FN 303 Launcher
FN Herstal · Personal Defense Weapon · Discontinued · 2003
Also known as: FN303, XM303
Overview
The FN 303 is a semi-automatic, compressed-air less-lethal launcher developed by FN Herstal for riot control and crowd management. Introduced in 2003 and derived from the paintball-based XM303 project of the Monterey Bay Corporation, it fires .68-caliber (17.3 mm) fin-stabilized projectiles from a 15-round rotary drum magazine, propelled by a detachable, refillable compressed-air bottle pressurized to roughly 3,000 psi. The projectiles are designed to break on impact, delivering blunt kinetic energy or payloads such as paint, pepper powder (PAVA) or marking dye, with an effective range of about 50 metres.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2268 g (80.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 3629 g (128.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 737 mm (29.02") |
| Barrel Length | 254 mm (10.00") |
| Action Type | Gas Operated |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Drum |
| Muzzle Velocity | 88 m/s (289 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 33 J (24 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 50 m (55 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Polymer |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer |
| Finish | Matte Black |
Calibers
- .68 Caliber (18mm) Less-Lethal · primary — also known as .68 cal, 17.3mm fin-stabilized, FN 303 projectile
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Rotary Drum Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety
- Features: Compressed Air Operation, Refillable Air Bottle, Fin Stabilized Projectiles, Rotary Drum Magazine, Accessory Rail, Iron Sights, Modular Projectile Payloads
Variants
- FN 303 Tactical - Compact Pistol Configuration
- FN 303 Mk2 - Improved Model
Service history
Operators
- United States Marine Corps
- Boston Police Department
- French National Police
Production
Production years: 2003-2010s
Adopted by military, police and security forces in over 40 countries before being superseded by the FN 303 Mk2
Origin
Country of origin: Belgium
Designer: Monterey Bay Corporation
Notes
Available with interchangeable projectile payloads (blunt impact, indelible paint, washable paint, and PAVA pepper-irritant). The system was withdrawn by several U.S. police agencies after a fatal 2004 incident in Boston, and FN Herstal has since replaced the original launcher with the FN 303 Mk2. A single air bottle provides roughly 110 shots.
Background
The FN 303 grew out of a rejected U.S. military project (UTPBS) that was revived with funding from the Monterey Bay Corporation and matured by paintball-design firms including Airgun Designs into the XM303 proof of concept. FN Herstal licensed and industrialised the design. Its reputation was permanently marked by the 2004 death of Victoria Snelgrove, a bystander struck in the eye during celebrations outside Fenway Park in Boston, which prompted multiple agencies to drop the weapon.