Small-Arms, Intelligent Counter-UAS Munition with Novel Payload and Directional Homing

Harkind Dynamics proposes development of an inexpensive, intelligent small-arms munition with multi-effect explosive payload and directional homing for catastrophic defeat of Group 1 through 3 Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).  We will leverage the integrated ultra-wideband radar, advanced controls, and sophisticated target engagement systems of our 12-gauge SPECTER munition, currently at Technical Readiness Level 5.  The self-contained radar and munition controller determine the position and velocity of the UAS relative to the munition.  The controller initiates individually selectable, pyrotechnically deployed drag surfaces to rotate the munition toward the target UAS where a multi-effect warhead ejects an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) with a peripheral fragment cloud.  Direct EFP hits will result in a probability-of-kill (Pk) near 100 percent.  The additively manufactured warhead case utilizes stacked fragment layers where fragment size, shape, and position within each layer are tuned to maximize fragment hits on target, lethality, and effective range.  Pk from fragmentation is above 90 percent for targets within the central annulus, decreasing radially with the distance from the EFP ejection cone.  Our proposed munition will autonomously and intelligently destroy the target without the need to directly intercept it, avoiding costly guidance systems with variable control surfaces.  A miniature solid propellant booster motor extends the useful range from 300 meters to 500 meters with a short one-half second thrust cycle.  Our system has minimal size and weight (12-ga or 40x51mm), fits in small pockets and packs, and does not require operators to carry any additional weapon systems or support equipment.  We will reestablish a cost-effective asymmetric C-UAS paradigm where we can destroy adversary UAS at a fraction of the cost it takes for them to replace their systems.