Publications

Less-than-lethal "flashbang" diversionary device

Bender, Susan F.; Anderson, Heidi A.; Bender, Susan F.; Steyskal, Michele S.; Ingram, Brian I.; Melof, Brian M.; Fleming, Kevin J.; Broyles, Theresa A.; Mulligan, Edward J.; Covert, Timothy T.

Diversionary devices such as flashbang grenades are used in a wide variety of military and law-enforcement operations. They function to distract and/or incapacitate adversaries in scenarios ranging from hostage rescue to covert strategic paralysis operations. There are a number of disadvantages associated with currently available diversionary devices. Serious injuries and fatalities have resulted from their use both operationally and in training. Because safety is of paramount importance, desired improvements to these devices include protection against inadvertent initiation, the elimination of the production of high-velocity fragments, less damaging decibel output and increased light output. Sandia National Laboratories has developed a next-generation diversionary flash-bang device that will provide the end user with these enhanced safety features.