Accuracy Testing Advanced Air Taser
Northamptonshire Police
On Monday 18th June 2001, Inspector P. BOATMAN of the Northamptonshire Police conducted
accuracy testing of the Advanced Air Taser M26 unit, following liaison with PSDB. This testing
was recorded on videotape. This report should be read in conjunction with watching that
videotape.

Cartridges were discharged from the Advanced Air Taser M26 unit at ranges of 10, 15 and 20
feet. The objective of this testing was to determine the accuracy of the unit at these different
ranges. The probes (darts) discharged from the unit pierce clothing or skin in operational use
and deliver the electrical charge. There is a need therefore to determine accuracy (where the
probe lands) in relation to point of aim over the three distances. Particularly at the furthest
distance there is a need to establish the amount of drop (if any) from the point of aim to the point
of impact.

The M26 was fired hand held by Inspector BOATMAN
10 shots were fired from each of the three ranges.

The target was 5ft 4 inches tall (1610mm) and 18 inches wide (460mm), with the outline
drawing of a male showing head, shoulders torso and leg areas.

The point of aim was in the shape of a white cross in the middle of the chest area just above the
nipple line.

The testing process took place outdoors. The weather was fine but cloudy. The temperature was
59 degrees with 55% humidity. There was a wind of 5mph.

Measurements (in millimetres) were taken as follows:
¾ From the point of aim to the top probe (+ is shown where probe impacted
above point of aim and – is shown where probe impacted below point of aim.
¾ From the top probe to the bottom probe (to determine spread over the three
distances)

The measurements over the two distances are shown in the table below.

TABLE SHOWING DISTANCE IN MILLIMETRES
FROM POINT OF AIM TO POINT OF IMPACT – TOP PROBE
&
Spread between the two probes

Shot Numbers

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

Using Duracell Ultra Batteries
Distance in Millimetres
10 ft Range
Top probe
Spread

-10

+75

0

+20

+20

0

+30

-10

-15

0

360

425

340

400

380

400

445

355

420

395

15ft Range
Top Probe
Spread

-100

-75

-175

+15

+10

-90

-80

0

-55

-25

575

425

540

560

540

565

530

625

685

520

20 ft Range
Top Probe
Spread

-65

-145

-70

0

-110

-140

-175

-220

-125

-200

860

745

735

680

745

755

615

660

805

655

Of the 30 shots
fired, no
probes landed
in the head
area of the
target

Of the 30 shots
fired no probes
(top or bottom)
missed the
target area,
even with the
largest drop of
220 mm the
top probe
landed in the
midsection
area.

Comments:
At the 10 ft range there were three bulls eyes – the top probe impacted at point of aim.
4 probes landed above the point of aim at distances of between 15 to 30mm. 3 probes impacted
below the point of aim –ranging from 10mm to 15 mm.
At the 15 ft. range there was one bulls eye – the top probe impacted at point of aim.
2 probes landed above the point of aim at 10 and 15mm. 7 probes impacted below the point of
aim, ranging from 25 to 175mm (about 7 inches)
At the 20 ft range there was one bulls eye – the probe impacting on point of aim.
No probes impacted above the point of aim. 9 probes impacted below the point of aim, ranging
from 65mm to 220mm (about 8½ inches)