During the Enforce Tac 2026 defense exhibition currently underway in Germany, Danish company Hecto Drone revealed its HD-606 heavy hexacopter for the first time, armed with a DCR-50 (Drone Carried Rifle - 50) suspended weapon module.
This module carries two semi-automatic 50 BMG (12.7mm) rifles. Each rifle has a 10-round magazine, providing a total ammunition capacity of 20 shots with a system rate of fire of 25 rounds per minute. Army Recognition, which attended the event, reports this.
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Defense Express adds that such a low rate of fire results from the high recoil caused by the large caliber. The DCR-50 module is developed and manufactured by Small Arms Industries.
The company designates anti-materiel as DCR-50's primary use. In other words, the main purpose is firing not at enemy personnel but at equipment, vehicles, and fortifications. Thanks to such a large caliber, it is theoretically capable of engaging lightly armored vehicles or heavier targets, though only at vulnerable points.
Previously, we have seen machine guns or automatic rifles mounted on aerial drones, though their caliber typically did not exceed 7.62mm. Therefore, this appears to be the world's first aerial drone armed with a 12.7mm rifle.
It currently remains unknown how DCR-50 aiming is accomplished, as cameras are not visible in available photographs. Both barrels are positioned almost horizontally, with no apparent ability to lower further.
In other words, to aim at ground targets, HD-606 would likely need to either fire while moving by tilting the copter, raising accuracy questions, or align with the target by altitude, practically landing on the ground. This imposes significant difficulties, especially if control is via a radio channel with its radio horizon limitations.
Overall, Small Arms Industries has an entire lineup of weapons intended for unmanned system installation besides the DCR-50. These include automatic rifles in .22lr, 9mm, and 5.56mm calibers, semi-automatic rifles in .338 Lapua Magnum, as well as shotguns.
All are intended for different purposes, from intercepting FPV drones and Shaheds to destroying vehicles and equipment. One might assume these modules can also be integrated aboard HD-606, though considering some of their purposes, a lighter aerial platform might suit them better.
Regarding HD-606 specifications, as mentioned above this is a heavy hexacopter with six engines. It has a hybrid powerplant, meaning besides six electric motors it has a gasoline engine with a 32-liter fuel tank that generates electricity to power the drone.
This significantly extends flight duration compared to standard purely electric versions. However, this likely significantly increases its noise level and unit cost.
HD-606 can carry up to 50kg payload for 30 minutes, or 25kg for three hours. The DCR-50 module weighs approximately 23kg, indicating that HD-606 with it can fly for over three hours. The communications type equipping this drone has not been disclosed.
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