Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Check out DARPA’s EXACTO system: Laser-guided .50 bullets in action! (VIDEO)

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


This is DARPA’s EXACTO system: a bullet that can change its trajectory after it’s been fired.

It’s been in development for a few years now and is based around a highly-specialized .50 BMG load. The projectile is a vaned electronic dart with an optical receiver built into the base of the bullet. Using a laser, a sniper team can control the flight path of the bullet remotely in-flight.

“EXACTO’s specially-designed ammunition and real-time optical guidance system help track and direct projectiles to their targets by compensating for weather, wind, target movement and other factors that could impede successful hits,” reads a recent DARPA release.

This demonstration shows how much control sniping teams have over the trajectory of the bullet. The project is in its second phase and shows a lot of promise.

Unlike smart scope technology, which ensures the best possible shot that can be predicted from the point of the shooter, the EXACTO system uses a standard rifle and optic combined with a secondary guidance system to direct the projectile to its target.

“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,” explains the EXACTO project page.

This has real advantages, the biggest of all being able to track moving targets. Given the increased flight time of long-range shots, it’s possible for a target to move out of the way in the time it takes for the bullet to close the distance.

The EXACTO projectile. (Photo credit: Sandia Labs)

The projectile obviously isn’t like any traditional sniper’s bullet. EXACTO uses a finned dart that’s launched with the help of a sabot. The rear of the dart is an optical sensor that receives information from the guidance system. Using that information, the projectile uses the fins to tweak its flight path aerodynamically.

DARPA says the projectile can make as many as 30 corrections per second, and that their darts are sub-MOA accurate a mile away.

Seeing how much shift this system is capable of correcting for, it also opens up more shooting opportunities for snipers. With EXACTO, it’s possible to take a quick, imperfect shot, or shoot a fast-moving target and make the shot perfect after the fact. This could do for bullets what laser-guidance systems have done for bombs.

Currently the project is focusing on nighttime sniping. This may be because the guidance laser loses effectiveness in daylight; the guide laser may be washed out.

But as far as proof-of-concepts go, EXACTO is a clear success. Future improvements in guidance systems are sure to expand on EXACTO’s capabilities. And they’re not going to stop with sniper rifles. They plan on rolling EXACTO out with other weapon systems including vehicle-mounted and naval guns.

One thing’s for sure: we would love to see another live-fire exercise. Will someone kindly loan DARPA an M2?

The post Check out DARPA’s EXACTO system: Laser-guided .50 bullets in action! (VIDEO) appeared first on Guns.com.


Source: http://www.guns.com/2014/07/12/check-out-darpas-exacto-system-laser-guided-50-bullets-in-action-video/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=check-out-darpas-exacto-system-laser-guided-50-bullets-in-action-video


Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


LION'S MANE PRODUCT


Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules


Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.



Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.


Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.