A — counter-UAS shotshell
A is a purpose-built counter-UAS shotshell: extreme range, markedly higher impact energy and a visible tracer that lets the shooter follow the shot and correct onto small, fast targets. It fires from existing shotguns in 12/76 gauge — no new platform, no extra training.
The product names will be published once the trademarks are filed. Until then the series is referred to as A and the three versions as B, C and D.
Right weapon, wrong ammunition
The shotgun is an obvious weapon against small drones — but conventional shot falls short:
- You are shooting blind — without a tracer the shooter cannot see where the pellets land and cannot correct.
- Short range — round shot loses velocity quickly and its energy is gone within a few metres.
- Curved trajectory and long flight time — it is hard to hit a small, fast-moving target.
The solution
A solves these problems in three moves:
- The shot cup opens at the muzzle — a separating shot cup delivers a tighter, controlled pattern without disturbing the pellets’ flight.
- Self-orienting, elongated pellets — shape and density hold the velocity, so the load keeps its range and impact energy far downrange.
- Tracer in every pellet — the shooter sees the swarm and corrects in real time.
Three versions
- B (Version 1) — shot cup + round shot. Tighter pattern for close targets.
- C (Version 2) — elongated tungsten pellets. Greater range and penetration against the drone’s motors and structure.
- D (Version 3) — tracer in every pellet. See the shot and correct onto drones.
Each version comes in steel or tungsten — six variants in all — so the load can be chosen to fit the mission and budget.
Performance
Model estimates, to be validated by live-fire testing:
- Up to ~14× impact energy at 50 m compared with a standard steel round with round shot (~50 J vs ~4 J).
- Shorter time of flight to the target → less correction for the shooter.
- Retained energy at long range, where conventional shot is spent.
Figures are model estimates and will be validated by live-fire testing.
Material choice: steel or tungsten
Same shot cup and same weapon — pick the load for the mission and budget. Tungsten delivers maximum penetration and range. Steel gives more pellets for the same payload weight (~36 g) at a lower cost.
Status
- Working prototypes built and assembled in 12/76 gauge — ready for testing.
- Patent application filed (patent pending).
- Trademarks (A, B, C and D) under registration in the EU, class 13.
- SkyControl (CVR 34730431) is approved by the Danish Ministry of Justice under the War Materiel Act.
Want to know more?
Contact SkyControl for further information or a demonstration.