Cold Weather Tests

Tests were recently conducted at the Aerko Factory to determine the effects of cold weather on Freeze and Punch aerosol weapons.

One half ounce and two ounce sizes were cooled to 0^o F and left undisturbed for a period of 96 hours. Several spray tests were conducted after the cold temperature soak.

Units were removed from frozen storage and sprayed immediately. In both sizes the units functioned and delivered product though somewhat differently than normal. Cone shaped mists of Punch II units were of a tighter cone with less vaporous side mist. Range was not diminished from comparison units at ambient air temperature. Coherent stream units Freeze, Freeze +, Freeze + P and Punch II Streamer were effected to a greater degree. The stream was noticeably narrower and range diminished from ten to twelve feet to eight to nine feet.

Further tests were conducted by holding units from the freezer in ungloved hands and spraying after one minute and at one minute intervals until spray patterns returned to normal distances. Mist units functioned normally after one minute in the hand. Streamers regained volume of stream at two minutes and complete recovery of spray distance at three minutes.

The results of this test indicate that while cold weather has an effect on ballistics, the units still function and heat transfer from the hands or body contact will warm the units enough to spray properly. If the units are kept in a jacket pocket or under coats, ballistics will probably not be affected by winter temperatures.

The most significant factor of cold weather is the effect on the pores and skin surfaces of the face of the aggressor. Cold weather causes the pores to close tightly and nerves to be slightly desensitized. The result is a longer initiation or onset time due to delayed reactions. Law Enforcement personnel should be aware of the changes in physical effects as well as product delivery in cold weather confrontations.