Since the beginning of this decade, a team of researchers from Sandia National Laboratories, in the USA, has finalized the development of a new type of projectiles for small-caliber firearms capable of hitting a target located almost two kilometers away. distance . In fact, these devices can alter their trajectory to reach it even if it is hidden from view of the shooter, for example hidden behind a container.
To do this, they had to be previously fixed with a laser. The bullets , which essentially function as a mini-missile, manage to orient themselves towards the target thanks to a tracking system . This is made up of an optical sensor capable of detecting the beam, a processor that manages the information provided by the previous one and a battery. Depending on the data received, electromagnetic actuators deploy small fins that direct the projectile to the target . During the tests, a led fixed to these self-guided bullets allows them to follow their flight.
The device is currently in an experimental phase , but the first prototypes only miss targets located a kilometer away by less than 20 centimeters, when, in combat situations, conventional projectiles fired from weapons not equipped with special targeting systems they can do it for up to 30 feet , according to experts at Sandia Laboratories.
Image: Courtesy Sandia Labs
