The Pentagon’s research arm tasked with creating breakthrough technology has improved on its “smart bullet,” which can change trajectory mid-flight and hit accelerating targets.
Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) demonstrated last year that its guided small-caliber bullet could hit a target. Its Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO) program has now entered a new phase of testing.
“DARPA’s Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO) program, which developed a self-steering bullet to increase hit rates for difficult, long-distance shots, completed in February its most successful round of live-fire tests to date. An experienced shooter using the technology demonstration system repeatedly hit moving and evading targets. Additionally, a novice shooter using the system for the first time hit a moving target,” DARPA said on its YouTube page on Monday.
Military.com reported Thursday that the program’s Phase II testing will include “design, integration and demonstration of aero-actuation controls, power sources, optical guidance systems and sensors.”
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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