The US Navy has turned its rifles into drone-killing weapons with a new family of ammunition that delivers shotgun-style takedowns without collateral damage.
Designed by the Crane division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), the “Drone Killer Cartridge” (DKC) comes in segmented and pelletized variants, both reportedly able to increase the kill probability against unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The segmented version is a self-separating bullet that disperses three projectiles per round after leaving the chamber.
Compatible with existing suppressors, mature variants are available in 7.62mm and 5.56mm, while .50-caliber and 9mm rounds are reportedly in the works.
Meanwhile, the pelletized DKC releases high-density projectile clouds, spreading up to five pellets per bullet, currently available in .50-caliber and 7.62mm rounds.
NSWC Crane is also experimenting with pelletized versions for .338, 6.8x51mm, 6.5mm, and 5.56mm bullets.
‘92% Kill Rate’
Designed as a low-cost solution against UAS from extended distances, the DKC is compatible with existing rifles, automatic weapons, and machine guns.
It could also be adapted for handguns and shotguns.
Brian Hoffman, an NSWC Crane engineer and the primary inventor of DKC, reported that the system achieved a 92 percent kill rate against drone targets during a recent demonstration in Indiana.
First-time users also neutralized drones on their first try in a separate event, relying solely on standard-issue weapons and basic optics.
“[The result] was extremely compelling for both the shooters and observers and reinforced the need to accelerate the timeline to initial fielding,” Hoffman added.
NSWC Crane is now offering the DKC to commercial ammo manufacturers and defense firms interested in bringing it to market.
“With DKC, we are adding capability well beyond conventional options, while also bending the cost curve for neutralizing drone threats, particularly to the individual Marine,” said Col. Andrew Konicki of the US Marine Corps.
