Bullets That Change Direction on the Fly

When fired from a rifle, most bullets spiral through the air like a football, thus making it impossible to adjust their trajectory. Now, researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a bullet that can be fired without the spin, allowing it to change directions in mid-flight.

The bullets include an optical sensor in the nose that guides the projectiles to their laser-targeted destination. Tiny fins enable the bullet to fly without spinning, like a dart, and actuators allow the fins to alter the bullet’s trajectory to hit its target.

Potential markets for the “self-guided bullets” include the military, law enforcement, and recreational shooters, according to Sandia.

Source: Sandia National Laboratories, www.sandia.gov.