Possibly even deadly -- like any other non-lethal weapon. A truncheon isn’t really meant to kill, but can and has been used to kill on more than one occasion. The same will hold with the PEP weapons. It would all hinge upon the particular weapon used and the chosen target. There are likely variables in nature that would render the PEP laser less effective (this is a guess -- fog, rain), as well as those that would increase the potential of the impact (this is another guess -- temperature and humidity level). Possibly even terrain and elevation.

Pulsed Energy Projectile—This is a pulsed chemical deuterium fluoride laser device that delivers a substantial shock to the target. There are multiple effects from the PEP including a dramatic flash, nearly deafening sound, and substantial kinetic impact. Col. George Fenton, director of the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate, sometimes refers to this as “phasers on stun.” (See related story). Tests have indicated that the kinetic impact is well above that of any beanbag round or plastic bullet. The bio-effects listed by the developer, Mission Research Corporation, include: shrapnel-less flash-bang, cutaneous peripheral afferent nerves (pain, susceptibility to chemical agents, lesions), cutaneous peripheral efferent nerves (temporary paralysis, choking, fibrillation), central nervous system (disorientation).



This weapon will be able to temporarily take out a sniper, or other targeted individual, before they have time to duck. In order to increase the rate of fire in the event multiple shots are required, the contractor has proposed a Gatling gun-like system that rotates after each shot, rather than expelling the gas and refilling the chamber between firings.




(Source: Non-Lethal Weapons to Gain Relevancy in Future Conflicts)
By John B. Alexander
National Defense Magazine



Dan