Extended Range Less Lethal Stand-Off Capabilities: A 66mm Stingball Grenade

A deficiency has been identified in the ability for U.S. soldiers, in the role of peacekeepers, to keep unarmed combatants at a safe stand-off distance. While these individuals may be unarmed, the threat that they pose steadily increases as their distance decreases. The ability to maintain a safe-zone or stand-off distance in a less lethal manner is the intended outcome. In order to accomplish this task, a method to move and or rout these individuals, while promoting area denial, is needed. This paper presents a less lethal, extended range stand-off using existing materials and weapon platforms. Materials were obtained from the L8 Smoke Grenade and used to test a 66mm Stingball andor an Aerial Distraction Device. This 66mm Stingball consists of a five and a half inch rubber body that contains rubber balls and an explosive charge tube. Upon detonation, the rubber body splits and the rubber balls are dispersed in roughly a 360 deg pattern. The sound report of this explosion is sufficient to be classified as a distraction device. This combined effect is a useful tool in dispersing crowds in a less lethal manner while providing the stand-off needed to ensure the safety of the soldiers, and in doings so, the safety of the combatants as well.