A Self Guided Bullet That Changes Its Direction Mid-Air

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency has developed a new technology that will soon provide snipers the ability to use self-guiding bullets. The United States department of defense has successfully tested a bullet that can change direction after it has been fired, apparently using fins built into the shell to direct it in the air and account for wind and targets moving. Dubbed as the Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (Exacto) program, it promises to add greater accuracy to the sniper's intended targets.

The weapon has been developed by American industrial company Teledyne Technologies. The firm is making the bullet for the American government's military research agency, Darpa. DARPA's advancement in the self-guiding projectile technology is particularly helpful during those times when weather conditions are extreme. Whether the sniper has to deal with shifting winds or shrouded visibility, DARPA's Exacto program should increase the sniper's accuracy. The weapon has set some pretty good accuracy standards as it was possible to hit a target accurately even at a distance of 1.2 miles. This is a pretty great achievement considering the technology is at infant stage at the time but will soon see the light because of the results being so accurate. The companies involved have not disclosed how the bullet works, but it is thought to have small fins that redirect its path. The sniper shines a laser at the target, which the bullet then follows as it moves through the air. Use of optical sensors capable of gathering in-flight information might be helpful in transmitting the information gathered to the bullet's internal electronic systems which then adjusts how the fins on the bullet shall be used to change its direction. The invention of this technology is a boon and a curse both at the same time. Some might fear because of its ability to hit moving targets while some may see it as a boon for the army to fight against terror with DARPA's . There are also others who believe that nothing can compare with the accuracy of a human-fired shot. Though the Exacto program is billed as a breakthrough in warfare, soldiers should not stop polishing their targeting and shooting skills.