30×173mm High-Explosive Proximity Counter‑UAS Cartridge
The M209 HEP (RF) – SkyBurst is a 30×173mm High-Explosive Proximity counter-UAS (C-UAS) cartridge developed by Elbit Systems Land. It is designed to detect, engage, and destroy small-to-medium unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and drones at effective ranges from 150 to 2,000 meters. The round is STANAG 4269 compliant and integrates directly into existing 30mm weapon systems on land and naval platforms, requiring no platform modification. With an embedded radio-frequency (RF) proximity sensor and autonomous post-fire operation, the M209 SkyBurst delivers organic counter-drone lethality from the platforms already fielded.
How the M209 SkyBurst Works
After firing, the M209 SkyBurst switches to fully autonomous operation. The round scans its forward hemisphere in real time using its embedded RF proximity sensor, detecting and locking onto airborne targets without operator input. Upon reaching the optimal engagement geometry, the cartridge detonates autonomously, dispersing high-energy controlled fragments for maximum target neutralization. If no target is acquired, the round self-destructs in under five seconds, reducing collateral risk. The operational mode is proximity with self-destruction, and the minimum safety range is 20 meters.
Operational Applications
- Counter-UAS (C-UAS): The M209 SkyBurst neutralizes small-to-medium unmanned aerial systems and armed drones in both offensive and defensive engagements, across open and complex terrain.
- Force protection: The round enables autonomous engagement of airborne threats, enhancing perimeter defense for ground units and fixed installations without requiring dedicated C-UAS hardware.
- Defense system integration: The M209 integrates into 30mm-armed land and naval weapon systems to counter low-flying drones and reconnaissance UAS, leveraging organic platform lethality.
- Urban and asymmetric warfare: The M209 SkyBurst is effective in dense environments where hostile UAS are used for surveillance, targeting, or explosive delivery against ground forces.
- Border security: The round supports the defense of national borders and sensitive areas against drone incursion, including persistent surveillance and swarm scenarios.
Platform Compatibility and Environmental Qualification
The M209 HEP (RF) – SkyBurst is designed for land and naval platforms equipped with 30×173mm weapon systems compliant with STANAG 4269. The round operates within a firing temperature range of -46°C to +63°C and a storage temperature range of -46°C to +70°C, with a shelf life of up to 15 years. These parameters qualify the M209 for global deployment across extreme environmental conditions.
Technical Specifications
FAQ
The M209 SkyBurst is designed to engage small-to-medium unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and drones, including commercial platforms weaponized for surveillance, targeting, or explosive delivery, as well as reconnaissance UAS operating at low altitude.
No. The M209 HEP (RF) – SkyBurst is STANAG 4269 compliant and integrates into any 30×173mm weapon system without platform modification, enabling forces to upgrade C-UAS lethality using their existing armament.
The round activates its RF proximity sensor after firing and switches to autonomous operation. It scans its forward hemisphere in real time, detonates at the optimal engagement point, and self-destructs in under five seconds if no target is acquired, eliminating the need for pre-set fuzing.
The M209 SkyBurst is compatible with land platforms including infantry fighting vehicles and wheeled armored vehicles, as well as naval platforms, provided they mount a 30×173mm cannon compliant with STANAG 4269.
The M209 SkyBurst has an effective range of 150 to 2,000 meters, covering the principal engagement envelope for low-altitude UAS threats in both ground and maritime scenarios.
