DOD To Partner With Taser To Develop Electric Shock Device To Be Used At A Distance

November 2, 2009 6:34 p.m. EST

Washington, D.C. (AHN) - The Department of Defense has contracted Taser International to develop a device that delivers electric shock to distant human targets.

The so-called Human Electro-Muscular Incapacitation or HEMI device to be fired from a grenade launcher should be capable of hitting targets 60 meters away without causing serious injury. A major consideration of the $2.5 million project is a design of the projectile's nose for lesser impact force.

Taser International is testing various HEMI designs and will produce the first prototype for testing next year, the DOD said.

The firm is also taking into consideration the incapacitation time the HEMI device gives to hit targets. An electric shock lasting three minutes is being considered, enough time for the shooter to reach the target over a certain distance.