it is designated M303). It also comes with a top-mounted Picatinny rail that can fit most commercial weapon accessories, including scopes, lasers and tactical flashlights. FN markets its own set of accessories for the weapon, including tactical vests, slings, carrying bags, and gas compressors.
Ammunition
All types of FN 303 ammunition contain a non-toxic bismuth forward payload. The ammunition is designed to fragment upon impact to prevent penetration damage. Secondary rear payloads vary depending on mission requirements. The types are:
Training/impact - 100% non-toxic glycol base |
Permanent paint - latex based polymeric paint |
Washable paint - flourescent pink pigment in non-toxic glycol base |
Oleoresin capsicum - orange dyed non-toxic glycol base mixed with 10% OC (pepper spray) |
Specifications
- Caliber: .68 in (17.27 mm) projectiles have an 8.5 g weight
- Operating mode: semi auto, compressed air
- Weight: 2.3 kg (5 lb) empty
- Length: 29 in (740 mm)
- Barrel length: 250 mm (10 in)
- Sights: manually adjustable
- Muzzle velocity: 85 to 90 m/s (280 to 300 ft/s)
- Muzzle energy: 16.1 to 24.5 ft·lbf (22 to 33 J)
- Magazine capacity: 15 rounds
- Range: 1 m (minimum safe distance) 50 m (optimal); 100 m (maximum)
Safety
The FN 303 was involved in a controversial incident in which Victoria Snelgrove was accidentally shot in the eye and fatally wounded. Subsequent tests by the Israel Police indicated that the FN 303's accuracy "decreased significantly" after about three hundred firings. This is circumstantially corroborated by testimony of the officer who fired the weapon, stating that he was aiming at a rioter throwing bottles and did not even know a bystander had been hit.
FN Herstal has stated that they were unable to reproduce the results of the tests: "[The Israel Police] tried to test the equipment without proper information and training, and the results were flawed." They are looking into concerns about the FN 303, but they do not believe a recall will be required.
References
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