Filmaker said:
"If we are going to arm Pilots (and I think we should) why not use the technology developed a few years ago in making sure that the only person that can fire a particular weapon is the registered owner of that weapon. If I recall there were more than a few systems that detected the hand print/pressure, thumb print etc of a registered owner of a weapon and only allowed that person to fire that weapon. If the weapon was taken away or the owner disabled, the weapon would not fire. this seems to be a simple solution."
Sorry, but that technology simply doesn't exist. Several companies have tried various concepts. None have gone past the fatally flawed prototype stage. Colt tried to develop a firearm that had receiver in it. The officer would have to wear a small transmitter on his belt. The gun would not fire if it was pointed towards the officer or more than X feet away from the officer. Colt executives tried to demonstrate it at a trade show. Even under perfect conditions, the prototype failed. Since it relied on a radio signal, I imagine it would be possible to jam electronically. Two points of failure, two sets of batteries to go bad. No thanks.
Another idea has been the fingerprint recognition system. Such a system is rather more complex than you might expect at first. The system must be able to be used with either hand. And it has to work even though you might not grip the gun exactly the same way each time -- that is, your thumb might not be in the exact same spot. It has to work even if your hands are sweaty or bloody. A couple companies did some research on this. Nothing ever came of it.
The one and only device on the market that works is rather low-tech (surprise, surprise). It works with magnetic rings that the officer must wear. It's called the MagnaTrigger and it can only be installed on revolvers. Rick Devoid is a gunsmith, and sole proprietor of Tarnhelm supply company. You can see information about it on his web site:
http://www.tarnhelm.com/magna-trigge...ty/magna1.html
If such devices really worked, I'm sure that the many police agencies in the US would jump on the bandwagon. They haven't because outside of the Magnatrigger, no such device exists. It's not an easy problem. Handguns are a rather challenging environment for such devices. They are small, get exposed to lots of shocks, get flooded with oil and solvents, and often are poorly maintained and abused. And they have to work everytime.
Regarding the ammunition used, it's called frangible ammunition. This isn't anything top-secret -- any web search on frangible ammunition will bring up lots of information about it. It was originally developed to reduce airborne lead at training ranges, but is also used to reduce the risk of damage to delicate structures. Most of the large manufacturers in the USA offer a line of frangible ammunition, for example:
http://www.remington.com/2001/am_dislff.htm
http://www.janes.com/security/law_en...-2001_02.shtml
http://www.triton-ammo.com/press/CQFrangible.html
http://www.winchester.com/law/catalo...rgy=on&traj=on OFBSLF
Firearms Instructor certified by MA State Police