Drone killer cartridge
A drone killer cartridge disperses a cluster of projectiles from a single rifle, automatic rifle or machine gun cartridge. These cartridges are designed to increase the probability of disabling small unmanned aerial vehicles at greater range than conventional shotguns.[1]
Projectiles
Projectiles fired by these cartridges may be either segmented or pelletized. A segmented projectile is designed to separate into spin-stabilized sub-projectiles within the gun barrel prior to reaching muzzle. A pelletized projectile contains a stack of high-density, spherical buckshot-sized pellets. The higher velocity of projectiles from rifle cartridges extends the range in comparison to shotgun cartridges. The smaller projectiles dispersed by these cartridges reduce the risk of collateral damage from projectiles that miss the target.[1]
History
Drone killer cartridges developed by Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division for the United States Marine Corps achieved a 92% success rate against drone targets. These cartridges are intended to make existing weapons more effective against the rapidly evolving threat of unmanned systems.[2]
Having been developed by the federal government, manufacturers are able to license the system for government and commercial sales.[3] As of March 2026, no manufacturer had started commercial production, although several were in discussions.[3]
See also
References
- 1 2 Sagi, Guy J. "U.S. Military Unveils "Drone Killer" Rifle Cartridges". American Rifleman. National Rifle Association of America. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
- ↑ "NSWC Crane's new low-cost, 'Drone Killer Cartridge' achieves 92-percent kill rate in demonstration event". Naval Sea Systems Command. NSWC Crane Corporate Communications. Retrieved 29 July 2026.
- 1 2 Daniel Terrill (30 March 2026). "The US Navy wants you ... to make 'Drone Killer' ammunition". Military Times. Sightline Media Group. Retrieved 17 August 2026.