Sniper bullet homes in on target like a guided missile

Researchers at the Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have revealed successful test footage of its Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO) system, a guided small-calibre bullet that can be directed at a moving target even after firing. A specialised .50-calibre round combined with optical sighting technology allows for real-time guidance that lets shooters steer a bullet in the air and direct it at a target.

The agency said this is a great advantage for soldiers sniping targets in unfavourable conditions as a steerable bullet allows snipers to better compensate for factors such as high winds, low visibility, and of course a moving target trying to avoid being hit. "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," a DARPA statement said.

The EXACTO system integrates a .50-calibre round with optical sighting technology that allows the bullet to be guided through the air in real time. (Source: DARPA)

The live fire demonstration is only the second phase of a project that begin at DARPA in 2008. While the EXACTO system was unveiled in 2014, this latest round included the design, integration and demonstration of new optical guidance systems, sensors, actuation controls and power sources.

The latest demonstration, which was done in February, is the agency's most successful to date. An experienced shooter using the technology was able to repeatedly hit moving and evading targets. The EXACTO system also proved effective for novice shooters using the system for the first time to hit a moving target. DARPA hopes to continue to refine and enhance EXACTO's performance in upcoming phases. "Fitting EXACTO's guidance capabilities into a small .50-caliber size is a major breakthrough and opens the door to what could be possible in future guided projectiles across all calibres," DARPA programme manager Jerome Dunn said in a press statement.

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