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M37 Mid-size Riot Control Disperser (MRCD)

The M37 is the size of a standard fire extinguisher that uses compressed air to force a riot control agent (RCA) out to a range of 30 feet. It has the capacity to employ 18 bursts for 3 seconds per charge. It is excellent for providing a wide coverage of RCAs onto a hostile crowd while maintaining excellent standoff capability. The M37 can be refilled and is rechargeable. It can be filled with CR solution (liquid agent) or CS1 (dry agent). For training purposes, CR can be substituted with water and CS1 can be substituted with talcum powder.

The Mid-Sized Riot Control Disperser (MRCD) was a Soldier Enhancement Program. The program was designed to provide a lightweight riot control disperser by examining non-developmental items and testing their suitability for military use, making modifications if necessary. The resulting item was to be a new capability and would not replace an item already fielded.

The MRCD, designated the XM37 disperser, was developed to provide a Military Police non-lethal item that covered the gap between vehicle mounted/dedicated soldier systems and personal defensive systems. The system would supplement the existing M33A1 backpack-mounted system. It would provide added flexibility in the application of force to conduct crowd control operations and protect individual soldiers in Military Operations Other Than War (MOOTW). Additional uses could include segregation of belligerents, hostage rescue missions, and capture of criminals and terrorists.

The XM37 MRCD consisted of a pressure cylinder, actuator valve, nozzle and shoulder strap. The cylinder was filled with 48 ounces of liquid riot control agent. The actuator valve assembly and suction tube was screwed onto the cylinder and the tank was pressurized with a standard tire inflation system. A fire extinguisher type pressure gauge indicated proper operating pressure. The MRCD was held horizontal and the trigger was squeezed to spray the riot control agent. The liquid stream would project approximately 9 meters and was capable of 16-18 bursts of 3 seconds each. The fully loaded and pressurized system weighed 8 pounds and took approximately 322 minutes to fill and pressurize.

A firm fixed price contract for the MRCD was awarded in February 1998. Production verification testing was scheduled at that time to begin in April 1998 at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Type classification was projected for first quarter, FY99. The unit was subsequently type classified as the M37 disperser.