The Next Generation of Smart Guns: FN’s Smart ProtectoR-303T

FN Herstal, the Belgian-based firearms manufacturer behind the SCAR, recently announced an interesting new weapon. Last week, FN unveiled its new Smart ProtectoR-303T, a less-lethal smart gun with a twist: it won’t allow operators to shoot a target in the head. Here’s what we know about FN’s new smart weapon system.

The Context

The Smart ProtectoR certainly isn’t the first attempt at making a “smart” gun. One only needs to look at Colorado-based startup Biofire to see an example of civilian-legal smart guns on the market today.

However, until now, smart guns had mostly focused on preventing unauthorized users from being able to shoot them. The Smart ProtectoR takes things a step further.

The weapon is equipped with an onboard camera, along with a computer that uses proprietary technology to determine whether the operator is aiming at a target’s head. If the Smart ProtectoR determines that it’s aiming at a human head, the gun physically blocks the trigger to prevent firing. The gun also provides an audible warning to the operator to let them know they’re aiming at a head.

FN touts its Smart ProtectoR as the future of less-lethal weapons. It’s intended for crowd-control situations, where law enforcement personnel want to disperse a crowd without injuring its members.

It fires FN’s 12.55mm FN SP cartridges. Think of them as giant rubber bullets fired using compressed air. It has an operational range of 16-82 feet.

FN also says that its camera has other uses. For example, departments can use video recorded from the Smart ProtectoR if they ever need to defend themselves in court.

Looking Forward

The Smart ProtectoR is certainly an interesting device. FN is presenting the gun to the public for the first time at the MILIPOL convention in Paris later this month - time will tell how the firearms market reacts.