The M-26 / X-26 advanced Taser gun fires two probes up to 21 feet from a replaceable air cartridge. These probes are connected to the weapon by high-voltage insulated wire. The M-26 uses a new ElectroMuscular Disruption (EMD) weapon technology that can completely override the central nervous system and directly control the skeletal muscles. When the probes make contact with the target, the Taser gun transmits a powerful electrical pulse along the wires and into the target’s body through up to 2 inches of clothing. The EMD effect causes an uncontrollable contraction of the muscle tissue that results in physical debilitation regardless of pain tolerance or mental focus.
Taser guns utilize compressed nitrogen to project two small probes up to 15, 21 or 25 feet (21 and 25 foot cartridges sold to law enforcement, military and aviation security agencies only) at a speed of over 160 feet per second. These probes are connected to the Taser device by insulated wire. An electrical signal is transmitted through the wires to where the probes make contact with the body or clothing, resulting in an immediate loss of the person’s neuromuscular control and the ability to perform coordinated action for the duration of the impulse. The technology is effective regardless of pain tolerance, drug use, or body size – factors that cause other non-lethal options to have decreased effectiveness. Recent software upgrade of the X26 weapon has improved the effect of the weapon over the maximum five second discharge. Prior Tasers delivered 19 pulses per second for the first 2 seconds of each discharge, then decrease to 15 pulses per second thereafter. Current upgraded weapons deliver the optimal 19 pulses throughout the activation. Current Taser guns are available with digital firing signature, which records any activation of the weapon. An integrated camera can also be mounted on the weapon to assist post-action debriefing.
Taser is operated primarily by law enforcement officers, but in recent years it is augmenting other sidearms as a non lethal weapon. For military applications of Taser is now enhanced with an X-Rail mount, which enables integration of Taser gun with M16, M4 and MP5 assault rifles, using the standard Picatinny Rail Interface. Using Taser guns with M16 enable troops to selectively use the firepower, and respond to various levels of threats with minimum risk casualties to innocent civilians.
