Lockheed Martin won a $6.9 million contract this week for the second phase of DARPAÂ’s One-Shot system, which will provide direct observations of a target, measure every variable that influences a bulletÂ’s flight, and calculate the aim offset in a sniperÂ’s rifle scope.
During the projectÂ’s first phase, which started in 2007, Lockheed developed a down-range system that measured average crosswind; range to target; spotter scope position; air temperature, pressure, and humidity; and more, according to Military Aerospace. Using all those variables, the company calculated the ballistics for a .308 bullet at ranges as far as 3,600 feet.
While thatÂ’s impressive, the system was too heavy and unwieldy, and it couldnÂ’t be used with standard rifle scopes. The phase-two design will be more compact and able to operate in real time and over longer distances.
It will measure atmospheric conditions, account for the weaponÂ’s maximum effective range and include GPS coordinates. ItÂ’s also supposed to communicate with the rifle scope, informing the gun itself of the aim point offset and expected crosswind. |