P3 C-UAS: How 12-Gauge and Spike Munitions Are Changing Drone Defense

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Plumb Precision Products has unveiled its latest innovation the P3 C-UAS System, a kinetic drone defense platform based on the AR-10 rifle architecture. This system integrates advanced detection and targeting mechanisms with a powerful weapon system designed to neutralize aerial threats efficiently.

The P3 C-UAS System: An Overview

The P3 C-UAS System is a technology demonstrator that combines the P3 M110A1 rifle with a Heckler & Koch M320 40mm grenade launcher. This hybrid approach allows for precision targeting of drones at varying distances, utilizing both 12-gauge ammunition and guided 40mm munitions. The system is designed to counter Type 1 and Type 2 UAS, which include small and medium-sized drones used in military and commercial applications.

Key Features

  1. AR-10-Based Platform The system is built on the M110A1 rifle, ensuring compatibility with existing military firearms and reducing training requirements for operators.

  2. Multi-Caliber Capability The Genesis Arms 12-gauge magazine adapter enables the use of non-lethal, lethal, and counter-UAS ammunition, providing flexibility in engagement strategies.

  3. Integrated Grenade Launcher The HK M320 40mm grenade launcher allows for extended-range engagements using low-pressure 40mm counter-UAS ammunition.

  4. Precision-Guided Munitions The system supports Raytheon Pike guided mini-missiles, which can engage drones at distances of up to 2,000 meters with laser-guided accuracy.

  5. Advanced Detection System The P3 C-UAS detection system employs acoustic sensors, laser tracking, and AI-enabled targeting to identify and engage aerial threats.

Operational Advantages

The P3 C-UAS System offers several advantages over traditional drone defense solutions:

  • Cost-Effective Deployment Plumb Precision Products estimates that existing M110/M110A1 rifles can be converted into C-UAS platforms for as little as $2,500 per unit, making it a budget-friendly option for military forces.

  • Enhanced Range and Accuracy The integration of guided munitions significantly extends the effective range of the system, allowing operators to engage drones from greater distances.

  • Reduced Training Requirements Since the system is based on the AR-10 rifle architecture, personnel already familiar with M110/HK417 rifles can operate it with minimal additional training.

12-Gauge Ammunition: Versatility in Drone Defense

The P3 C-UAS System incorporates 12-gauge ammunition, a widely used shotgun caliber known for its adaptability and effectiveness in short-range engagements. The system utilizes a Genesis Arms 12-gauge magazine adapter, allowing operators to load and fire specialized counter-UAS rounds.

Types of 12-Gauge Ammunition Used in the P3 C-UAS System

  1. Non-Lethal Rounds

    • These include rubber buckshot and beanbag rounds, which can be used for crowd control or training exercises.

  2. Lethal Rounds

    • Slug rounds and buckshot provide high-impact kinetic force, capable of disabling drones at close range.

  3. Counter-UAS Ammunition

    • Specialized fragmentation rounds designed to disrupt drone electronics and disable rotors upon impact.

The effective range of 12-gauge ammunition depends on the type of shell used. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Birdshot: Typically effective up to 40-50 yards for hunting small game and clay shooting.

  • Buckshot: Can be effective up to 50 yards, though larger buckshot sizes like #00 can maintain stopping power beyond that.

  • Slugs: Offer the longest range, with effective distances reaching 100-150 yards, depending on the slug type and barrel configuration.

The 12-gauge platform offers rapid-fire capability, making it an ideal choice for engaging low-flying drones in urban and battlefield environments.

Pike Guided 40mm Munitions: Precision Drone Elimination

The Pike guided 40mm munition, developed by Raytheon, is a miniature precision-guided missile designed for extended-range engagements. Unlike traditional 40mm grenades, the Pike is equipped with a digital semi-active laser seeker, allowing it to home in on targets with extreme accuracy.


Key Specifications of the Pike Munition

  • Diameter: 40mm

  • Length: 16.8 inches

  • Weight: 1.7 lbs

  • Warhead: 0.6 lb blast fragmentation

  • Maximum Range: 2,000 meters

  • Guidance System: Digital semi-active laser

  • Launch Platform: HK M320 grenade launcher

Operational Advantages

  1. Extended Range

    • The Pike munition can engage drones at distances of up to 2,000 meters, far beyond the reach of conventional rifle-based counter-UAS systems.

  2. Precision Targeting

    • The laser-guided system ensures high accuracy, reducing collateral damage and maximizing effectiveness.

  3. Low-Signature Launch

    • The nearly smokeless rocket motor minimizes launch visibility, making it harder for enemy forces to detect.

Future Prospects

While the P3 C-UAS System is currently a technology demonstrator, its potential for full-scale deployment is promising. The system has been submitted to AEWE and C-UAS programs, indicating interest from military organizations seeking effective drone defense solutions. If adopted, it could become a standard counter-UAS platform for infantry units, providing a lightweight, adaptable, and cost-efficient method of neutralizing aerial threats.

The P3 C-UAS System represents a significant advancement in kinetic drone defense technology. By combining traditional firearms with modern detection and targeting systems, Plumb Precision Products has created a versatile and powerful solution for countering unmanned aerial threats. As drone warfare continues to evolve, innovations like the P3 C-UAS System will play a crucial role in ensuring battlefield superiority.

Advantages of the P3 C-UAS System

1. Cost-Effective Solution

  • The P3 C-UAS System is built on the M110A1 rifle platform, meaning existing military firearms can be converted into counter-UAS weapons for as little as $2,500 per unit.

  • Compared to high-tech electronic jamming systems, this kinetic approach is more affordable for widespread deployment.

2. Multi-Caliber Capability

  • The system supports 12-gauge ammunition, 40mm grenades, and guided munitions, allowing operators to adapt their response based on the threat level.

  • Non-lethal rounds can be used for civilian security applications, while lethal rounds ensure effective drone neutralization in combat scenarios.

3. Extended Engagement Range

  • The Pike guided 40mm munition enables precision strikes at distances of up to 2,000 meters, far beyond the reach of conventional rifle-based counter-UAS systems.

  • The laser-guided targeting system ensures high accuracy, reducing collateral damage.

4. Minimal Training Requirements

  • Since the system is based on the AR-10 rifle architecture, personnel already familiar with M110/HK417 rifles can operate it with minimal additional training.

  • This makes it an ideal choice for infantry units and special forces.

5. Lightweight and Portable

  • Unlike large-scale radar-based C-UAS systems, the P3 C-UAS System is man-portable, allowing rapid deployment in urban and battlefield environments.

  • Soldiers can carry and operate the system without requiring additional infrastructure.

Disadvantages of the P3 C-UAS System

1. Limited Effectiveness Against Drone Swarms

  • While the system is highly effective against individual drones, it may struggle against large-scale drone swarms.

  • Electronic warfare systems and high-energy laser weapons may be better suited for countering multiple drones simultaneously.

2. Ammunition Constraints

  • The 12-gauge ammunition and 40mm grenades have limited magazine capacity, requiring frequent reloads during extended engagements.

  • Unlike electronic jamming systems, which can disable multiple drones at once, this system requires precise targeting for each drone.

3. Environmental Limitations

  • Weather conditions such as strong winds, rain, or fog can affect the accuracy of kinetic projectiles.

  • Electronic counter-UAS systems may be more reliable in adverse weather conditions.

4. Potential Collateral Damage

  • Kinetic weapons pose a risk of unintended damage to civilian infrastructure if used in urban environments.

  • Electronic jamming or directed energy weapons may offer safer alternatives in non-combat zones.

5. Detection and Targeting Challenges

  • The system relies on acoustic sensors, laser tracking, and AI-enabled targeting, which may be less effective against stealth drones or low-signature UAVs.

  • Radar-based C-UAS systems may provide better detection capabilities in high-threat environments.

The P3 C-UAS System leverages both 12-gauge ammunition and Pike guided 40mm munitions to create a versatile and highly effective counter-drone platform. While the 12-gauge rounds provide rapid-response capabilities for close-range threats, the Pike munition offers precision targeting for long-range engagements. Together, these components ensure that military forces have a comprehensive solution for neutralizing aerial threats in combat and security operations.

The P3 C-UAS System is a cost-effective, portable, and highly adaptable kinetic anti-drone weapon. Its ability to neutralize aerial threats using multi-caliber ammunition and precision-guided munitions makes it a valuable asset for military forces. However, its limitations against drone swarms, ammunition constraints, and environmental challenges highlight the need for integrated counter-UAS strategies that combine kinetic, electronic, and directed energy solutions.

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