The ACP-35 is a standardized pressurized canister containing 35mL of chemical aerosol payload, used across a range of chemical-dispersal weapon platforms as both antipersonnel and area-denial ammunition. The canister's pressurization system atomizes the chemical payload into a fine aerosol mist upon discharge, producing a cloud of active chemical agent that persists in still air for 8-30 seconds depending on the specific formulation.

The ACP-35 format was established to standardize the rapidly proliferating market of chemical dispersal weapons, each of which previously used proprietary canister designs. The standard defines canister dimensions, connector interface, and pressurization parameters, but not the chemical formulation — which means any ACP-35 canister can contain anything from tear gas analog to nerve agent precursor, and the external labeling is the only indication of contents. This has created obvious problems for regulators and obvious opportunities for operators.

The canister's dual-valve design allows for two discharge modes: a focused stream for single-target engagement and a dispersed cloud for area effect. The weapon platform controls which valve opens, giving operators tactical flexibility from a single canister. Most chemical dispersal weapons carry 4-8 ACP-35 canisters in a rotary or linear magazine, and mixed loads — combining different formulations in a single magazine — are a common field practice.