Image via Darpa

What if a military sniper had control of exactly where his shots landed regardless of where he aimed? Regardless if his targets were constantly moving and regardless of forces he couldn’t control like high winds and dusty terrains? With the Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO) system of guided bullets, that might be soon possible.

The Darpa EXACTO 50-caliber bullets are the first of their kind. After launched, the EXACTO rounds can be maneuvered in-flight to change targets using specially designed ammunition and a real-time optical guidance system. The unique system allows for better control and accuracy while it compensates for outside factors like weather, wind, and target movement, according to a video posted on YouTube demonstrating the bullets in live action.

Darpa, the company behind the EXACTO system, says its goal is to give military snipers more control and revolutionize warfare.

The Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance (EXACTO) system seeks to improve sniper effectiveness and enhance troop safety by allowing greater shooter standoff range and reduction in target engagement timelines,” the EXACTO program’s website says. “The objective of the EXACTO program is to revolutionize rifle accuracy and range by developing the first ever guided small-caliber bullet.”

Foram Mehta

Foram is a journalist by day and photographer/foodie/bookworm by night. She’s a die-hard Texan living and exploring the streets of the Big Apple just hoping to run into the likes of Kristen Wiig or Anderson Cooper. When she’s not enjoying scrumptious weekend brunches and weeknight dinner excursions to Curry Hill, you can find her rummaging flea markets and pushing around a little, red cart full of laundry or groceries.

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