A continuing need exists for a purpose-built drone gun. Existing firearm designs are not optimized for the unique constraints and requirements of drone integration. Specifically, there is an unmet need for a firearm system that:
Achieves extreme weight reduction and compactness while maintaining rifle-caliber power, ensuring it can be effectively carried and operated by a drone without compromising flight performance (e.g., flight time, range, or maneuverability). This is crucial as every added gram impacts drone range and flight time.
Provides a robust and reliable operating system that minimizes fouling and wear, critical for remote operation with limited maintenance.
Eliminates the traditional buffer tube to allow for ultimate compactness and integration.
Incorporates an electronically controlled trigger mechanism that can be activated autonomously or remotely by a human operator, negating the need for manual human interaction.
The X-Gun seeks to fulfill these needs through a novel, extremely lightweight, rifle-caliber, and compact firearm system, specifically designed for use with a drone, that also offers a bufferless operating system entirely housed within an upper receiver assembly, compatible with standard AR-15 lower receivers, barrels, and bolts, and featuring an electronically controlled trigger mechanism.
The X-Gun also incorporates a novel hybrid operating system that enjoys clean operation without fouling, typical of a piston gun, while minimizing interference with barrel harmonics, typical of a Direct Impingement (DI) system. Thus, the hybrid operating system enjoys the best features of DI and the best features of long-stroke operation.
