www.businessinsider.com/shotguns-low-tech-anti-drone-weapons-modern-warfare-2024-6?IR=T
Shotguns emerge as a low-tech weapon to counter commercial drones in modern warfare
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We just need drones with shotguns now.
Yeah, been thinking a drone loaded with say 8 shotgun shells that can take multiple close but non impact pot shots at infantry might have an even higher kill rate overall. 3d printed single-use sawn-off barrels on each round, effective kill range a few meters.
Fly along a trench sweeping up infantry with an aerial trench broom.
I think one problem with that idea is that many drones are flying out to the full extent of their battery life and transmitter range and looking for targets of opportunity before they drop, so the most flexible payload is best.
I saw that post about mixed use light weight fragmentation/armour piercing 3d printed rounds they were developing, and it seems a very sensible approach at least on drones that have to range a long way looking for targets.
You’ve never fired a shotgun outside a video game I see.
True, the recoil would be problematic.
A solution could be to always fire two shots simultaneously in opposite directions... might be a few wasted shells, but it doesn't seem to be particularly effective because you'll miss other targets of opportunity that require a big explosive charge, so maybe a few of these shotgun shells as a secondary weapon on a drone that has already has explosives.
Perhaps the shotgun shell could shoot out the back like a bazooka when fired, less powerful but minimal recoil, still probably deliver a lethal blast of pellets at a couple of meters. And the drone gets lighter.
IMHO, there is near zero benefit to firing from a drone. The extra weight and complexity aren't worthwhile. It would be better off going kamikaze. Those are not reusable, but 8 kamikaze drones would be far cheaper than shotgun weilding drone once we take into account its cost and lost rate.
If we wanted reusability, I'd go with one that drops VOG17 type munitions from very low height. Basically dives at the target and released munition when it is 10 feet from target before pulling away. Given the superhuman agility of AI controlled drones, it would almost never miss ... when it comes for you, game over. The race home for a re-load and battery swap, and start all over again.
If we were to put a firing solution on a drone, I'd go with a 0.22 short that is modified to be as light as possible (clip, breach, and a short composite material barrel). It would fly very close and fire at maybe 3 feet of distance, with superhuman speed and agility. Flying like in the clip below, going into a trench at 70 mph, and dropping 5 or enemies in 3 seconds or less. That would be terrifying.