Acoustic Hailing Devices (AHD). Sometimes also referred to as long-range acoustic devices (LRAD) after their manufacturer, LRAD Corporation, AHD systems use highly directional sound beams to project warning signals, intelligible voice commands, or high-pitched deterrent tones over extreme distances. AHD systems are presently deployed in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bahrain, and on U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships. AHD devices can be mounted on a variety of platforms, including tripods at security checkpoints, convoy vehicles, ships, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). The naval variant, installed on both commercial vessels and warships, has been useful in interdicting suspected pirate attacks in such regions as the Horn of Africa.

A more recent LRAD variant incorporates laser dazzlers designed to disorient attackers.

 

Vehicle Lightweight Arresting Devices (VLAD). Also referred to by its brand name, X-Net, this is a spike-equipped net designed to quickly stop vehicles ranging from cars to trucks with a minimum of damage toboth vehicle and occupants. The VLAD is made of Dyneema, a high-modulus polyethylene fiber that is both light and strong. The netting is interwoven with high carbon steel spikes capable of piercing most tires and the netting configuration allows for kinetic energy absorption of the moving vehicle. When the vehicle runs over the VLAD, the netting wraps around the wheels and binds to the axle. At the same time the spikes puncture the tires, deflating them. Also under development is a foam-based version, the Foam Vehicle Arresting System.

 

Individual Serviceman Non-Lethal System (ISNLS). This is a system that is still evolving. Presently, it is built around the commercial-off-the-shelf FN 303 Less Lethal Launcher manufactured by FN Herstal. The FN 303 is a semi-automatic, shoulder-fired air gun capable of shooting five different types of non-lethal projectiles up to a range of 100 meters (about 330 feet). The launcher weighs 2.3 kilograms (about 5 pounds) without a full magazine (2.7 kilograms/6 pounds with full magazine) and is made of a durable, lightweight polymer with a flip-up iron sight and an integrated Picatinny 1913 rail for mounting red dot sights (included with the launcher) or other accessories. Three versions of the projectiles have presently been approved for use by the U.S. Army. The FN 303 magazine contains 15 projectiles, and the compressed air canister is capable of firing 100 projectiles before recharging. The projectiles are uniformly 18 mm long, weigh 8.5 grams and contain a fin-stabilized polystyrene body capped by a non-toxic bismuth forward payload. The projectiles break up upon impact, delivering a blunt force designed to deter aggressors. Projectile variants are color coded to identify type, and include impact; impact and indelible paint; impact and washable paint; and impact with irritant.

 

MK19 Non-Lethal Munition (MK19 NLM). Designed for use by the MK19 40 mm automatic grenade launcher, it is a counter-personnel blunt-trauma non-lethal munition. The non-lethal payloads include rubber balls and plastic shot. The system uses the “Davis Projectile” concept, utilizing an explosive charge to launch the projectile and a proximity fuse to decelerate the projectile when it reaches its target. Tests have demonstrated an effective range of up to 1,500 meters (almost 5,000 feet) and a rate of fire of up to 275 rounds per minute.