In an era of growing social tension and street protests in many parts of the world, the search for effective but non-lethal methods of crowd control has become a priority for many law enforcement agencies. From the workshops of China North Industries Group Corp A new type of “non-lethal electromagnetic weapon” called CS/LW21 has emerged. It could redefine security protocols in anti-riot operations.
If technology meets public policy: the CS/LW21
According to a Chinese government press release, the CS/LW21 or “coil gun” was specifically developed to “reduce the risks of deaths among protesters during police operations to quell protests.” As the name suggests, the weapon uses an electromagnetic coil to accelerate non-lethal projectiles towards the target, with an adjustable intensity and rate of fire to minimize damage and injuries.
It is designed to be a less dangerous alternative to rubber bullets or water cannons currently used by most police forces around the world
From the press release
Characteristics and potential of the electromagnetic weapon
Powered by an 80V 20-cell lithium battery, capable of delivering up to 16kW of power, the CS/LW21 integrates 9 solenoid-type coils for launching projectiles. The latter have a shape similar to coins and can reach a maximum speed of 45 meters per second. One of the key features of the weapon is its very high rate of fire, with the ability to fire up to 3000 rounds per minute. Unlike traditional rifles, it produces minimal noise and recoil, making it more manageable and precise.
The Chinese designer Lei Fengqiao, who oversaw the development of the CS/LW21, praised its numerous advantages:
It uses electrical energy to accelerate the projectile. It is powered by an integrated lithium-ion battery that can fire hundreds of rounds continuously when fully charged.
Although the Chinese government presents the electromagnetic weapon as non-lethal, in reality the high-velocity projectiles fired from the CS/LW21 can certainly cause serious injuries. Not surprisingly, Beijing is also rumored to be developing powerful naval guns based on the same electromagnetic technology. In a period of growing social instability and street protests, the advent of this new class of anti-riot devices raises ethical and humanitarian questions. China may have pioneered a new approach to crowd control, but at what cost to civil rights?
