Improved Paintball Design and Alternative Payloads

Gelatin paintballs of various shapes and sizes have been prepared to improve the range and accuracy of standard paintball guns for military prison and other military applications. These different marker shapes have been fired successfully, and the effect of shape on range and accuracy is in the process of being determined using computer simulation. Alternative payloads have been incorporated into these more aerodynamic markers and standard paintballs. Commercially available infrared IR and ultraviolet UV chemicals were used as unobtrusive markers. Anti-traction payloads, including plant oil, propylene glycol, and silicon oil, were found to be qualitatively effective in reducing traction. Obscurant payloads that are opaque pigmented liquids that cure upon exposure to the moisture in air were developed, preventing simple removal of the obscurant. In addition, foaming obscurants are being developed for paintball applications.