In the previous article on the non-lethal UTPBS system, you got acquainted with a product developed on the basis of paintball technology. Potential operators of this system could be the US police and army, which needed weapons to neutralize, not defeat the enemy. The product was supposed to be used as an addition to the individual weapon of a soldier or policeman (humane weapon). And use one or another of them based on the situation.
As the name suggests, the system was conceived to be mounted under the barrel of an AR / M16 rifle, instead of an under-barrel grenade launcher. But then the idea arose to use the UTPBS as a separately wearable weapon and a folding butt with a pistol grip was developed for the launcher.
The UTPBS system was tested at the US military base (Fort Benning), but for reasons unknown to me, the military rejected it, and it was not accepted into service. I can assume that the product turned out to be quite heavy, cumbersome and unnecessarily complicated. This device, fixed under the barrel of the rifle, probably seriously violated the centering of the weapon and, in addition, could catch on to something at the most inopportune moment.
Product XM-303
Shortly after the closure of the UTPBS project, the same development team received an offer from Monterey to continue working in the same direction. The “humane” shells of 0, 68 caliber developed for UTPBS were to be used as ammunition. Let me remind you that they were made of polystyrene, for their stabilization in flight, the plumage was envisaged, and bismuth granules were used as the main filler. I assume that the basic technical requirements for humane weapons remain the same. Unless, based on the test results of the UTPBS system, requirements for the maximum weight and dimensions have been added to the new weapon. Perhaps the operators had wishes regarding the simplicity of the design. Whatever it was, the consent was given, and, based on their experience, the specialists began to develop a more compact product with a simplified design. As a result, the customer was offered the XM-303 * product.
This is the only photo of the product, but the description and performance characteristics could not be found. By the way, this photo was taken in the same American pawnshop where the UTPBS system was also put up for sale. From the image, the XM-303 also mounts from the bottom to the barrel of a rifle or carbine. For this, the product has two attachment points to the main weapon. The semicircular part in the rear of the product rests against the rifle receiver and is fixed using the standard holding ring of the weapon, and the bracket in the front of the product allows you to fix the product to the rifle barrel. The mounting system strongly resembles the one used on the M203 type grenade launchers.
To install both the under-barrel grenade launcher and the XM-303, incomplete disassembly of the rifle is required, namely, the dismantling of at least the lower half of the barrel lining. In both cases, one or another tool is required for the installation of a product, which in combat conditions is a disadvantage of these systems. By the way, Soviet-developed GP type grenade launchers are devoid of this drawback, since no tool is required for their installation.
The barrel of the XM-303 partially covers the forend, which mimics the lower half of the barrel cover of the M16 rifle of the A2 modification. For a better grip, large vertical notches are applied to its surface. Most likely, the forend for the XM-303 is made of polyamide, from which stocks and barrel pads for M16 rifles were made in those years.
The developers managed to reduce the overall weight and dimensions of the new product. This became possible thanks to the use of a smaller cylinder and a different type of ammunition supply system. Comparing gas cylinders, it can be determined that the volume of the cylinder on the XM-303 is significantly less than that of the UTPBS. I believe the XM-303 has a 13 cubic inch tank. The product has gained in weight, but the number of shells that can be fired at one gas station depends on the volume of the cylinder.
The XM-303 shells are fed from a drum-type magazine. This ammunition supply system is much easier to manufacture than the UTPBS revolving system. The use of a drum magazine has reduced not only the weight and dimensions of the weapon, but also the capacity of the magazine. I believe the XM-303 has a drum capacity of 15 rounds. Thanks to the drum, the new product has received its recognizable features. And if the UTPBS outwardly resembled a multi-barreled machine gun of the Gatling system, then the XM-303 resembles the PPSh or Thompson's PP.
In front of the trigger, on the safety guard, we see a kind of curved detail. I am inclined to believe that this is a fuse box. Apparently it is turned off by moving the finger "away from itself", as, for example, in the M203 grenade launcher.
Thanks to the use of feathered shells, there was no urgent need to use a rifled barrel. Therefore, I believe that the XM-303 is most likely a smoothbore weapon, like the previous model. As for the length of the barrel, it is about twice as long as the gas cylinder. If I correctly determined the model of the cylinder (13/3000), then its length is 11 inches (25 cm), and accordingly the barrel length is about 20 inches (50, 8 cm). Considering that the M16 A2 rifle has a barrel length without a muzzle attachment of just 20 inches, it may well be. The barrel of the XM-303 would have protruded slightly from under the barrel of the M16, but the barrel of the previous UTPBS model also protruded from under the barrel of the rifle.
The XM-303 barrel is equipped with a muzzle attachment, which in its shape is very similar to those mounted on the barrels of rifles of the AR15 / M16 family. But paintball guns have negligible recoil force, so they don't need a muzzle brake-compensator. Just as a flame arrester is not needed, because this is not a firearm, there can be no muzzle flame in principle. The only possible option is to scatter the gases when firing in order to exclude the formation of a dust cloud. But this model of the nozzle is not the most successful, since there are models with holes for exhausting gases upward or sideways. And finally, what kind of disguise are we talking about when it comes to weapons to disperse demonstrators? Most likely, this upgrade performed a purely decorative function or came from a donor.
How many XM-303s were produced is unknown. Also, there are no known cases of its use. Most likely, an experimental batch of several units was produced and the matter did not go further, because this development lost its relevance or the concept of non-lethal weapons was revised.
Product FN 303
Do not think, I in no way put myself on the same level next to the great English writer and I do not equate myself with a genius detective. It's just that this work is just like Holmes's, “my first business”, my first material on a military theme that I prepared. Until now, this material has not been published anywhere, but was provided for acquaintance with only a few competent officers of the security forces of the Republic of Moldova. And the political situation in the country prompted me to start looking for non-lethal weapons. Namely, the so-called “Cobblestone Revolution” that took place in Moldova in the spring of 2009.
Let me remind you that the unrest began after the parliamentary elections, and as a result, the protesters staged an assault and then a pogrom in the buildings of the Moldovan Parliament and Presidency. Some media outlets dubbed these events the “Twitter Revolution”, and Vladimir Pekhtin from United Russia said that the “Lilac Revolution” had taken place in Moldova. The President of Moldova, Vladimir Voronin, told RIA Novosti that the security forces left the buildings of the Parliament and Presidency to the protesters deliberately, because there were many young people and even children among the rioters. Indeed, looking at the newsreels, one gets the feeling that students from all universities in Chisinau, and at the same time students from all Chisinau schools, went out to protest. There were also many adults. But in my opinion, the adult participants behaved more sensibly. Looking ahead, I will add that the protesters were much more organized than the authorities. I am not the only one who thinks that during the April events there were many stupid and contradictory orders from the command.
By the way, this is the second case of mass riots that occurred in Moldova over the past two decades. Exactly 20 years before the storming of Parliament, namely on November 10, 1989 (the day of the Soviet militia), activists of the Popular Front stormed the building of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Moldavian SSR. At that time, the future President Vladimir Voronin was the Minister of Internal Affairs of Moldova. That is, Mr. Voronin's tenure in power twice coincided with resonant riots. Journalists drew an analogy and called the events of April 7, 2009 "a remake of November 10, 1989".
And if in the 89th year about 170 units of the Cherryomukha special means were used, then in 2009 there were literally several units. Almost the only grenade with a tear substance was thrown from one of the upper floors of the Parliament. But what is 1 grenade against a whole crowd? And that was applied after most of the storming men had already spread to the Presidency building.
Another means of dispersing the storming men was water. They tried to calm the crowd with water, pouring water over it from cannons. There were also only a few fire hoses: one each in the halls of the Presidency and the Parliament, possibly at the side entrances too. Agree, not the most impressive arsenal.
More than 220 casualties were delivered to the Ambulance Hospital alone: both civilians and police officers. The then Prosecutor General Valeriu Gurbulya stated that during the “Cobblestone Revolution” more than 300 police officers were injured. Many of them were hospitalized with facial and head injuries.
I want to note: what these guys in uniform endured in 2 days of rampant democracy and lawlessness made me look at them with sympathy. A few photos will not convey the feeling of shame from forced powerlessness that they experienced during the protests …
The order was given: not to use firearms. But they had no alternative. They were forced to hold their positions and hide behind shields from a flurry of paving slabs, which threw at them by thugs crazed with impunity. Sorry, fighters for democracy. And occasionally, when the distance allowed - to use batons. And that's all.
I decided to help them by choosing and proposing some kind of effective anti-riot remedy. Having studied the world market of non-lethal weapons for some time, I opted for the FN 303 product. Having contacted the manufacturer, I received a commercial offer from him, which, along with the necessary explanations and descriptions, was presented to potential operators. In addition to the product and components, the manufacturer persistently offered a training course: storage, maintenance, use.
The interest in FN 303 was genuine, for it was offered literally a month after the events described. Unfortunately, there was no money in the Moldovan treasury to purchase these products. By the way, earlier the Yushchenko government did not allocate money for their purchase. Therefore, neither the security forces of Ukraine nor Moldova received the FN 303 device.
Moldova had to first carve out funds from the budget for capital repairs and re-equipment of the buildings of the Parliament and the Presidency. They were completely destroyed and plundered during the protests. No funds were found for the renovation of the Presidency until 2018. That is, for 9 years, one of the symbols of the state was defeated and useless. As a result, the Presidency building was restored with money allocated by the Turkish government.
Information on FN 303 lay for about 8 years without any use, until I accidentally discovered it and decided to write an article about it. For some time I collected historical facts on this weapon and tried to identify all the participants involved in its development and all previous prototypes. You are already familiar with UTPBS and XM-303. It's time to get familiar with the FN 303.
Some Russian-language sources claim that the FN 303 product was developed for peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and Somalia, but I have not found a single confirmation in foreign media. The FNH official website states that in the early 90s, the company was involved in the development of non-lethal weapons and as a result, the FN 303 device was launched on the market in 2003.
Based on the official data, I would like to argue. During the Kosovo War, NATO forces intervened in 1999, and the same year UN forces took control of the province. By that time, the FN 303 had been in development for several years. As for the civil war in Somalia, the UN forces were in those parts from December 1992 to March 1995 (Operation Revival of Hope). The time is the same. But hardly anyone from the UN Security Council has guessed to use non-lethal weapons to protect humanitarian convoys from local robbers armed with firearms. And if you take into account the development time of the first prototypes (UTPBS and XM-303), you can safely forget about Kosovo and Somalia.
The FN 303 is a semi-automatic air gun manufactured by FN Herstal. In the original, this product is referred to as “less-lethal” or “non-lethal launcher”, which loosely translates as “Non-lethal or non-lethal launcher”. For the operation of the product, compressed air is used, and a projectile (ball) made of polystyrene is used as an ammunition, which, when it hits the target, is destroyed and practically eliminates the risk of getting a penetrating wound. The FN 303 is based on paintball technology. It widely used the developments of the experimental model XM-303.
The FN 303 consists of two main assemblies: the lower stock assembly and the upper stock assembly. The upper bed, in turn, consists of a launcher, a magazine and a working gas cylinder. And the lower stock consists of a stock, which is made integral with the pistol grip and contains a rail system guide for attaching the upper stock (trigger).
As with previous non-lethal systems (UTPBS and XM-303), the FN 303 device with a detached stock can be mounted under the barrel of an assault rifle instead of a grenade launcher *. That is, the designers have provided for a certain modularity. Most of the FN 303 parts are made from the already familiar polymeric materials (reinforced nylon). Thanks to the widespread use of polymers, it was possible to reduce the cost of production, and the weapon turned out to be light and resistant to corrosion.
Operating principle
The principle of operation of the FN 303 is based on the use of compressed gas energy from an isolated storage tank. That is, the FN 303 refers to a gas cylinder pneumatic weapon. Compressed air is used as a working gas in this system. When fired, the gas expands, affects the projectile and imparts kinetic energy to it. From the cylinder, gas is supplied through the regulator through a flexible hose (mamba) to the shut-off valve and creates pressure there. The valve is a working chamber in which the amount of gas required for a shot is accumulated. The gas from the valve acts on the end face of the valve. Until the trigger is pressed, the shutter is held by the sear on the combat platoon and the gas remains in the valve. That is, shooting is carried out from an open bolt.
When the trigger is not fully pressed (1/3 of the length of the hook stroke), the plunger shuts off the gas supply from the cylinder to the valve. When pressed further (2/3 of the hook stroke), the sear releases the shutter. Under the influence of gas, the bolt moves forward and compresses the bolt spring. When moving forward, the bolt sends a projectile into the barrel. The bolt continues to move forward and enters the bore like a piston into a cylinder. There is obturation (sealing) of the bore. After sealing, the gas enters the barrel through the feed tube (passes through the shutter), acts on the projectile, and it leaves the barrel bore. After firing, the return spring moves the bolt back to its original position. This is a semi-automatic weapon, and the trigger must be pulled again to fire the next shot.
The automation scheme on the FN 303 is almost identical to that used on the Automag markers from Airgun Designs. And it is not surprising, because between the development of UTPBS and FN 303 for the security forces - the company developed the Automag marker for the civilian market. In 1990, the Automag made a splash at the World Paintball Championship, and this factor greatly influenced the further development of this industry. The Airgun Designs system was so successful that many competitors began developing markers with an eye on the Automag circuitry. I can mention the companies DYE Precision (Matrix line of markers), Smart Parts (Ion series), ICD (Freestyle series) and others.
Naturally, the automation will work properly, provided that all parts of the system are made with minimum tolerances and carefully adjusted. It is also necessary to ensure that the O-rings (O-rings) do not lose their qualities. Particular attention should be paid to the lubrication of the product. FN 303 is recommended to be lubricated before each use. The manufacturer warns that it recommends the use of only certain types of oils. It is unacceptable to use CLP series gear oil, LSA Weapons Oil and others, as they can damage the product. Excessive lubrication can also lead to malfunction of the automation. It is not necessary to disassemble the weapon to lubricate the FN 303. The manufacturer recommends lubricating the weapon using the air supply hose to the system (mamba).
Trunk
The barrel of the FN 303 is smooth, without grooves. It is fixed to the receiver and is made of aluminum. The manufacturer claims that the barrels for the FN 303 are made in the same factory and on the same equipment as the rifle / machine gun barrels for the US Army.
Ammunition
The FN 303 uses the same non-lethal projectiles that Perfect Circle developed for the previous models: the UTPBS and XM-303.
The range of ammunition by type of action was expanded. So, the container inside the cylinder of the projectile could be filled with water, paint or irritants of tear or irritating action.
The author has found the following types of non-lethal projectiles (Less Lethal Projectiles) in various sources:
1. Clear Impact - No filler. Instructional / Traumatic, Distracting.
2. Washable Paint - Washable paint. Non-toxic propylene glycol paint. After complete drying, it is washed off or cleaned with a brush.
3. Indelible Paint - Indelible paint. polymer latex paint. After complete drying, it becomes indelible.
4. PAVA / OC Powder - Irritant with hot pepper extract. Causes cough and severe burning sensation in the nose, pain and watery eyes if it gets into the eyes.
5. Inert Powder - Inert, educational.
6. CS / CN - Complex action / tear irritant.
7. Illumination - Illumination.
8. Kinetic / Training - Kinetic (solid), training.
9. Malodorant - Offensive, repulsive odor (like Stink Bomb).
10. Training / Marking - Coloring, training.
At the time of publication on the manufacturer's website (FNH), only the first 5 types of ammunition were offered to operators. In some sources they are called “Barricade Projectiles”.
The shells for the FN 303 have been specially designed to reduce the risk of penetrating injuries. The main effect of the projectiles is trauma, which can stop and neutralize the aggressor. The secondary effect of the projectiles, depending on the task at hand, is an irritating effect (shock-pepper charge), or a coloring effect (shock-marking charge). In most cases, a single shot is sufficient to neutralize the suspect, making the FN 303 an effective yet non-lethal riot weapon.
The effective firing range of 50 meters at a growth target is declared, and the maximum is up to 100 meters: in areas. Ammunition weighing 8, 5 grams. leave the trunk at a speed of 85 - 91 m / s.
On the graph, FNH experts have provided a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of ammunition for various types of non-lethal weapons. From top to bottom: paintball marker, shotgun with ammunition type Bean bag (bag with buckshot), with a plastic bullet, product FN 303.
The FN 303 test results were impressive, but I already knew how traumatic pistols worked. After all, rubber arrows are effective only in the warm season, when the target is dressed in thin tight-fitting clothing. And I was interested in the effect of the FN 303 projectile, which hit a person wearing a down jacket or pea jacket. With this question, I turned to Alexander Milyukov, Regional Director of the International Confederation of Practical Shooting (Kiev, Ukraine). Previously, he took part in the tests of the FN 303 product for the law enforcement agencies of Ukraine.
Mr. Milyukov said that this product has not been tested on humans. Later I managed to find a recording of the show "Guinea Pig" on the Discovery Channel. In it, stuntman Ryan Stock (Ryan Stock) does various things that are dangerous to health and even life. In one of the programs, Ryan Stock was affected by the FN 303.
Video of an experimental stuntman being fired upon with an FN 303
Shop
The FN 303 uses a 15-round drum magazine. Made almost entirely of plastic. I believe that the magazine developed for the XM-303 is taken as a basis. Its rear part (cover) is made transparent, which allows the shooter to control the amount of remaining ammunition and their type at a glance.
To speed up the removal process, the use of a speedloader is provided (purchased separately).
High pressure hose (mamba)
Unlike the paintball mamba, the FN 303 air hose is braided with metal. It is specially designed for the FN303. Its endings are equipped with quick-release couplings, which provide simple installation that does not require twisting, tightening or the use of tools (Tool-free). It is easy to connect the mamba to the FN303: just click it and you're done. You can also quickly detach for lubricating the weapon or replacing it: pull it until it clicks - and you're done.
Gas cylinders (Air reservoir)
FNH USA orders them from the American company Catalina Cylinders, which specializes in the production of high and low pressure gas cylinders. The Catalina company was founded in 1965 and since then has managed to build up a solid reputation and gain a leading position in the market. Among the company's products are metal and composite cylinders for various purposes: for diving (SCUBA) and medical oxygen, for fire extinguishers and the automotive industry, for compressed natural gas and for drinks, as well as for paintball.
For the product FN 303, paintball high pressure cylinders of the 9000 series were chosen. I believe this is a 9009, 22 ci (0.4 liters) displacement with a maximum air pressure of 3000 psi (psi). The cylinders are made of high strength 6061-T6 aluminum alloy. The cylinder diameter is 51 mm, the length is 289 mm, and its weight is 450 grams. The cylinders for the FN 303 are manufactured by the Catalina subsidiary on the east coast of the United States, which is located in Hampton, Virginia.
Attached to the neck of the bottle are a pressure gauge, a pressure regulator, a fill nipple and an air reservoir nipple.
In the early models, the cylinders were of a different configuration. They contained an air valve (1/4-turn air valve) but lacked a pressure gauge.
The air valve shut off the air supply to the system. To do this, it was necessary to turn the "lamb" by 1/4 of a turn. In the “ON” position, air from the cylinder is supplied to the mamba and then to the system. In the field, gas cylinders are filled from receivers.
Receiver (Air Bank)
This is a larger volume cylinder that is used as an accumulator for storing and transporting compressed air. To solve these problems, FNH offers 2 types of drives: Deluxe Fill Tank and Air Bank. The Deluxe Fill Tank is an aluminum cylinder that resembles a 12-liter diving cylinder like 2 drops of water. The balloon is covered with a plastic net to soften the force of accidental impacts. The Deluxe Fill Tank is equipped with a handle for easy portability. Also, to protect against shocks, the Fill Tank is equipped with a shoe (plastic cup), which is put on the bottom of the cylinder. A Yoke shut-off valve is attached to the neck of the cylinder.
Maximum cylinder pressure: 3,000 PSI (204 atmospheres), air volume allows up to 5,500 shots. The cylinder is filled from the compressor. I do not have exact information about the manufacturer of these cylinders, but I believe that the supplier is Catalina. As you may recall, Catalina Cylinders supplies cylinders for the FN 303 launchers. In addition, the company manufactures diving cylinders.
Air Bank is a pair of two cylinders mounted for easy portability in a trolley suitcase. The Air Bank is equipped with controls and a display panel. Maximum cylinder pressure: 4, 325 PSI (294 atmospheres), air volume allows up to 7, 000 shots. Like the previous model, the Air Bank is refueled from the compressor.
As a manufacturer of cylinders (flasks) for Air Bank, I again assume the American company Catalina. Regarding instruments and equipment, the FN Herstal website states that this system was developed in cooperation with the French company Beuchat.
The founder of the aforementioned company is Georges Beuchat, a diver, inventor and businessman. Moreover: Monsieur Buch (accent on "a") is considered one of the pioneers of scuba diving. Georges Bucha founded his company at the age of 24 and until his death did not stop developing and producing equipment for scuba divers. Many of his developments have gone down in history as “the first in the world” or “revolutionary”. Among them are the world's first Tarzan crossbow for spearfishing (1947), the first surface buoy (1948), the first underwater camera (1950), the first isothermal wetsuit (1953), the revolutionary JetFin fins with a transverse slit (1964). By the way, the Tarzan crossbow was quite well known to lovers of spearfishing from the USSR, but under the name R-1. The R-1 crossbow was produced by the Soviet industry in the 60-70s and cost 11 rubles 80 kopecks. It is not known whether the P-1 was produced under license, or whether it was simply copied and slightly modernized.
Equipment from the Byusha company - Mercedes or Adidas in the world of divers. Many athletes won their victories using Beuchat equipment: for example, Vladimir Dokuchaev (8-time champion of the Russian Federation in spearfishing). Even Captain Cousteau and his Calypso crew have used some of Buch's equipment for diving for several decades.
Compressors
FNH offers these as an option. Most likely, the manufacturer is the German company Bauer Kompressoren. I think the Bauer Junior II portable breathing air compressor was chosen. FNH offers its operators all modifications of compressors produced by the manufacturer: with gasoline, diesel and electric engines. All Junior II versions have the same capacity: 100 liters / minute.
Alexander Milyukov (Ukraine) reported that the cylinders for testing the FN 303 product were refueled at the diving club. But if there are acquaintances in the fire department or rescue service, you can also be there. In other words, wherever breathing apparatus is refueled.
This is not the entire list of products that the manufacturer offers in addition to the FN 303, but they are all third-party developments, and if desired, they can be purchased separately. For example, a C-More collimator sight, an unloading vest or a tactical weapon case. Therefore, I will end the first part with technical specifications. In the second part, we will talk about the use of FN 303, real victims, as well as about tuning this product.
TTX FN 303
The author thanks for the help:
Bongo (Sergey Linnik)
Professors (Oleg Sokolov)
Alexandra Milyukova
