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Future of ammunition: Self steering bullet that will never miss the target

Rohit Ram Singh:

The Concept:

Track-via-missile and Infrared homing missiles have been very effective in modern warfare. These missiles sense the electromagnetic radiations emitted by the target. Sandia, the US government organization that develops technologies to improve national security, has developed a self-steering bullet that can hit bull’s eye from a distance of two kilometers.The bullet has fins similar to those found on missiles, which help in correcting the path. The accuracy comes from its advanced algorithm. Experts state that they can make 30 corrections per second so they don’t have to be very precise each time. The tested prototype is 10 centimeters in length and has an optical sensor in the nose that detects laser.

The sensed data is then processed and sent forward to the motors inside the bullet which are connected to the fins. The fins move to make alterations in the path. The prototype testing implies that it would work better when aimed at longer ranges. Conventional rifle bullets that make approximately 2,000 spins help to gain stability and speed but this bullet makes fewer spins and behaves much like a dart. Researchers used the conventional gunpowder and made the bullet fire with a speed twice as the speed of sound. They say that they can achieve even more with the help of custom made gunpowder. The agency says that there are some minor design issues with the ammunition but they are positive about bringing it to the market soon. The bullet can be best for snipers though experts have shown uncertainty for the public.

The Inspiration:

AIM-9 Sidewinder missile is the most famous heat seeking missile used in a fighter aircraft. This missile is one of the oldest and most effective air-to-air missiles. Several missile variants like K-13, MIM-72 Chaparral and AGM-87 Focus, have been made ever since using the same concept. Self-steered weapons are efficient since they hardly miss the target and avoid unnecessary damage and the inspiration for creating these self-steered bullets has been drawn from these missiles. These bullets will help cut down a lot of civilian causalities and monetary loss as well.

Where are we now?

Several missiles today use the concept of navigating through the emitted electromagnetic radiation in the infrared spectrum. We reckon these as the heat seeking missiles. These missiles have a sensor on their nose tip, which senses the heat or IR radiation. Counter measures have also been developed in aircraft to avoid such heat seeking missile attacks. These missiles have been modified to make them launch from an aircraft or from the ground. But there was no such bullet which can be fired from a sniper or rifle. With this new technology soldiers would obviously get an edge over the opponents in the battleground.

What makes it stand out?

The most obvious advantage of this bullet is to hit the target without a miss. This would also help to avoid unnecessary causalities and economical loss. One more major advantage is this would reduce the amount of ammunition wasted, which corresponds to the funding or money for buying ammunition. These bullets would be very useful in law enforcement and anti-terrorist campaigns. Most of the precise attacks have been done using aircraft till now but now this can be achieved using handy bullets that can be shot through rifles. This sure is going to be a big hit in the battlefield.

Where do we go from here?

These bullets will greatly help soldiers in the anti terrorism campaigns. People are being kept hostages and terrorists use them to escape successfully. Self-steering bullet will help us in situations like these. But Government agencies really need to think what if this technology reaches terrorists first. This could be a potential threat to the nation. Hence, need of suitable counter measures will have to be developed. Once these bullets are in the market, engineers and innovators can work towards the accuracy and the range to develop stronger and more precise bullets. They could also work to reduce the size and cost of production, making them popular ammunition of the modern world.

Related Trends:

1. AIM 9 Sidewinder:

AIM 9 Sidewinder is a short range air-to-air missile. It is the oldest and most effective heat seeking missile that was developed in 1950s. It was first used in the US Navy and then was used by the US Air Force. Sidewinder is famous for its precision, versatility and low production of cost. These missiles come under the category “heat-seeking missiles”. They sense the electromagnetic radiation in the IR spectrum through the sensor on the tip to hit the target. We can expect to see these missiles in the late 21st century.

2. MIM-72 Chaparral:

MIM-72 Chaparral is made on the concept of Sidewinder. The only difference is that it is a ground-to-air missile. It has a similar design and components. These missiles were introduced to US Army in the late 60’s. Ever since its first inception, scientists have been trying to make these missiles more powerful and accurate.

3. RIM-66 Standard:

RIM-66 Standard is a medium range missile that can be used to strike from ground to air. The first production of these missiles started in 1967. Guiding system of this missile uses the command and inertial mid course guidance with semi active radar homing system. This is different from IR homing and can work efficiently for medium range strike. This missile is launched from a surface ship.

Source http://www.designbuzz.com/future-ammunition-steering-bullet-target.html
Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:34 GMT
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