Buzz
Over the centuries, humanity has gradually moved towards more humane and less violent ways of addressing conflicts. Considering the saying 'necessity is the mother of invention,' it's no surprise that people have developed innovative yet gentler ways of subduing others. While these gadgets may still sting, they are designed to safely neutralize anyone standing in their way.
10. Arma 100
Often used for home protection and by law enforcement, the Arma 100 is a straightforward but powerful projectile launcher. It is fully legal across the United States and serves as a solid alternative to typical handguns or shotguns.
This compact air gun operates using single-shot gas cartridges for propulsion, making it incredibly easy to handle. As long as the user has decent aim, the Arma 100 can be effective from distances of up to 6 meters (20 feet). When a bean bag projectile strikes a target in a sensitive area, like the head or abdomen, it temporarily incapacitates the individual. At the very least, even the boldest criminals would be deterred by a shot or two. While simple, the Arma 100 delivers a solid impact and is a highly reliable non-lethal weapon.
9. JPX Jet Protector
Much like a personal stun gun, jet protectors offer a non-lethal way to incapacitate an attacker. However, instead of delivering an electric shock, these devices shoot OC irritant at the target, quickly neutralizing them.
Resembling a handgun in design, the JPX Jet Protector features a dual-barrel mechanism that enables it to fire two bursts of irritant at an impressive speed of 430 kilometers per hour (267 mph). This is quite remarkable, considering it shoots a liquid instead of a projectile. One of the best qualities of the JPX Jet Protector is its extended range. It can be effectively used at distances of up to 6.5 meters (21 ft), which is far beyond the reach of standard tasers or stun guns, provided the user has proper training. Though it's priced a few hundred dollars higher than some alternatives, the JPX Jet Protector remains a highly dependable non-lethal weapon.
8. Tactical Pens
The only melee weapons featured here, tactical pens are practical tools designed for self-defense against close-range threats. Modeled after self-defense tools like the Kubotan, tactical pens typically have a sharp metal or plastic tip on one end and a blunt surface on the other. And yes, they are fully functional pens as well.
Although they might not appear particularly threatening, tactical pens are capable of delivering intense pain with just a few well-placed strikes. In fact, hitting a nerve or a soft tissue area with enough force can even cause temporary paralysis. If that's not enough, a solid strike can easily break bones, especially when it contacts bare skin. While they may seem simple, tactical pens are capable of inflicting serious damage.
7. Sticky Foam Gun
Although the sticky foam gun is not classified as a lethal weapon, its use has been limited due to its safety concerns. Initially created in the mid-90s, it was only deployed during the US intervention in Somalia, though this deployment was fraught with numerous issues.
The basic idea behind the sticky foam gun was relatively simple. It utilized a backpack tank filled with pressurized chemical foam, which was connected to a nozzle that the operator could aim. When fired, the foam was launched at the target. Upon contact with a solid surface, the foam quickly adhered and hardened, trapping the target in place.
However, for the target, the chemical foam did more than just immobilize. If it got on the face, it could easily lead to suffocation—definitely not the intended outcome for a non-lethal weapon. Another issue with the sticky foam was that, while it adhered well to surfaces, it was incredibly difficult to remove. At best, it could take hours to fully clean the victim. Despite its innovative concept and some potential, the sticky foam gun faced too many challenges. Ultimately, it was likely destined to fade into obscurity as just another failed weapon.
6. XM1063
The XM1063 is the codename for a classified project under development by the US Army. This non-lethal artillery shell is designed to neutralize enemy personnel without causing fatal harm. While many aspects of the project remain under wraps, a few details have been confirmed.
According to military fact sheets, the XM1063 will be a standard artillery shell fired from a conventional 155mm howitzer. Once launched, the shell disperses 152 smaller packets, which release an unidentified chemical compound as they descend, covering the area below.
Although the military has not officially disclosed the exact composition of the payload, there are several potential options. The most probable choices are crowd control substances like tear gas, malodorants, or perhaps a new chemical compound that has yet to be unveiled. Regardless of the specifics, the XM1063 is set to become a fascinating tool on the battlefield.
5. PHASR
The PHaSR is the only light-based weapon on this list, designed to be a non-lethal laser gun for military and law enforcement use. Resembling an ordinary rifle with a more futuristic appearance, the PHaSR is a self-contained system that fires two non-lethal laser wavelengths directly into the eyes of the target. If the target gets a good view, their eyes will become temporarily blinded, and their bodies will be incapacitated.
As lasers can cause permanent damage, the PHaSR's developers have included several safety features. One such feature is an eye-safe laser range finder. In previous blinding laser projects, targets were often subjected to lasers that were either too weak or too strong, depending on the distance between the weapon and the target. With the range finder, however, the PHaSR will calculate the optimal laser energy for safe use. With its impressive name and capabilities, the PHaSR is undoubtedly one of the top non-lethal weapons available.
4. TOMA
Anyone following the civil unrest in Turkey is likely already familiar with this unique weapon, even if they don't know its name. The Turkish TOMA, or “Toplumsal Olaylara Mudahale Araci,” is an armored vehicle equipped with a high-powered water cannon. While using water to disperse crowds is not a new concept, the TOMA takes this idea to an entirely new level.
The massive 5-ton TOMA can carry up to 10,000 liters (2,200 gal) of water. The water can then be discharged in various pulses, controlled by an operator within the vehicle. The force of the water can easily knock down individuals and tear their clothes off, as demonstrated in the video above.
The TOMA is designed with the safety of its operators in mind. For instance, if rioters get too close, the vehicle can release tear gas to subdue nearby protesters. Additionally, it features a Positive Cabin Pressurization System that keeps the tear gas contained outside. With its imposing presence, the TOMA is one of the most formidable riot control vehicles ever created.
3. The Thunder Generator
Originally designed by Israeli farmers to drive away birds that threatened their crops, the “Thunder Generator” has since evolved into a potent weapon for use against humans.
Under optimal conditions, the Thunder Generator can unleash a series of ultra-short shockwaves that travel up to 100 meters (328 ft). These waves are generally designed to incapacitate or stun people. However, if a person is within 10 meters (33 ft), the shockwaves can cause permanent injury or death.
To create shockwaves traveling at 2,000 meters per second (6,560 ft/s), a volatile mix of petroleum, air, and cooking gas is detonated. As these energy waves reverberate through the barrel, their intensity increases exponentially. This results in a rapid succession of waves, each lasting only 300 milliseconds. Given its remarkable power, it’s easy to see why the Thunder Generator is considered one of the top non-lethal weapons.
2. Taser Shockwave
The “Shockwave” is essentially an advanced setup of interconnected taser cartridges. Each unit is equipped with six cartridges, each firing two probes in different directions. If 12 simultaneous shots aren’t enough, additional units can be stacked to create a barrier of disabling tasers. These units can be deployed however the user prefers, and they can even be mounted onto the grilles of military vehicles such as Humvees.
With its rare ability to disable multiple targets at once, the Shockwave is expected to be used in various scenarios. Its primary uses include preventing suicide bombers from entering restricted areas and neutralizing entire sections of a crowd. Regardless of the situation, the Shockwave is an effective tool for crowd control.
1. Stingball Grenades
The only explosive device on this list, stingball grenades have found extensive use in both prison settings and crowd control situations. Despite their intimidating name, their design incorporates several features intended to minimize lethality.
A key feature of a stingball grenade is its construction, which, unlike traditional grenades, is made almost entirely of rubber. This design ensures that the shrapnel and over 100 rubber pellets inside can’t cause permanent harm. However, the rubber impact is still excruciatingly painful and can lead to severe bruising.
To make matters worse, most stingball grenades explode with a flash of about 6 million candelas and a deafening bang of 180 decibels. For comparison, a typical fire alarm strobe emits only 75 candelas, and 180 decibels is enough to start damaging hearing tissue. In short, while stingball grenades may not be fatal, they are definitely not something to be taken lightly.
