What are special purpose projectiles?
The Special Purpose Individual Weapon was to be a hand held weapon holding 60 rounds of point target ammunition, deliverable in the form of controlled bursts of tiny, lethal darts or “flechettes”. The purpose of both of these constructions was to make the nose deform on impact, causing the flechette to tumble.
Are flechettes legal?
In most states, flechette rounds are legal. Flechette shotgun rounds are banned in California.
Is ammunition a hazmat?
Ammunition will be transported only when packaged and labeled in compliance with 49 C.F.R. § 172 (Hazardous Materials), and must be shipped in accordance with the UPS Guide for Shipping Ground and Air Hazardous Materials.
Why do flechettes exist?
Originally they were not intended for shotgun shells, it is a marketing ploy for some who may have a truck load and don’t know what to do with them. During world war 2, these flechettes were assembled in bombs where they were propelled at supersonic speeds. So with the increase in speed, the mass could be less.
Are Dragon’s Breath Shotgun shells lethal?
The “Dragon’s Breath” shell appears to be nothing more than a 12-gauge blank loaded with a mild pyrotechnic substance that creates the visual display. But it’s certainly not as lethal as a regular 12-gauge shell, which will separate you from your future in a split second, with no questions asked.
What does SPIW stand for?
The ACR program built on the Special Purpose Individual Weapon (SPIW) program that had been established in the 1950s to produce the next generation of infantry weapon capable of firing busts of flechettes at extremely high rates of fire to improve hit probability. This task proved technologically insurmountable during the 1950s and 60s.
When did the SPIW program end?
The SPIW program ended in the late 1960s, but was followed in the early 1970s by the Future Rifle Program which also proved a failure. Despite these failures the programs helped to push small arms technological boundaries.
What is the best assault rifle design for SPIW?
Four designers submitted their firearm designs for a future assault rifle in the SPIW program; Harrington & Richardson, Winchester, Springfield and AAI Corporation. Of all the four designs, the AAI design was the most basic. The AAI design was also the only design to continue using the XM110 round provided.
How does the H&R SPIW work?
The H&R SPIW used a revolving open chamber system designed by David Dardick of Dardick revolver fame. The only reciprocating component in the weapon was a top-mounted gas piston, which cammed a revolving cylinder at 120° (a third of a turn) with each fired shot.