TASER® X26C
TASER Definition A TASER is an electronic control device (ECD) that utilizes a replaceable cartridge unit to fire two barbed probes, which remain connected to the TASER by insulated conductive wires. In order for a TASER to be effective, both of these probes must impact the target, and create a circuit. Electrical impulses are then transmitted from the TASER (through the wires) and into the target, which results in loss of neuromuscular control. This electrical stimulation effectively prohibits the body's ability to perform coordinated action for the duration of the impulse. When the TASER is turned off, no further stimulation is delivered, and the body is then able to function normally. TASER History In the late 1960s, nuclear physicist, Air Force test pilot, and NASA scientist Jack Cover heard about a man who was briefly immobilized by a fallen power line, so he began tinkering in his garage, and came up with a device that fired darts to deliver an electrical charge. Mr. Cover named his weapon "TASER" after one of his favorite childhood books, "Tom Swift & His Electric Rifle," a popular science fiction and adventure series that emphasized science, invention, and technology. In this book, a young inventor by the name of Tom Swift invents a rifle that shoots bolts of electricity, and could be calibrated to different levels of range, intensity, and lethality. Jack Cover's first patent was issued in April of 1974, and production began the same year. Because these first-generation TASER devices used gunpowder as a dart propellant, the BATF declared them as firearms in 1976, and the device remained largely unavailable to consumers until 1994. In 1994, brothers Tom & Rick Smith (after working in conjunction with Jack Cover) introduced the first air-fired TASER device, called the AIR TASER. The same year, the BATF certified that the AIR TASER was not a firearm, and wasn't subject to the stringent regulations that were placed on the original TASER devices developed by Mr. Cover. In the years following the introduction of the AIR TASER, the Smith brothers have built TASER into the company we know today as TASER International, Inc. From the Tasertron TF-1 in 1974, to the TASER X3 in 2009, the TASER has emerged as the most effective & widely deployed less-lethal weapon in the world. With over 800,000 field deployments, and 900,000+ volunteer exposures, the TASER has proven itself to be a true "less-lethal" device, and continues to give 400,000 police, military, & security personnel in 44 countries, and 200,000 civilians an effective defense/containment option - without having to resort to deadly force. TASER Evolution
TASER Advantages Unlike conventional weapons, TASER devices are effective with a hit anywhere on the body, making them easier to use and more reliable under stress than any other use-of-force option. To be effective for self-defense, bullets must strike the head or other vital organs, and the risk of lethal consequences is much greater. Similarly, chemical or pepper sprays must hit an assailant in the face, is much less reliable alternative in fast-moving confrontations, and the user can also be contaminated and affected. TASER devices have been field-proven (up to 95% effective in actual police use), and is the only device that can truly incapacitate people under the influence of PCP and other dangerous drugs. TASER devices may also be used as contact stun weapons - with or without the Air Cartridge installed.  TASER Warnings TASER devices are not risk free, and may cause injuries, primarily from falls or physical exertion. Use of any TASER brand device should not be undertaken lightly. When lawfully used as directed, TASER ECDs are designed (in probe-deployment mode) to temporarily incapacitate a person from a safer distance than other force options, while reducing the likelihood of death or serious injury. Any use of force, physical exertion, capture, control, restraint, or incapacitation involves risks that a person may get hurt or die. These safety warnings are for your protection, as well as the safety of others. Disregarding this information may result in serious injury or death. Civilian TASER ownership is restricted in certain states & cities. Be sure to check local statutes before purchasing or carrying any electronic control device. TASER Product Warnings (Law Enforcement) State Legal Statutes (Detailed) State Legal Statutes (Summery)  TASER® X26C - Advanced Features A. Neuromuscular Incapacitation (NMI) The key to disable even the most aggressive subjects, NMI temporarily overrides the command and control systems of the body to impair muscular control. The human nervous system communicates with simple electrical impulses. The command center (brain and spinal cord) processes information and makes decisions. The peripheral nervous system includes the sensory and motor nerves. The sensory nerves carry information from the body to the brain (temperature, touch, etc.). The motor nerves carry commands from the brain to the muscles to control movement. TASER technology uses similar electrical impulses, and "overloads" the sensory and motor nerves. Neuromuscular incapacitation is not dependent on pain, but creates involuntary stimulation of both the sensory and motor nerves. 
B. Shaped Pulse Technology The Shaped Pulse generator is the technology revolution that made the X26 and C2 possible. Previous generation conducted energy weapons use a simple high-energy, "blunt" pulse to penetrate through the skin and clothing barriers that serve as protective armor around the body. Over 90% of the energy is lost in the process of barrier penetration. For this reason, high power levels (up to 26 watts) are required to generate NMI (Neuro Musclular Incapacitation), which requires large batteries that add weight and size to the device (18 ounces for the M26). The Shaped Pulse is comprised of two phases. The first phase, called the "Arc Phase", generates a very short high-voltage arc to penetrate clothing, skin, or other barriers. Once the arc is created, the air within the arc is ionized, and becomes a low impedance electrical conductor that allows the second pulse phase to flow into the target. The second phase of the Shaped Pulse, called the "Stim Phase", only has to flow across the highly conductive area created by the Arc Phase. Hence, the Stim Phase is optimized to provide maximum incapacitation for a human target while operating at super-efficient power levels. This results in a high-performance system with an incapacitating effect greater than the M26, in a unit that is 60% smaller, 60% lighter, and consumes 1/5th the power.  C. Digital Pulse Controller (DPC) The DPC is an internal circuit, which includes the microprocessor of the X26, and various support hardware. When the X26 is fired, the DPC measures the time between each shaped pulse discharged from the device, and then regulates the power throughout the pulse generator to maintain a constant pulse rate. In previous generation pulse energy weapons, such as the M18/M26, the pulse rate of the weapon could vary greatly depending on battery conditions. Particularly in colder weather, the pulse rate would slow dramatically as battery performance decreased. The DPC in the X26 adjusts power consumption to compensate for changes in environmental conditions, in order to maintain a constant pulse rate. This ensures consistent incapacitation performance across broad temperature ranges (-4°F to 122°F).  D. Digital Power Magazine (DPM) The Digital Power Magazine contains two 3-volt lithium energy cells, as well as an onboard memory chip that maintains a record of the remaining power. The X26's DPC keeps track of how the various features of the weapon are affecting the energy cell life, and updates the memory in the DPM accordingly. The DPM has enough power to cycle the X26C for approximately 150 ten-second firings (depending on temperature and other factors). The XDPM (shown below to right) has all the same features as the DPM, plus a holder for a spare air cartridge.  A replaceable module that allows for the engagement of targets up to 15 feet away, the TASER Air Cartridge integrates a nitrogen propulsion system, high-voltage insulated wire, barbed probes, and the AFID (Anti-Felon ID) system. The AFID system was designed to deter misuse through enhanced accountability. Every time an Air Cartridge is deployed, at least 24 small confetti-like tags are ejected. Each of these tags are imprinted with the serial number of the Air Cartridge deployed, allowing law enforcement to determine the orgin of the Air Cartridge fired. Introduced with the AIR TASER 34000 in 1994, this system was originally developed to prevent misuse of TASER devices by civilian users. With over 12 years in the field, the AFID system has proven very effective in deterring illegal use of TASER devices. In law enforcement, AFID provides another layer of accountability, by documenting officer deployment of Air Cartridges in any given incident.  F. TASER X26 Camera The TASER Cam is an optional upgrade - compatible for use with any TASER X26 or X26C. It does not change any of the existing functions of the TASER device, but with its microphone and sensitive camera, every potential TASER X26 deployment can be documented. The TASER Cam features full audio and video - even in zero light conditions. It's also rechargeable, powers the entire TASER unit, and includes a storage bay for a spare Air Cartridge. The TASER Cam comes with PC software that stores & downloads deployment records and audio/video files.  TASER X26C (Civilian) vs. TASER X26E (Law Enforcement) The TASER X26C was modeled after the law enforcement TASER X26, and utilizes the same proven technology. One trigger pull of the X26C initiates a 10-second cycle, while the LE model runs for 5 seconds. Moreover, the trigger on the X26C can be pulled several times to create a 30-second cycle. The user can then deploy the X26C, quickly squeeze the trigger 2 additional times to create a 30-second cycle (3 pulls x 10 seconds = 30 seconds), place the X26C on the ground, and depart the scene - while the X26C safely disables the assailant. The law enforcement version cannot be triggered multiple times to create back-to-back cycles. Cycle times on both models may be interrupted by placing the safey lever in the "safe" position. Per second, the LE X26 delivers 19 pulses of electricity into the target. Since the X26C is capable of delivering a much longer cycle, these pulses range from 19 per second for the first 5 seconds, then drop down to 10 for any remaining time. In addition, civilians may only purchase air cartridges with a 15-foot range, while law enforcement officers have access to cartridges with ranges up to 35'. Finally, the X26 LE model records time and date for each deployment. This feature helps protect law enforcement agencies from claims of excessive use-of-force, and also provides management a powerful tool to track usage patterns and prevent misuse. The firing data on the X26C is not recorded, and cannot be downloaded.  |
