PepperBall

PepperBall operates in the non-lethal weapons sector, providing an alternative to lethal force for law enforcement, military, correctional facilities, private security, and consumers. The company is owned and operated by United Tactical Systems (UTS), LLC, and is headquartered in Lake Forest, Illinois, with manufacturing and operations facilities in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The concept originated from a DARPA program in 1996, and the technology was developed by a defense contractor named Jaycor as a non-lethal option for government and commercial use. It was brought to market in 1998 and commercialized by PepperBall Technologies in 1999. Over the years, the company has undergone several ownership changes and was publicly traded on NASDAQ until 2009 before being incorporated as United Tactical Systems in 2014 under the leadership of CEO Ron Johnson.

The core of the business is the design, in-house manufacturing, and sale of irritant-filled projectiles and the air-powered launchers used to fire them. The projectiles are plastic spheres filled with a proprietary PAVA pepper powder that burst upon impact, creating a cloud that incapacitates a target without causing permanent harm. This system allows for engagement from a distance, with some launchers effective up to 150 feet. The company generates revenue through the direct sale of its product ecosystem, which includes a variety of launchers (such as pistols, carbines, and combination flashlight-launchers), different types of projectiles (including training rounds and window-breaking projectiles), and accessories. A significant portion of its business comes from contracts with government agencies, including the U.S. Army, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as well as international governments like Mexico. The company also serves the consumer market, offering personal defense products for home safety and recreational use.

Keywords: non-lethal weapons, less-lethal, law enforcement, personal defense, crowd control, United Tactical Systems, PAVA powder, irritant projectiles, air-powered launchers, tactical gear, police equipment, military supplies, corrections, private security, self-defense tools, de-escalation, public safety, riot control, compliance systems, tactical training