Computing smart-scope gunsight for US snipers

[PatriotnMore]

We were just having a discussion here months ago about first shot kills at extreme range, the difficulties, and a future scope which will do all the doping for the shooter. Looks like we are one step closer to that. With improvements like this, and what we will see in the future, the role of the Sniper in the modern battlefield will cement itself in importance and versatility, and create an even larger demand for trained trigger pullers.

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2010/05/25/darpa_terry_pratchett_gunsights/

[bombadillo]

Interesting. I'd love to see some cool new techno gear come into the game, but its awful hard to tell a computer to judge distances, and all the particulars that our guys already read and attempt to compensate for. Our guys are already doing this on their own, but if its a tool to make them MORE accurate, I say go for it.

[Mute]

Judging distance (LRF) or atmospheric conditions isn't the hard part . However, wind effects is another matter. Over long distances the wind can change in so many ways, I don't know how any computer can determine the ballistic effects.

Nevertheless, removing as many variables as possible from miscalculation should prove to be helpful.

[Coded-Dude]

shooters are already using specific math formulas to make manual adjustments. i don't see why they couldn't allow a computer to crunch the numbers for them. as said above; judging the wind conditions a mile down range would be the problem.

[PatriotnMore]

Judging distance (LRF) or atmospheric conditions isn't the hard part . However, wind effects is another matter. Over long distances the wind can change in so many ways, I don't know how any computer can determine the ballistic effects.

Nevertheless, removing as many variables as possible from miscalculation should prove to be helpful.

The answer is in the laser beam, as read below. The first thing that came to my mind when I read this is being able to use the beam in a manor like fiber optics. two way communication at the speed of light. The technology is fascinating, and it amazes me how our advances places our fighting soldier head and shoulders above our enemies in terms of capability.

However, even with all this tech, we can see from Iraq, to Afghanistan, even the poorest trained and armed combatant, is still very much a threat.

"In particular, the estimation of crosswinds between the shooter and the target is usually a matter of educated guesswork. Then, making the right corrections for range, height, bullet spin, temperature, air pressure etc can take so long that the target has moved away before the sniper can shoot. But it seems that there's no need for this to be the case. US military trials have found that a laser beam shone on the target can do more than just determine the range: it can also be used to "measure the average down range crosswind profile". The laser information can be combined with automatic readings of temperature, humidity etc and a "ballistic solution" computed."

[Mute]

If it proves to be as accurate as they say, it will be quite a boon for the shooting world.

[GeoffLinder]

The system that does this is already available. It's called the HORUS system. It employs a program on a PDA or SmartPhone in conjunction with a calibrated reticle in a dedicated scope. The software can provide pre-done charts for specific conditions. Just read the wind, look up the reticle point in the chart, hold with that crosspoint in the reticle and you will make the hit with a very high probability index.

[Mute]

This is a bit different. They're talking about actually having a system that can accurately read the wind and having the corrections dialed into the scope. As for reticles you don't need a Horus system to do all that. Even a simple MOA or Mil reticle can do all the same thing.

[socalblue]

This is a bit different. They're talking about actually having a system that can accurately read the wind and having the corrections dialed into the scope. As for reticles you don't need a Horus system to do all that. Even a simple MOA or Mil reticle can do all the same thing.

Has been done for years in the M1Ax tank series. With the advances in micro processors, should be doable to make one small enough in the near future.

[SScott]

edit

[GeoffLinder]

AWESOME!

I don't know how people are saying I don't see how this would work.
The article describes in detail how it would work.
Reading comprehension seems to be a difficult thing for many.

There is no question it can be done. In fact, I see a future where the projectile itself can be programmed at moment of firing to make corrections as it flies if it senses deviation from the target point. Wind can be sensed across a path before firing, but with flight times in the several second range at real LD lotsa' things can change in-flight

The only thing I think will be a downside here is the ultimate erosion of real shooting skills with this type of reliance on electronics in the field. Let's hope the batteries are still holding some charge when it starts to really count!

[PatriotnMore]

There is no question it can be done. In fact, I see a future where the projectile itself can be programmed at moment of firing to make corrections as it flies if it senses deviation from the target point. Wind can be sensed across a path before firing, but with flight times in the several second range at real LD lotsa' things can change in-flight

The only thing I think will be a downside here is the ultimate erosion of real shooting skills with this type of reliance on electronics in the field. Let's hope the batteries are still holding some charge when it starts to really count!

I am not sure I agree. The shooter still needs to place the bullet on target, all of those skills required today, will still be required. The difference is the time it takes to put the bullet on target, due to calculations and the guess work on wind estimation, if it is accurate.

[Mute]

Having the calculations done quickly and accurately minimizes the variables that can screw up a shot. However, you still need to execute the fundamentals of good marksmanship. I don't see such a system degrading the shooting skills of future shooters. If anything, it eliminates the excuses and forces one to accept the fact that a miss is due to the shooter's marksmanship skills and nothing else.

[IntoForever]

I saw one that says it reads temp, pressure and has a huge database for the cartridges, laser range finder and you simply input a few answers and it does the rest. How could this be less effective than doing all that math yourself? You tell it your cartridge and it knows the powder, primer, weights and trajectory. With a custom load, you tell it what powder, bullet etc and it figures it out. Too bad my paper punching doesn't validate the $14000 I think it went for.