DUAL-FEED LAUNCHER VKS TM VARIABLE KINETIC SYSTEM PepperBall Technical Manual
TECHNICAL MANUAL DUAL-FEED LAUNCHER VKS
TABLE OF CONTENTS Warnings...Page 1 Inventory List...Page 2 VKS Operational Instructions Overview...Page 3 Safety Operation...Page 5 Charging... Page 6 Loading Projectiles...Page 7 Magazine...Page 8 Barrel Removal... Page 9 Adjusting Velocity... Page 9 Hopper Attachment...Page 10 Cleaning & Maintenance... Page 11 Warranty & Repairs... Page 13 Armorers Only Disassembly...Page 14 VKS Major Assemblies...Page 18 Front Grip Assembly...Page 19 Upper Receiver Assembly...Page 20 Lower Receiver Assembly... Page 21 Slide Valve Assembly... Page 22 Engine Assembly... Page 23 WARNING/LIABILITY STATEMENT This launcher is classified as a dangerous weapon and is surrendered by PepperBall Technologies, with the understanding that the purchaser assumes all liability from unsafe handling or any action that constitutes a violation of any applicable laws or regulations. PepperBall Technologies, shall not be liable for personal injury, loss of property or life resulting from the use of this weapon under any circumstances, including any intentional, reckless, negligent or accidental discharges. This launcher contains minimal amounts of lead. Use caution and wash hands after every use. All information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. PepperBall Technologies, reserves the right to make changes and improvements to products without incurring any obligation to incorporate such improvements in products previously sold. If you, as a user, do not accept liability, PepperBall Technologies, requests that you do not use a PepperBall launcher. By using this PepperBall launcher you release PepperBall Technologies, of any and all liability associated with its use. CONGRATULATIONS Congratulations on your purchase of the VKS PepperBall Launcher This launcher has been chosen by PepperBall Technologies because of its reliability, accuracy, and durability. When properly handled, the VKS will give many years of dependable service. Please take the time to read through this manual and become familiar with the VKS parts, operation, maintenance, and safety precautions before you attempt to load or fire this launcher. This manual is a supplement to the recommended PepperBall training and should be used as a reference when performing maintenance or annual re-qualification. By purchasing this launcher, you and your agency assume total responsibility for its safe and lawful use. You must observe the same safety precautions as you would with any firearm to assure the safety of not only yourself but everyone around you. The operator should use caution at all times when maintaining and firing this launcher. The operator should use caution at all times when maintaining and firing this launcher. SAFETY GUIDELINES Keep finger outside trigger guard until on target and ready to fire. Always treat launchers as if loaded. Be sure of target and what is beyond and around the target area. Point muzzle in a safe direction at all times. Remember the Laser Rule. Do not shoot at the head, neck or spine (unless within department policy). As with other less-lethal projectiles, head shots could result in unintentional, severe, and permanent injury or death. Wear safety glasses or turn head to side when filling HPA bottles. Trigger Group...Page 24 Regulator... Page 25 Critical Low Pressure Safety Procedure...Page 26 1
PARTS INVENTORY LIST VKS OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS OVERVIEW ALLEN WRENCHES 3/16" 1/8" 3mm 3/32" 5/64".050" HPA TANK HOPPER PORT STOCK CHARGING HANDLE FORE GRIP BARREL C02 Stem and O-ring Hopper Elbow TRIGGER MAGAZINE VKS SPECIFICATIONS Delta Ring Spanner Wrench Reg Body Plug Caliber: Action: Power: Length:.68 Semi-auto HPA/CO2 78cm/31 Height: Weight: Mag Capacity: 33cm/13 2.8kg/6.2lbs 10 or 15 Castle Nut Spanner Wrench 2 3
VKS OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS OVERVIEW VKS OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS SAFETY OPERATION 1. 2. DUAL FEED SYSTEM Officers can choose to use magazine and/or a standard hopper. The dual feed allows the officer to quickly switch between Hopper Mode and Magazine Mode during an operation for optimum versatility. 1. Standard Hopper 2. Magazine and Standard Hopper 1. The VKS safety is located on the lower left hand side of the launcher. It operates much like most other launchers and firearms. 2. MULTIPLE AIR SOURCE Each VKS utilizes 2 types of air sources, extending the officers time in the field and increasing functionality. 1. HPA Stock, Functions as a stock with a tank. The safety has 3 function: S-Safety, F-Fire, D-Disassemble. Place the VKS in safe position by aligning the safety switch with the S. The Safety can be found on the left side of the gun just above the grip 2. Remote Air Line connects to any tank. CAUTION: THE LAUNCHER CAN BE FIRED IN DISASSEMBLE MODE 4 5
VKS OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS VKS OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS CHARGING HANDLE OPERATION The VKS Charging Handle is located on the top rear of the launcher. It functions as a valve to control the flow of air from the HPA Tank into the launcher. The charging handle has 2 positions: 1. ON (Forward) 2. OFF (rearward) ON Projectile Retainer Pin OFF INSTALLING THE HPA TANK 1. Pull the charging handle valve to the OFF position. 2. Next, screw the bottle into the rear of the launcher. 3. To air up the marker, push the charging handle to the ON position. CHARGING HANDLE OFF ON LOADING PROJECTILES Place ten (10) or (15) fifteen projectiles into the appropriate magazine from the top. The projectiles will be held in place automatically by the projectile retainer pin. Shaped projectiles must be oriented as shown in the illustration. Round projectiles require no orientation. 6 7
VKS OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS VKS OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS 1. LOADING MAGAZINE Place the magazine into the magazine well in the lower receiver. Once the magazine has started into the well, Push until it has been secured by the magazine release, then test it is secure by attempting to pull it back out. This is called the Push-Pull technique. FIRST PUSH THEN PULL REMOVING BARREL 1. Shut off the air by pulling the charging handle backward. 2. Remove the magazine. 3. Slightly push in the barrel and rotate the barrel counterclockwise. 2. 4. Your barrel is now free to slide out. 3. 4. NOTES: If all projectiles have been fired, place hand under magazine and press magazine release with other hand. Catch magazine so it does not fall on ground. Visually inspect the magazine well to ensure all projectiles are clear from the VKS. Visually inspect the projectile view port to ensure all projectiles are clear. ADJUSTING VELOCITY 1. Turn the velocity adjustment screw clockwise to increase velocity. 2. Turn the velocity adjustment screw counter-clockwise to decrease velocity. TOOLS REQUIRED: 3/16" Allen Wrench RELEASING MAGAZINE 1. Place VKS in the safe mode and point in a safe direction. 2. Place your hand under the magazine 3. Push Magazine Release Button 4. Pull Magazine free from the launcher If all projectiles have not been fired, follow above procedures but ensure that you turn the VKS on its side while removing the magazine. The projectile that is in the chamber will be free and can fall on the ground if the VKS is kept in a vertical position. Place your hand under the magazine well and capture the loose projectile as you turn the VKS vertically. NOTES: When the velocity screw is decreased the pressure in the launcher remains at the previous level. The chamber pressure can only be lowered by firing or cycling the on/off valve. VELOCITY ADJUSTMENT SCREW 8 9
VKS OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS Hopper Elbow VKS CLEANING & MAINTENANCE CLEANING SAFETY NOTES: 1. Never perform cleaning on a loaded or pressurized launcher. 2. Remove all projectiles and CO2 cartridges (if used) from the magazine and launcher prior to doing any cleaning or maintenance. 3. Never use petroleum based cleaning solvents or lubricants as they can attack the o-ring seals. 4. Do not use cleaning solvents that come in aerosol cans. HOPPER ATTACHMENT (optional) 1. REMOVE HOPPER COVER PLATE: Remove the Hopper Cover Plate by removing the four (4) (H-S 4-40 x 5/16 ) screws. 2. INSTALL HOPPER ELBOW: Attach the Hopper Elbow located in the universal pack that came with the launcher re-using the (4) (H-S 4-40 x 5/16 ) screws from the cover. Hopper Screws BARREL DEBRIS REMOVAL: 1. If there is foreign debris or a broken projectile in the VKS barrel, the barrel will need cleaned. Remove the barrel as described in the Operational Instructions. 2. Use a.68 caliber soft nylon brush,.68 caliber squeegee, or a 12 gauge patch tip with a soft cotton cloth to clean the barrel. Do not allow lubricants or water to remain in the barrel of the VKS. It is designed to be used with the barrel dry. 3. Wipe off any dirt or grime from the outside of the VKS barrel with a dry cloth. BREACH DEBRIS REMOVAL: 1. If there is foreign debris or a broken projectile in the VKS breach, the breach will need cleaned. 2. Using a dry cloth, wipe any debris out of the breach area. Be sure that the magazine forks and magazine release are clear of debris as this could affect proper operation. With the lower receiver removed, the breach can be more easily cleaned, and the trigger group can be both cleaned and lubricated. HOPPER/MAGAZINE SELECTION To change VKS from Magazine Mode to Hopper Mode: 1. Grab barrel and push in toward gun to release detent. 2. Twist barrel clockwise (as viewed facing gun) until barrel clicks into hopper detent. NOTES: If the magazine is not empty when changing to hopper mode, the next projectile fired will be from the magazine. To change VKS from Hopper Mode to Magazine Mode: 1. Grab barrel and push in toward gun to release detent. 2. Twist barrel counter-clockwise (as viewed facing gun) until barrel clicks into magazine detent. NOTES: If the hopper is not empty when changing to magazine mode, the next projectile fired will be from the hopper. IMPORTANT: If pressurized with the lower receiver removed, the trigger has no safety function to prevent accidental firing. Disassembly Steps 1. Remove the Stock from the rear of the launcher 2. Remove the HPA Tank from the rear of the launcher 3. Remove barrel 4. Point safety lever to D for Disassemble 5. Remove take down pins from lower receiver A plastic or non-marring rod may also be used to push out the pins If the pins are stuck, the rear castle nut may need to be loosened 6. Carefully separate lower receiver from upper receiver, pulling up from the front first 10 11
VKS CLEANING & MAINTENANCE LUBRICATION IMPORTANT: To field lubricate the VKS launcher, the lower receiver must first be removed. For optimum performance, do the following monthly: 1. Place one drop of oil between trigger release and trigger rotator. 2. Remove the regulator spring pad and oil the regulator spring pad O-Ring. 3. If using CO2 in the magazines, place one drop of oil on CO2 O-Ring found at top of CO2 Valve and Magazine. Have an armorer perform: 1. Remove the engine assembly and lightly grease the Air Chamber Cap O-Ring and the Slide Valve o-rings. OPERATIONAL CONSIDERATIONS A. If the CO2 cartridge(s) are punctured in a magazine, it should be replaced if the VKS is not used for 24 hours. B. The operational temperature range for the VKS launcher using CO2 is 37 F to 120 F. C. If the regulator spring pad is removed, the launcher velocity will require re-setting. 2. 3. 1. WARRANTY AND REPAIRS PepperBall is dedicated to providing you with the quality support necessary for the utmost satisfaction of that technology. PepperBall products are crafted with the finest materials and designed for trouble-free performance. We warrant that this launcher is found free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 2 year from the original date of purchase. Unauthorized modifications alterations, neglect, or abuse of this product voids any warranty. The warranty covers the parts and labor required to repair the product to proper working order. In the event warranty or other non-warranty related repairs are required, send the product(s) to PepperBall. We strive to complete the necessary repair work within a reasonable amount of time and return it to you via the best shipping method. On claims submitted as outlined, PepperBall will repair or replace, free of charge, any of its launchers that have failed through defect in material or workmanship. For assistance with warranty and repair, contact us or your PepperBall representative in your region. For warranty and non-warranty repair, ship the product(s) to PepperBall with postage or delivery charges prepaid. Include a brief statement regarding the requested repair, point of contact, return address, and telephone number where the point of contact may be reached during normal business hours Ship to: Conflict Defense Solutions ATTN: Warranty 2713 Ferguson Road Ft. Wayne, IN 46809 Note: Always unload and remove CO2 or HPA bottles before shipping a launcher. TROUBLESHOOTING PROJECTILE BREAKAGE If you experience more than a small number of broken projectiles, then there are 3 things to check: 1. Be sure that both the launcher and magazine are free of broken projectiles or any other debris. 2. Make sure that the barrel is locked in its correct position, and that both detents are installed so that they catch a projectile as it enters the breach. 3. Make sure the launcher is set to a reasonable velocity 12 13
VKS LAUNCHER DISASSEMBLY TOOLS REQUIRED: Spanner Wrench 1. Remove the Stock 2. Remove the HPA Tank 3. Remove the magazine. 4. Remove the Barrel 5. Loosen the rear Castle Nut using the front side of the spanner wrench 6. Remove castle nut and stock ring 7. Verify Charging Handle is in OFF position to avoid breaking it accidentally. 8. Using reverse side of spanner wrench, loosen slide valve assembly The following pages are intended for use by a professional Armorer only. Do NOT attempt to dismantle this launcher. In the event warranty or other non-warranty related repairs are required please contact PepperBall at 260.478.2500. Unauthorized modifications, alterations, neglect, or abuse of this product voids any warranty. 9. Remove slide valve assembly while pulling charging handle gently away from the upper receiver 10. The charging handle will move free of the slide valve when the threads are nearly unscrewed 11. Push out take down pins 12. Remove lower receiver assembly LOWER RECEIVER ASSEMBLY SLIDE VALVE STOCK RING TAKE DOWN PINS CASTLE NUT CHARGING HANDLE 14 15
VKS LAUNCHER DISASSEMBLY VKS LAUNCHER DISASSEMBLY TOOLS REQUIRED: TRIGGER GROUP SCREWS 3/32" and 3/16" Allen Wrench 1. Remove the push rod retaining O-ring 2. Separate the trigger from the trigger linkage bar TOOLS REQUIRED: 3mm Allen Wrench QUAD RAIL SCREWS 3. Unscrew trigger group screws using 3/32 Allen wrench while holding trigger back against spring for access 4. Remove Trigger Group from the upper receiver, taking care not to lose the small O-rings that seal in between them 5. The air chamber can be removed by twisting the 3/16 Allen wrench while pulling backward, or alternately a non-marring push rod can be inserted from the barrel side to push it out of the rear of the upper receiver. BOLT PUSH When re-assembling the launcher, be sure to push the bolt completely forward before re-installing the regulator. The barrel and bolt spring must be removed from the launcher or the bolt cannot be pushed forward. If the launcher is assembled without the bolt pushed forward, it will not cycle when the trigger is pulled and must be disassembled again to push the bolt forward. AIR CHAMBER INSTALLED LOCATION PUSH ROD RETAINING O-RING Delta Ring Wrench 1. Unscrew the (4) Quad Rail screws using a 3mm Allen Wrench 2. Separate quad rails from delta ring by pushing toward the gun and pulling the rails apart. 3. Loosen delta ring using delta ring spanner wrench. Note position of delta ring with a groove oriented directly vertical. This orientation is required for correct reassembly. 4. Remove delta ring and separate the front grip assembly from the upper receiver. Note front grip assembly alignment tap can be bent when disengaged from upper receiver. NOTE: When reassembling the front grip assembly, proper alignment is achieved using a special tight fitting tube insert, not the barrel of the gun. DELTA RING PULL BACK WHILE TWISTING ALLEN WRENCH 16 17
VKS MAJOR ASSEMBLIES ITEM PART NUMBER NAME NO. 1 43-1540 Lower Receiver Assembly 2 43-2040 Upper Receiver Assembly 3 41-1046 Connecting Pin 4 43-4050 Tank Stock Assembly 5 43-1800 Front Grip Assembly FRONT GRIP ASSEMBLY ITEM PART NUMBER NAME NO. 1 AC-4063 Quad Rail Bottom 2 AC-4063 Quad Rail Top 3 AR12F101 Delta Ring 4 AR12F102 Barrel Nut 5 AR12F203 Barrel Nut Snap Ring 6 AR12F502 Barrel Ring Spring 6 43-1970 Hopper Adapter Assembly 7 AR12F103 Barrel Sleeve 7 43-3140.15s Magazine Assembly 8 AR12F501 Sleeve Retainer Ring 8 43-2340 Barrel Assembly 9 43-9361.43 Firing Bolt Spring 18 19
UPPER RECEIVER ASSEMBLY ITEM PART NUMBER NAME NO. 1 43-2440 Trigger Group Assembly 2 T4-8126 Regulator Rear Screw #8-32 x 1/2" BHCS 3 45-9408 Regulator body screw internal tooth washer #8 4 45-8108 Regulator body screw #8-32 7/8" BHCS 5 T4-9212 Trigger Pin 6 61-2160 Engine Assembly LOWER RECEIVER ASSEMBLY ITEM PART NUMBER NAME NO. 1 42-1541 Lower Receiver 2 T4-1441 Magazine Catch Button 3 T4-1443 Magazine Catch 4 T4-1642 Safety Switch 5 T4-1044 Brass Detents 6 SHCS 440 5/16 Magazine Catch Screw 7 43-2240 Firing Bolt Assembly 7 SPRG 41 Magazine Catch Spring 8 43-2050 Barrel Retainer Pin 8 T4-4041 Handle 9 43-1740 Charging Handle Assembly 9 SPRG 46.2 Detents Spring-Safety 10 43-2160 Slide Valve Assembly 10 BHCS 10-24 x 1 Handle Screw 11 43-2046 Upper Receiver 11 WSHR 10-808 Handle Lock Washer 12 T4-2943 Ammo Release Fork Screw-SM 12 DOWL 1/8 x 1 1/2 Magazine Guide Pin 13 T4-8106 Release Fork Screw SHCS #4-40 x 5/16 14 43-1846 Upper Tac Rail 15 T4-9215 Roll Pin 3/32" x 5/8" 16 42-2060 Alt Air Attachment Assembly 14 17 HP-9354.6 Trigger Torsion Spring 8 9 15 11 7 16 5 6 12 10 1 17 3 2 4 13 20 21
SLIDE VALVE SUBASSEMBLY ITEM PART NUMBER NAME NO. 1 43-2151 Air Valve Cap 2 43-2152 Air Valve Slide 3 43-2153 Air Valve Body 4 ORNG 020 Air Valve Cap O-ring 020 70Dur Buna 5 ORNG 112 Air Valve Slide O-ring 112 70Dur Polyurethane ENGINE SUBASSEMBLY ITEM PART NUMBER NAME NO. 1 81-2101 Air Chamber Plug 2 81-2104 Air Chamber 3 45-2107 AC Shock Absorber 4 ORNG 110-P70 AC Cap O-Ring 5 43-2240 T4.3 Firing Bolt 6 ORNG 006 Air Valve Body O-ring 006 70Dur Polyurethane 6 ORNG 019-B70 AC Plug O-Ring 7 H-SSS 832 1/4 Air Valve Cap Screw 7 ORNG 020-B70 AC OD O-Ring A A SECTION A-A 5 7 4 1 3 6 2 NOTE: Do not attempt to disassemble bolt and firing pin (item 5). The alignment is set by factory fixtures and cannot be reassembled outside the factory. 22 23
TRIGGER GROUP ITEM PART NUMBER NAME NO. 1 41-2541 Regulator Body-T4 2 H-F 832 3/8 Trigger Cover Screw 3 45-2402 Sear REGULATOR ITEM PART NUMBER NAME NO. 1 45-2502 Regulator Body-T4 2 81-2502 Regulator Spring Pad Complete 3 81-2505 Regulator End Screw ITEM PART NUMBER NAME NO. 9 ORNG 006-B90 Reg Sealing/Reg Body O-Ring 10 ORNG 006-P90 Regulator Valve O-Ring 11 ORNG 012-P70 Regulator Spring Pad O-Ring 4 45-2401 Trigger Cover Plate 4 45-2506 Regulator Adjuster 12 ORNG 012-B70 Regulator End Screw O-Ring 5 45-2405 Release 5 81-2507 CO2 Stem 13 ORNG 006-B70 CO2 Stem O-Ring 6 SPRG10 Release/Rotator Spring 6 45-2508 Regulator Valve Sleeve 14 SPRG 13 Regulator Valve Spring 7 45-2404 Rotator 7 BHCS 6-32x3/16 Regulator Sealing Screws 15 SPRG 05 Regulator Spring 8 SPRG02 Sear Spring 8 ORNG 006-B90 Reg Sealing/Reg Body O-ring 16 H-BALL 316 Regulator Valve Ball 9 T4-2448 T4 Linkage 24 25
VKS SAFE OPERATION VKS CRITICAL LOW PRESSURE SAFETY PROCEDURE The VKS launcher can and should always be operated in a manner that guarantees safe operation. If not operated properly, a state of operation can exist that appears to be safe, but is in fact not safe. Injury could result from an unexpected discharge if the launcher is then re-pressurized while in this unsafe mode and not pointed in a safe direction. VKS NORMAL OPERATION DIAGRAM This paper describes: 1. The series of operations that can lead to an unsafe state 2. Why this unsafe state exists due to the launcher mechanics 3. Simple procedures to prevent this unsafe state from occurring 1. Bolt is in ready to fire position, air chamber fully pressurized. 4. Bolt stops on body at full extension, spring pushes bolt into empty air chamber. 2. Bolt released by Sear, driven forward by gas pressure from air chamber 5. Bolt resets sear when completely retracted, air chamber fill for next shot. BARREL AIR CHAMBER 3. Bolt travels forward, releases gas from air chamber. BOLT SPRING SEAR 26 27
VKS LOW PRESSURE STOPPAGE CRITICAL LOW PRESSURE STOPPAGE In order to cause a discharge event while the safety is on, several separate events must occur in a specific order. 1. The air pressure must reach a critically low point where the launcher will no longer operate (Fig. 1c) 2. The charging handle must then be left in a incorrect location between the on and off positions, which does not bleed out the air in the chamber (Fig 2b on next page) 1a. Bolt is in ready to fire position, air chamber fully pressurized. VKS IMPROPER VENTING The charging handle is attached to a sliding valve that controls the high pressure air supply. There is a single point along the travel between the on and off positions where the input air is turned OFF, but the chamber does not yet vent. Because the o-ring must control the air supply, this unwanted position cannot be eliminated in this valve design. FPO 2a. Charging handle is in ON position, air chamber pressurized. 3. The HP air tank must then be filled while the charging handle is left in the incorrect position 4. The charging handle must be pushed only forward to go from the incorrect position to the full ON position 5. The bolt will then have enough air pressure to vent and then reset itself, causing a discharge event if there is a projectile in the chamber. 1b. Bolt released by Sear, driven forward by gas pressure from air chamber 2b. Charging handle is in NEITHER position, air chamber NOT vented. 1c. Low gas pressure cannot overcome bolt spring, air chamber cannot vent. 2c. Charging handle is in full OFF position, air chamber vented (SAFE). Gun fails to fire due to low pressure. 28 29
VKS OPERATIONAL FAULT SOLUTION To prevent this unsafe scenario from occurring, simply follow either or both of these operational procedures. 1. If the gun fails to fire due to low pressure, always remove the barrel. a. This will guarantee that the air chamber can vent because the main spring is held in place by the barrel. NOTES b. The procedure for removing the barrel should also begin by verifying that the charging handle is in the OFF/VENT position. c. Removing the barrel also allows inspection and removal of a projectile lodged in the barrel by the last attempted shot. 2. Avoid allowing the launcher to be fired until tank is too low to operate. a. We recommend not operating below about 1000psi. 30 31
888.982.2842 2717 FERGUSON ROAD FORT WAYNE, INDIANA 46809