US developing bullet that can change direction mid-air

The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, DARPO, is working on creating the world’s first smart bullet. Although the project is still in the development stage, once released it could assist U.S. snipers overcome challenges like high winds and other weather conditions.

The Las Vegas Review Journal reported that the project code name is EXACTO, an acronym for Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance. Its goal is to create the first small caliber bullet that can steer itself. The ammo will use a small optical sensor at its tip to send signals to tiny fins along its body, which will adjust its route toward the target.

All the details on how the .50 caliber round works and changes direction in mid-flight have not been released, but it is confirmed it is in the testing stage. If successful, it will greatly assist snipers who actions often save those in life or death situations.

According to Popular Science, EXACTO bullet is not the only advanced weapon the U.S. is currently testing. The XM-25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement Airburst Weapon System is a gun that promises a big bang when it reaches its objective.

The highly advanced gun is designed to shoot explosives that blow up after it reaches a preset distance. For example, an enemy can be shooting at troops and they in turn can aim the explosive towards the area they witnessed the gunfire coming from.

It is designed so the blast from the explosion is powerful enough to injure or otherwise incapacitate the person it is aimed at. The U.S. Army is expected to buy thousands of guns on the XM-25 testing is complete sometime in 2016.