The .50 sniper round switches trajectory in response to the movements of its target after the shooter first shines a laser at the intended victim
A bullet that can change direction in flight is being tested by American military scientists.
Dubbed the “marksman’s dream” the .50 sniper round switches trajectory in response to the movements of its unfortunate target.
The shooter first shines a laser at the intended victim and sensors on the four-inch bullet lock on to the beam.
After the bullet is fired the beam continues to track the target and signals are sent to the speeding ammo.
It can adjust its path up to 30 times a second with the aid of tiny moving fins.
The US-based Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency is so sure of its potential it has released a video of the bullet - full name the Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance.
In normal conditions before firing Army snipers take into account wind speed, air density, distance and even the curvature of the Earth.
Darpa, which claims it is the first guided bullet, said: “The Exacto .50-caliber round and optical sighting technology expects to greatly extend the range over current state-of-the-art systems.”
Snipers typically work in two-man teams with a spotter and shooter. British snipers in Afghanistan, trained to fire at great distance, are believed to have killed hundreds of Taliban.
The world’s longest kill was by Cpl Craig Harrison of the Household Cavalry who shot two Taliban from 1.54 miles.
Each round took almost three seconds to reach its target.
