smartbullets
Latest
Smart bullets will help warships fend off drone swarms
Navies already have a lot to worry about between rival warships and aircraft, but it's only going to get worse when drone swarms of all kinds threaten to overwhelm their defenses. The US Navy might not have that problem, though: DARPA just tapped Raytheon for the second phase of a smart bullet development project that will help fight off swarming attacks. The MAD-FIRES project (Multi Azimuth Defense Fast Intercept Round Engagement System) should lead to ammo that's as fast and small as what you'd find in a medium-caliber gun (20- to 40-caliber), but with the guidance of a missile. if a horde of robotic flyers appeared, a vessel could theoretically take all of them out even if they're approaching from different directions.
DARPA's steerable bullet proves it can hit moving targets
DARPA announced that its self-steering bullet program, dubbed the Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO), passed another developmental milestone in late February. Per an administration release, and the video below, experienced and novice shooters alike were able to strike moving targets. And, in the case of expert shooters, able to hit actively evading targets as well.
Watch these smart bullets home in on targets like tiny missiles
Soldiers have long dreamed of smart bullets that always hit their targets, and it looks like they're now much closer to getting their wish. DARPA has posted the first footage of EXACTO (Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance), a .50-caliber bullet that uses optical guidance and sensors to home in on its prey. As you see in the fuzzy-looking video below, the projectile compensates for movement, weather and wind with all the agility of a missile -- even if you try to miss, it easily swerves back on track. The project is still young, but it could prove a tremendous help to long-distance snipers for whom even the tiniest slip-up could ruin a shot.
US Army gets picky, solicits smart feed ammo system for machine guns and auto cannons (video)
War! Huh! What is it good for? Stuff like smart bullet-feeding systems, apparently. See, the US Army isn't quite satisfied with the mixed ammo feed it currently uses with weapons like the helicopter-mounted M230 chain gun. Instead, it wants its machine gunners to be able to freely switch and pick their ammo of choice -- whether it be incendiary rounds or precision-guided smart bullets -- to better match conditions on the field. So the Army is using another weapon in its arsenal -- good, old tax dollars -- to solicit proposals for a smart bullet-feeding system. Initial project goals include near real-time inventorying of ammo, a fire rate of 300 rounds per minute and a selection accuracy rate of 95 percent. Yeah, it's no freaking railgun or tactical laser system. But at least the feeding system can also be used for more peaceful pursuits, like dispensing medical vials or emergency supplies (not via machine gun, of course). In the meantime, folks who want to see a demo of the system's not-so-peaceful applications can check out the video after the break.
