- KWESST (KWE) is set to acquire a non-lethal munitions technology system
- The system is known as Low Energy Cartridge technology and was invented by David Luxton, KWESST’s Executive Chairman
- LEC technology is a combination of cartridges that fire from a dedicated firing device
- The technology ensures muzzle velocity stays under 400 fps so effects remain non-lethal
- It has applications in public order, military and law enforcement training, personal defence and high-action gaming
- KWESST develops and commercializes ultra-miniaturized technology applications for the defence and security industries
- KWESST Micro Systems (KWE) is down 2.33 per cent and is currently trading at C$1.68 per share
KWESST (KWE) is set to acquire a non-lethal munitions technology system.
The cartridge-based ordnance system is known as Low Energy Cartridge (LEC) technology.
LEC technology is a proprietary combination of cartridges that fire from a dedicated firing device.
The technology behind it is comprised of three main aspects: a dedicated firing platform in a non-standard calibre, a non-lethal low-energy cartridge case and actuator, and a non-lethal polymer projectile with various payloads depending on the intended application.
The energy calibration between the components ensures muzzle velocity stays under 400 fps so effects remain non-lethal.
LEC has applications across four market segments that currently use a variety of dated “non-lethal” or “less-lethal” products. These segments are public order, military and law enforcement training, personal defence and high-action gaming.
The company intends to acquire the LEC technology from its inventor, David Luxton, Executive Chairman of KWESST.
KWESST received confirmation from intellectual property counsel that Luxton filed provisional patents for his LEC technology. These patents will be assigned to KWESST upon closing of the acquisition.
Jeff MacLeod, President and CEO of KWESST, commented,
“Competing products such as traditional air-powered systems for public order, personal protection and gaming have limitations which the LEC technology does not. Air-powered systems require high maintenance due to synthetic seals and “O” rings that dry out or burst, leading to complete failure. They have variable performance due to the effect of ambient temperature on compressed gas, especially in cold weather.
Other alternatives, such as Taser, carried by some 400,000 American patrol officers, can also be unreliable in certain situations with, as an example, an effectiveness rating of 57.1 per cent being reported by the LAPD.”
“The kind of fatalities that have led to widespread protests in the U.S. are just one example of the need for more advanced solutions that enable law enforcement to engage with more benign devices from a safer stand-off distance and ensure that everyone goes home alive,” added Luxton.
KWESST develops and commercializes ultra-miniaturized technology applications for the defence and security industries.
KWESST Micro Systems (KWE) is down 2.33 per cent and is currently trading at C$1.68 per share as of 1:50 pm ET.