Gun TECH: DARPA Unveils Guided EXACTO .50 Caliber Projectiles

In the not-too-distant future, U.S. military snipers may be able to steer bullets right to the target, thanks to DARPA, the Defense Advance Research Projects Agency. Believe it or not, DARPA has developed a guided .50-caliber projectile fired from a conventional rifle action. DARPA’s Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO) system combines a maneuverable bullet and a real-time guidance system to track and steer the projectile to the target. Inside EXACTO bullets are optical guidance systems, aero-actuation controls, and multiple sensors. The top-secret technology permits the trajectory of the bullet to be altered in flight, allowing the bullet to move left or right, or even fly in an arc around an obstacle.

EXACTO VIDEO AFTER READ MORE LINK!

This remarkable technology was first unveiled in 2014, with DARPA demonstrating a projectile with basic “steerability”. But DARPA’s scientists have continued to perfect the technology, improving the tracking system and maneuverability. Recently DARPA unveiled the latest version of the EXACTO system, showing .50-caliber EXACTO bullets hitting rapidly-moving targets at long range. Watch the projectiles move in flight in this DARPA Video:

DARPA Mission Statement for EXACTO Project
The Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO) system seeks to improve sniper effectiveness and enhance troop safety by allowing greater shooter standoff range and reduction in target engagement timelines. The objective of the EXACTO program is to revolutionize rifle accuracy and range by developing the first-ever guided small-caliber bullet. The EXACTO .50-caliber round and optical sighting technology expects to greatly extend the day and nighttime range over current state-of-the-art sniper systems. The system combines a maneuverable bullet and a real-time guidance system to track and deliver the projectile to the target, allowing the bullet to change path during flight to compensate for any unexpected factors that may drive it off course.

For military snipers, acquiring moving targets in unfavorable conditions, such as high winds and dusty terrain commonly found in Afghanistan, is extremely challenging with current technology. It is critical that snipers be able to engage targets faster, and with better accuracy, since any shot that doesn’t hit a target also risks the safety of troops by indicating their presence and potentially exposing their location.

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Tags: 50 BMG, 50 Caliber, DARPA, Defense, EXACTO, Guided Bullet, Moving Target, Sniper