TASER® C2TM in action:How does an Air TASER® work?
Upon firing, compressed nitrogen projects two Air TASER probes up to 15 feet at a speed of 135 feet per second. An electrical signal transmits throughout the region where the probes make contact with the body or clothing. The result is an instant loss of the attacker’s neuromuscular control and any ability to perform coordinated action. Air TASER uses an automatic timing mechanism to apply the electric charge. The Air TASER releases an electric current in a pre-set time sequence (an initial seven seconds followed by several 1.8 second breaks for a total time of about 30 seconds in each cycle). This cycle ensures that the nervous system of the target does not recover instantly to allow him to remove the probes. The follow-on bursts disrupt the process of re-equilibration of the nervous system. While the target is disabled, the user can place the device on the ground and escape.
How can the Air TASER® be so effective yet non-injurious?
The Air TASER does not depend upon impact or body penetration to achieve its effect. Its pulsating electrical output interferes with communication between the brain and the muscular system, resulting in loss of control. However, the Air TASER is non-destructive to nerves, muscles and other body elements. It simply affects them in their natural mode. More importantly, no deaths have ever been directly attributed to the Air TASER per the manufacturer. Feel free to review more information available in training bulletins and related information posted on the TASER International web site.
How does it feel to be hit with Air TASER probes?
Very uncomfortable. Different people have different reactions, though. The shock to the body has more of a full body effect where muscular control is limited for the duration of the charge cycle. It is described as muscle “lock up” because the target is generally unable to move. The NMI effect is not about pain compliance but incapacitation in order to keep the attacker down and away from you. The effect is generally mildly to moderately painful.
Does the Air Taser cause permanent damage or injury?
The effects are like turning a switch on and off. During the 30-second shock cycle, the sensory and motor function signals are confused, which inhibits muscular control and causes incapacitation. Once the charge cycle ends, sensory and motor functions resume normally and allow signals to be transmitted to the muscles - the effects are “off.”
Air TASERs are not risk-free, however, as injuries can result from falls, drug/alcohol-related complications, or other external circumstances. More detailed safety and health information concerning the use of ECDs can be found here.
Is high voltage lethal?
High voltage, in itself, is not dangerous. One can receive a 25,000-volt shock of static electricity from a doorknob on a dry day without harm. The physiological effect of electrical shock is determined by: the current, its duration, and the power source that produces the shock. The typical household current of 110 volts is dangerous because it can pump many amperes of current throughout the body indefinitely. By contrast, the AIR TASER power supply consists of an alkaline 9-Volt battery that is capable of supplying less than three watts of electrical power for a few minutes.
Will a TASER® cause electrocution?
No. The output is metered by the electronics and the electrical energy in each pulse is always the same, regardless of the target condition. The electrical output will not be transferred from one person to another even if they touch.
What are the after effects?
A person hit with an Air TASER will feel dazed for several minutes. The pulsating electrical output causes involuntary muscle contractions and a resulting sense of vertigo. It can momentarily stun or render an attacker unconscious. Yet, the AIR TASER’s low electrical amperage and short duration of pulsating current, ensures a non-lethal charge. Moreover, it does not cause permanent damage or long-term aftereffects to muscles, nerves or other body functions. A January 1987 Annals of Emergency Medicine study reported TASER technology leaves no long term injuries compared with 50% long term injuries for gun shot injuries.
Must the probes penetrate the body to be effective?
No. The electrical current will "jump" up to two inches as long as both probes are attached to clothing or skin. At most, only the 3/8-inch needlepoint will penetrate the skin. They have less energy than a spring propelled BB.
What if the probes miss?
The Air TASER can be used in a touch-stun mode. The user is thus provided with a final backup if the probes miss the target. Should the user miss or engage a second attacker, he can touch the unit directly to the target and it will work like a powerful touch-stun device.
What is the best shot at maximum range?
As long as the spread of the probes is at least six inches, the AIR TASER will be extremely effective. To ensure that the spread is greater than six inches, the AIR TASER should be fired at a target several feet away. The optimum shot is from seven to ten feet away form the target to achieve maximum effect. At seven to ten feet away - the spread of the probes will be approximately 16 inches, ensuring that the target receives the maximum shock.
Does temperature have a detrimental effect on the Air TASER®?
No. The Air TASER utilizes compressed nitrogen (an inert gas). The Air TASER compressed air capsules have successfully held their charges at temperatures of minus 20º F and up to 160º F. Moreover, altitude will not adversely effect the firing of an AIR TASER. In addition, the temperature will not effect the T-Wave. However, as with any product containing polycarbonates and other thermoplastics, the Air TASER and Air Cartridges should never be left in direct sunlight.
TASER® is a registered trademark of TASER International, Inc.
