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US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency unveils new EXACTO .50 caliber guided bullet

DARPA New EXACTO .50-caliber guided bullet

Monday, December 22, 2014 12:06 PM

US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency unveils new EXACTO .50-caliber guided bullet

According to a video recently released by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) , U.S. Army snipers could soon have access to a new .50-caliber bullet, dubbed EXACTO, which combines a maneuverable bullet and a real-time guidance system to track and deliver the projectile to the target.

DARPA's new EXACTO .50-caliber guided bullet demonstration

The US Defense Department is funding development of the EXACTO bullet, which can change directions mid-air. The bullet is fitted with a sensor which works in tune with a laser. The sniper aims the laser at his target, lighting it up. If the target moves or weather patterns change, the laser follows the target, and the bullet follows the guiding light.

EXACTO stands for EXtreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance.” The system, developed by Teledyne Scientific & Imaging with funding from the DOD’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency or DARPA, greatly expands a shooter’s range.

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.

Technology development in Phase II included the design, integration and demonstration of aero-actuation controls, power sources, optical guidance systems, and sensors. The program’s next phase includes a system-level live-fire test and technology refinement to enhance and improve performance.

“Acquiring moving targets in unfavorable conditions such as high winds and dusty terrain commonly found in Afghanistan, is extremely challenging with current technology,” DARPA said a statement on its website.

Not only will the snipers hit more targets, but they will also be able to better protect their own location. With current technology, a missed shot can give away a sniper’s position, making him or her vulnerable to counter attack.

The “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,” DARPA said.

DARPA is not releasing any further details on the system other than the video and a graphic explains the basics of the technology.