Self-steering bullet researched by US weapons experts

[Dolomite_supafly]

BBC News - Self-steering bullet researched by US weapons experts

Pretty amazing stuff. And to think we all laughed at this in the movie.

http://mashable.com/2012/01/31/self-guided-bullet/

Self-steering bullet researched by US weapons experts

An LED attached to a prototype bullet shows its flightpath during a night-time field test

A self-guiding bullet that can steer itself towards its target is being developed for use by the US military.

The bullet uses tiny fins to correct the course of its flight allowing it to hit laser-illuminated targets.

It is designed to be capable of hitting objects at distances of about 2km (1.24 miles). Work on a prototype suggests that accuracy is best at longer ranges.

A think tank says the tech is well-suited to snipers, but worries about it being marketed to the public.

Work on the project is being carried out by an Albuquerque-based subsidiary of defence contractor Lockheed Martin on behalf of the US government.

The current prototype involves a 4in (10cm) bullet which includes an optical sensor in its nose to detect the laser. This information is then processed and used to move motors within the bullet which steer tiny fins, altering the ammunition's path.

"We can make corrections 30 times per second," said researcher Red Jones.

"That means we can over-correct, so we don't have to be as precise each time."

Accuracy The team has carried out both field tests and computer simulations, and says "engineering issues" remain. However, they add that they are confident of bringing the product to market.

Experts say there would be great demand for the innovation on the battlefield.

"One of the big successes in Libya was that the accuracy of the munitions used was much higher than in previous campaigns," Elizabeth Quintana, senior research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute think tank told the BBC.

"97% of Nato's weapons hit their target to within about 2m (6.5ft). But that was achieved through air munitions.

"This would be a revolution for ground forces, and may help further cut down on civilian casualties in future conflicts."

Unlike most bullets the self-guided prototype minimises spin, aiming to fly like a dart.

Researchers say special gunpowder may be needed to help the bullet achieve faster speeds

Normally small calibre rifle bullets are spun at over 2,000 revolutions per second to stabilise their flightpath and maximise speed.

But the team's patent application notes that previous attempts to create self-guiding rapidly-spinning bullets ran into the problem that the electronics required became too complicated.

To simplify things the researchers moved the bullet's centre of gravity further forward than it would normally be.

When combined with the fins this caused it to only spin a few revolutions per second, making it easier to steer. Because the bullet's motion settles the longer it is in flight, the researchers say its accuracy improves at longer ranges.

Tests with commercially available gunpowder have measured the bullet reaching just over twice the speed of sound (2,400ft per second), which is still below standard military speeds.

But the researchers say they are confident that they can increase its velocity with customised gunpowder.

Terrorism A press release said that: "Potential customers include the military, law enforcement and recreational shooters."

That concerns some industry watchers.

"The public may be uncomfortable with the implications of people being able to use this without needing to have a sight line to the target - you could see this having terrorist uses," said Ms Quintana.

"There's talk of selling to recreational hunters, but I would imagine the authorities would want to limit the public's access to this kind of technology.

"But it would be useful for law enforcement - particularly in hostage situations."

Dolomite

[ls3_kid]

Pretty slick, I bet these are a little more expensive than 45ACP.

[buck1032]

I saw that last night and wanted to post it, but since it was late I came here this morning to do it. Again, Mr Dolomite wins the day and gets it posted before i can get off my duff and do it. LOL

Anyway, its very impressive technology and it will be fun watching this develop in the military and civilian applications. Yes, I want to play with a few hundred rounds. Maybe my shooting skills will improve. LOL

[BryanP]

I'm sure they'll come up with some regulation that keeps it out of civilian hands. Initially it will be cost prohibitive. Later they'll classify them as Destructive Devices or some such.

[Garufa]

I'd like a pod of them to mount on a remote control helicopter.

[nightrunner]

There has been talk of these in development for a while, at least they got a prototype made but im waiting to see production and if it actually works in field

[Dolomite_supafly]

There have been a lot of development in recent years.

They have mortars that are now GPS guided and i think they have laser guided ones as well. Basically program them, point the tube in the general direction and fire it with a full charge to get maximum height. It will guide itself to the target. They have the same technology for artillery pieces as well.

I can remember in the early 90's chemical lasers being tested. They said the damage was equal to a 155 yet was totally silent when fired. I witnessed some pretty amazing tests.

Dolomite