Modern warfare scenarios show the massive use of small FPV (First Person View) drones, piloted by quadcopters with individual visors and remote controls, attacking enemy troops on the ground, either directly or by firing anti-personnel grenades from above at squads of soldiers below, causing many casualties.
This new scenario paves the way for the first time for the use of the 12-gauge #shotgun in combination with 4/0 buckshot type #ammunition, creating a large enough swarm at distances of 50m or more to easily shoot down the drone at close range.
This is a ‘last resort’ defense that effectively saves the soldier’s life and is not feasible with pistols or assault rifles.
Benelli Armi S.p.A. – one of the world’s leading shotgun manufacturers whose products are in service with government, law enforcement and military users in more than 90 countries around the world- has developed a specific line for this critical application:
The Benelli M4 A.I. Drone Guardian
A.I. stands for “Advanced Impact” a patented system of larger and longer cone inside the barrel able to improve capability to hit targets at longer distance compared to standard shotguns and with a deeper penetration.
I cant see anyone carrying such a large weapon purely for last ditch defense. Itd have to be a pistol style weapon to edc …
That’s what the DDG (designated drone guy) is for, he carries this weapon.
So, is the main difference a choke tube and that optical system compared to a regular m4?
Just a rendered image – and they neeeeeeeeded tonuse AI as acronym.
Embarrassing Benelli…
At least it finally has a place for pic rail for a flashlight. After all, “if i brought back the flame thrower tomorrow I’d want it to have pic rail at 3,6,&9 and some damn night sights!” Iykyk?
Hmmm. Anyone ever tried to actually shoot down a drone? I have. A crew of use, experienced mil/competition shooters, trying to tag a racing drone on a range with pretty much a 180 field of fire and a safety fan that went for miles (so, free-fire at will) the drone operator finally had to slow it down to let us connect.
Now, if I’m faced with a kamikaze drone with an explosive charge, headed straight at me, will I give it all the #4 buck the Benelli holds? You bet. but i won’t expect that trick to work more than a few times.
Disrupting the signals is the better way to go for defeating drones. Unfortunately, the .gov has limited that option to themselves.
I guess the best use case is that this sits in the FOB tower next to you as an anti drone effort? At least Benelli recognizes it as a “last ditch effort.” Clever marketing that A.I. is code for a lengthened forcing cone now. Cute play on words. Everything old becomes new again holds true. Wonder if the service integrates two weeks of trap, skeet, and five stand into basic training for their shooters now to develop and gain a base proficiency in anti drone shooting. Clay shooters rejoice.