The electrified water cannon is a non-lethal weapon under early research by Jaycor Tactical Systems, as part of a program to produce less lethal weapons for law enforcement officers. It is sometimes referred to as the electrocuting water cannon; however, the proposal is for low current, high voltage pulses like those produced by a conventional stun gun, which do not cause electrocution. Further, the water jet is considerably smaller and less powerful than a water cannon. Jaycor officially refers to its experiment as a "wireless stun gun".

In a "proof of concept" test, the system was capable of delivering electric shocks to human-sized targets at a range of up to 6 m (20 feet), although ranges of up to 30 m (100 feet) are believed to be technologically feasible. (Range is limited by the tendency of the jet to break up into separate droplets, which will no longer conduct the current.) In operation, a nozzle ejected high-pressure saline solution through which low current, high-voltage pulses were delivered to the target. The voltage pulses were generated by a small self-contained electronics pack powered by a 9-volt battery. The system is capable of penetrating thick clothing. As at April 2004, it has only been tested on dummy targets fitted with electronic sensors.

Advantages of this weapon over prior generations such as the taser include increased range, the ability to engage multiple targets, and lack of reliance on barbed darts to attach the current source to the target. Also, because the water jet and electric pulse are controlled separately, the operator could check the aim before sending the shock, thus reducing the risk of hitting innocent bystanders.

External links

• Jaycor's page on the electrified water cannon (http://www.jaycor.com/eme/watcan.htm)