Desert Tech HTI
Desert Tech · Sniper Rifle · In Production · 2012
Also known as: HTI, Hard Target Interdiction, DT HTI
Overview
The Desert Tech HTI (Hard Target Interdiction) is a bullpup bolt-action anti-materiel rifle designed to engage hard targets and personnel at extreme ranges. Using the same bullpup design philosophy as the SRS, the HTI delivers .50 BMG performance in a package significantly shorter and lighter than conventional anti-materiel rifles like the Barrett M82. The multi-caliber system supports .50 BMG, .408 CheyTac, and .375 CheyTac through quick-change barrel conversions, giving operators flexibility to choose between maximum energy delivery and optimized long-range ballistic performance.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 9980 g (352.0 oz) |
| Weight (loaded) | 10600 g (373.9 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1143 mm (45.00") |
| Barrel Length | 737 mm (29.02") |
| Action Type | Bolt Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Striker Fired |
| Trigger Type | Two Stage |
| Trigger Pull | 18 N (4.0 lbf) |
| Magazine Capacity | 5 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Detachable Box |
| Muzzle Velocity | 853 m/s (2799 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 18000 J (13276 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 2000 m (2187 yd) |
| Maximum Range | 6800 m (7437 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Rifling Twist | 381 mm (15.00") |
| Frame Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Barrel Material | Chrome Molybdenum Steel |
| Stock Material | Polymer Bullpup Chassis |
| Finish | Flat Dark Earth |
Calibers
- 12.7x99mm NATO · primary · 12.7x99mm NATO — also known as .50 BMG, .50 Browning Machine Gun, 12.7x99mm, .50 caliber
- .375 CheyTac — also known as 9.5x77mm, .375 CT
- .408 CheyTac — also known as 10.36x77mm, .408 CT
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Detachable Box Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Firing Pin Safety
- Features: Bullpup Configuration, Free Floating Barrel, Quick Change Barrel, Multi Caliber Conversion, Suppressor Ready, Full Length Picatinny Rail, Muzzle Brake, Hydraulic Recoil Buffer, Compact Overall Length, Anti Materiel Capable
Variants
- Desert Tech HTI-C — Carbine
Service history
Operators
- U.S. Special Operations (various units)
- Various Middle Eastern Military Forces
Production
Production years: 2012-present
Production numbers not publicly disclosed. Marketed to military, law enforcement, and civilian markets.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Nick Young
Notes
The HTI's bullpup layout achieves an overall length of 1,143mm with a 29-inch barrel, compared to 1,448mm for the Barrett M82A1 with a similar barrel length. At 9.98 kg empty, the HTI is approximately 5 kg lighter than the Barrett M82A1. The .375 CheyTac conversion was co-developed with Desert Tech and offers superior ballistic coefficient to .50 BMG with significantly less recoil. The hydraulic recoil buffer substantially reduces felt recoil. The HTI-C carbine variant features a shorter barrel for more compact dimensions.
Background
The Desert Tech HTI challenged the dominance of the Barrett M82 by proving that a .50 BMG rifle could be made dramatically shorter and lighter through bullpup engineering. At roughly two-thirds the weight and three-quarters the length of a Barrett, the HTI redefined what was possible in a man-portable anti-materiel rifle and became the weapon of choice for operators who needed .50-caliber capability in confined spaces or on long patrols where every kilogram matters.