HOP Blog
Revolutionizing Anti-Drone Countermeasures
Dec
24th Marine Expeditionary Unit Practices Counter-Drone Capabilities During Realistic Urban Training (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Ryan Sammet)
In a world where drones and robotics are seamlessly integrating into industries, security, and military operations, countermeasures have lagged behind—until now.
HOP Munitions recently teamed up with RoboRounds to develop Electrically Disruptive Projectiles (EDPs), a cutting-edge ammunition technology poised to neutralize drones, robotics, and electromechanical threats.
Why Traditional Anti-Drone Countermeasures Fall Short
In the past, the default solution for drone and robotics threats was brute force: blow them out of the sky.
But as the team at RoboRounds aptly put it, “Where do you think the rest of that lands?”
Collateral damage, limited precision, and operational constraints in urban or sensitive environments make traditional ammunition impractical.
Furthermore, certain counter-drone tools, like shotgun net rounds, have a limited range of effectiveness (around 50 yards) and are anything but “less than lethal.”
“You need a solution that offers reach without collateral damage,” explained RoboRounds.
This philosophy laid the groundwork for the Electrically Disruptive Projectiles, a technological leap designed to overcome these limitations.
The Science Behind Electrically Disruptive Projectiles
At the core of EDP technology is disruption—not destruction. These projectiles employ advanced compounds to interfere with the critical systems that keep drones and robots operational. Key innovations include:
Electrically Disruptive Compounds: EDPs use proprietary powders containing whiskering compounds (like tin and zinc), which create microscopic “bridges” between sensitive circuits upon impact. This interference can short-circuit CPUs, disrupt signals, and effectively paralyze the target’s systems. Tin whiskering, a natural phenomenon, was harnessed to create an electrically disruptive effect capable of shorting out CPUs and causing miscommunication between a robot’s components—like “giving a robot Parkinson’s disease.”
Mechatronic Jamming: Frangible magnetic materials within EDPs disperse on impact, fouling gears, actuators, and other mechanical subsystems. This was inspired by the concept of creating a chaotic failure in systems, with magnetic particles derived from ferritic 400-series stainless steel. Upon impact, these particles become magnetic, introducing disruption similar to a screwdriver accidentally magnetizing and picking up screws.
Debris and Sensor Obstruction: EDPs can impair optical and navigational sensors such as LIDAR, infrared, and cameras. Tests showed that these rounds could “white out” visual feeds, leaving only basic thermal imaging visible. The formula for this capability combines materials to ensure particles remain airborne and adhere to surfaces, effectively neutralizing drones and other robotics reliant on sensor input.
Tanglers: Tanglers are specialized rounds designed to entangle and destroy moving parts in drones, such as rotors or gears. By deploying a bola-style chain, tanglers disrupt rotor mechanics, causing blades to shear off or spindles to detach entirely, effectively grounding drones.
Anti-Drone Jammers, on the other hand, emit electromagnetic interference (EMI) to disrupt communication signals, rendering drones incapable of receiving or executing commands. In some cases, jammers turn drones into “zombies,” forcing them to hover aimlessly or return to their launch point. These rounds have been deployed successfully using pneumatic launchers and paintball guns, making them versatile tools for military and law enforcement.
Real-World Testing and Applications
In trials at Camp Mabry, pneumatic launchers equipped with tanglers and jammers demonstrated their effectiveness against drones flying at various speeds and altitudes.
Operators achieved high success rates in neutralizing threats, sometimes even taking down multiple drones with a single round.
These technologies are not only effective but also safe for use in populated areas, minimizing collateral damage compared to traditional centerfire firearms.
From Science Fiction to Reality
“When developing EDPs, I thought back to the Terminator,” the RoboRounds expert admitted.
“Machines don’t bleed. They don’t experience fear. So, we had to think differently.”
This shift in perspective led to a new way of engaging robotic threats: targeting their nervous systems, not their “flesh.”
By introducing malfunctions akin to robotic “Parkinson’s disease,” EDPs disrupt a machine’s ability to process or execute commands.
What’s Next for EDP Technology?
EDPs are already making waves across military, law enforcement, and private security sectors. Their advantages include:
- Precision Targeting: Unlike electromagnetic pulse (EMP) systems that risk collateral damage to nearby electronics, EDPs deliver focused disruption to specific threats.
- Versatility: Available in calibers such as 9mm, .45 ACP, and 12-gauge shotgun rounds, EDPs are compatible with a wide range of firearms. Tanglers and jammers can also be deployed via pneumatic launchers and paintball-style guns.
- Scalability: Whether combating a lone rogue drone or a coordinated swarm, EDPs offer scalable solutions without compromising precision.
What’s Coming in 2025
The partnership between HOP Munitions and RoboRounds continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in ammunition technology. Looking ahead to 2025, two groundbreaking innovations are on the horizon:
- PZ Electric Technology: Known as “PZ,” short for piezoelectric, this technology pairs piezoelectric materials with projectiles to create bursts of conducted charges upon impact. When combined with conductive materials, PZ electric rounds generate softball-sized discharges that can disrupt internal systems of robots, offering a powerful and precise method to neutralize threats.
- Non-Nuclear Micro-EMP Projectiles: Building on proven science, HOP and RoboRounds are developing a micro electromagnetic pulse (EMP) projectile. This non-nuclear EMP technology will be small enough to fit into centerfire ammunition. Imagine a fully automatic firearm unleashing EMP bullets capable of disrupting electronics on a battlefield. This innovation could redefine modern defense capabilities.
These advancements underscore HOP’s commitment to using established science in innovative ways, pairing it with projectiles to create solutions that are both practical and revolutionary.
Conclusion
As drone swarms and robotic systems become increasingly sophisticated, HOP Munitions and RoboRounds are committed to staying ahead of the curve.
The ongoing development of additional calibers and payload options ensures that EDP technology will remain a cornerstone of modern defense.
Electrically Disruptive Projectiles represent a new frontier in ammunition innovation, and if the initial reception is any indication, this is just the beginning.
