Pneu-Dart

Posted: 6/17/2024

Understanding RDD’s: The Heart of Remote Delivery

If you have been using Pneu-Dart for months, years, or even decades, you already know that RDD stands for Remote Delivery Device. In layman’s terms, an RDD is a “dart.” Since its introduction by Pneu-Dart in 1967, this technology has evolved significantly.

Areas of Use

RDDs can be utilized in a variety of situations. If you need to deliver an injectable to an uncontained animal, a remote delivery system is an essential tool. 

How Do RDD’s Work?

A Remote Delivery System allows users to capture or medicate animals while minimizing their stress. An RDD contains a firing pin, percussion cap, spring, plunger, drug containment chamber, aluminum nose cone, and cannula (needle) as shown in the picture below. 

The firing pin, spring, and percussion cap are located in the tail behind the plunger and are known as the “activation system.” When the RDD, specifically the cannula, engages with the animal, the rapid deceleration initiates the activation system, creating forward movement of the plunger. The plunger moves to the front of the RDD, stopping just behind the aluminum nose cone and flo-restrictor. This action propels the injectable through the drug containment chamber and out of the cannula into the animal.

Pneu-Dart’s patented Slo-InjectTM technology, developed in 2016 after a decade of research, reduces pushback of the RDD when engaging with the animal and delivering the injectable. It also ensures optimal disbursement with minimal potential of impacting the tissue.

Different Types of RDDs

There are three main types of RDDs that can be used with Pneu-Dart projectors:

Type C: Designed for Pneu-Dart cartridge-fired projectors, including models 389 and 196, as well as their predecessor, model 193. It has a solid orange tail and comes in sizes ranging from 0.5cc to 5cc.

Type P: Designed for Pneu-Dart’s pneumatic projectors, including the G2-Xcaliber, X2, 178BS, and the Blojector. It has a solid yellow tail and is available in sizes from 0.5cc to 5cc.

Type U: Features a yellow tail with four orange flight stabilizers. This type is manufactured for RDD sizes from 6cc to 10cc, ensuring smooth flight trajectory for the larger sizes.

Choosing the Right RDD

Because there are different types of RDD’s designed for specific projectors, you’ll also need to select the appropriate cannula length. Numerous factors influence this choice, and your veterinarian can provide the best guidance on proper cannula length for the intended injectable. For more information on seasonal and other considerations, see our article on cannula lengths. 

Pneu-Dart is the leader in the Remote Delivery sector, continually improving equipment based on user feedback and animal welfare. Remote Delivery Systems are vital tools for enhancing animal well-being, aiding ranchers, veterinarians, zoologists, and conservationists in effectively and safely treating animals.