In contrast to other launchers that use various other techniques to achieve variable velocity, the Eclipse launchers operate at a constant pressure, making more efficient use of their power source. The system allows the operator to adjust the velocity for each individual shot without the need to raise or lower the pressure or to vent gas away from the projectile. Incorporated with a laser or acoustic range finder, the system becomes automated based on range to target.
Other variable velocity weapon systems that have used laser range finders have previously been limited by their high cost of operation due to elaborate gas metering or use of gunpowder. With over ten years of development, the Eclipse launchers are the state of the art in variable velocity weapons.
The Eclipse launchers are capable of launching projectiles typically used in other launchers without the need for shell casing, primer or gunpowder charge.
This drastically reduces operating costs and the case-less ammunition reduces the overall weight the operator must carry.
Both less-lethal and lethal ammunitions are available. Eclipse launchers can be chambered to accept only less-lethal rounds or to accept both less-lethal and lethal rounds.
Civilians may launch flares, smoke, gas, and other safety rounds and fireworks without a license.
Certain ammunition such as anti-personnel and high explosive rounds require a Class 3 or higher Federal Firearms License or a police or military exemption to possess.
Industry standard blunt impact rounds from SAGE International, Defense Technology, and other manufacturers can be launched safely with Eclipse technology at ranges as close as one meter.
The rounds are spin stabilized in flight, have repeated accuracy, and will incapacitate an individual upon impact with point target accuracy at ranges beyond 100 meters.
Shot to shot consistency has been tested to within plus or minus three feet per second.
In gunpowder launchers, projectiles require specific explosive charges to obtain different velocities. Potentially fatal injury can occur if a projectile is deployed at too close a range for the selected charge or the projectile may be ineffective if too small of a charge is selected.
Eclipse technology reduces this risk by deploying projectiles at the safest velocity for the given range automatically, eliminating the potential for operator error.
Eclipse has developed a programmable, lightweight ammunition for precise deployment of payloads including flash-bangs, parachutes, and anti-drone rounds such as nets and bolos.
This technology will greatly reduce risks associated with deployment of flash bang and gas rounds in close proximity to crowds while providing a non-contact, less-lethal deterrent.
HEMI rounds which are being developed by several manufacturers utilize a barbed or sticky nose to attach to the clothing of the targeted individual to deliver a debilitating electric shock.
The Eclipse variable velocity system provides safe deployment speeds at any range to compensate for the heavier weight of these rounds.
Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Program (JNLWP)
40mm Human Electro-Muscular Incapacitation (HEMI) Projectile
Barricade penetrating rounds are capable of dispersing chemical agents in rooms after penetrating beyond a barrier such as a wall or door.
Door breaching rounds allow access by dislodging the deadbolt or hinges off the door or creating an opening large enough for access without excessive risk to the occupants of the room.
Illumination rounds include pyrotechnic and electronic payloads. Infrared light or white light can be used to light up a target or signal locations for airdrops and airstrikes.
The M583A1 is a low velocity 40mm white star parachute illumination cartridge with 70,000 candle-power.
Smoke rounds are typically used for signaling or camouflage.
CS, OC and other gas rounds are used for crowd control and cause irritation and swelling to the mucous membranes.
Standard US Military LV HEDP projectiles can be utilized for anti-material and anti-personnel.
This grenade is designed for a 300 – 450m range. Maximum effective range is 400 meters.
The compressed air power source provides fast and precise velocity control and accuracy while reducing sound decibel levels and eliminating both a muzzle flash and the risk of igniting flammable environments. These attributes increase both stealth and safety.
Compressed air may be obtained from compressors, disposable tanks and refillable tanks.
The magazine-unified air option consists of a small disposable tank that provides air within each magazine. This eliminates logistical burdens by negating the need for external air sources that require monitoring and recharging by compressors in the field.
Standard configuration is a tank mounted in the stock of the weapon or under the barrel by use of a quick connect adapter.
Another available option is a refillable sling mounted tank connected to the weapon by a quick connect hose. The tank may be carried over the shoulder of the operator by use of a single point sling which attaches to the launcher.
A third option is to carry an air tank with a regulator on the operator’s back with or without the addition of a self-contained breathing apparatus.
This allows a higher volume of rounds to be fired before recharging of the tank is required as well as the option to provide breathing air to the operator in contaminated or underwater environments.