Precision-guided firearm
 | This article contains promotional content. (April 2014) |
Precision guided firearms (PGFs) are long-range rifle systems designed to improve the accuracy of shooting at targets at extended ranges through target tracking, heads-up display and advanced fire control.[1] Inspired by missile lock-on and fighter jet technology, the application of PGF technology to small arms mitigates multiple sources of marksman error including mis-aim, trigger jerk and shot setup miscalculation.[2][3][4] PGFs can significantly increase first shot success probability (FSSP) out to extreme ranges of 1,200 yards or more.[5][6]
PGFs are fully integrated systems consisting of a rifle, networked tracking scope, guided trigger and precision conventional ammunition based on standard caliber bolt action or semi-automatic rifles. Wireless connectivity allows PGFs to integrate with local and wide area networks to provide voice, video and data connectivity to remotely connected devices and systems.[7]
History
The three main technologies employed for long-range shooting—the bolt-action rifle, telescopic rifle scope and machined cartridge ammunition—were developed in the nineteenth century. The first bolt-action rifle was produced in 1824 by the German firearms inventor Johann Nicolaus von Dreyse. The first documented telescopic rifle sight was developed between 1835 and 1840 by the American Morgan James. Machined metal-cased cartridge ammunition was first adopted by the British in 1867.[8]
System requirements
To qualify as a precision guided firearm, the system must:
- Be a complete firing system – rifle, ammunition and networked tracking scope
- Persistently track the target, automatically compute a multi-variable firing solution, and ensure precise engagement when target and firing solution are optimally aligned
Technology
The precision guided firearm integrates technology commonly found in drones, tanks, jet fighters, smartphones and microprocessors, into the conventional system.[7]
The following technologies can be integrated in a PGF system:
- Target acquisition, either through manual designation or auto-acquisition
- Lock on and persistent target tracking
- Computerized firing solution calculation involving ranging and multi-variable ballistic calculation
- Streaming video via wifi server, allowing another user to see the live feed from the system
- Shot recording and transference to other media applications
- Automatic zero adjustment
- Interface with smartphones, tablets and software applications[3][7]
Applications
PGFs are designed for use in safari and other wildlife hunting, wildlife management and predator/animal control, long-range sport shooting competitions and military and/or law enforcement sniper use.[9]
References
- ^ Rothman, Wilson (Jan. 10, 2013). “Futuristic Rifle Turns Novice Into Sharpshooter.” NBC News. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2013.
- ^ “Is TrackingPoint's Precision Guided Firearm the Future of Long-Range Shooting?” Outdoor Life, Jan. 15, 2013. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2013.
- ^ a b Wawro, Alex (Jan. 9, 2013). “The Hunting Rifle of the Future is Here at CES.” PC World. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2013.
- ^ Dillow, Clay (Jan. 10, 2013). “The 'Intelligent' Rifle, Now With iPad App, Wi-Fi, Infallible Accuracy.” Popular Science. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2013.
- ^ Griffith, Chris (Jan. 10, 2013). “WiFi Rifle Unveiled at CES.” The Australian. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2013.
- ^ Terrill, Daniel (Jan. 20, 2013). “SHOT Show 2013: Tracking Point Brings “Lock and Launch” Technology to Firearms.” Guns.com. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2013.
- ^ a b c Hutchinson, Lee (Jan. 9, 2013). “$17,000 Linux-Powered Rifle Brings ‘Auto-Aim’ to the Real World.” Ars Technica. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2013.
- ^ Walter, John. The Rifle Story: An Illustrated History from 1756 to the Present Day. London: Greenhill Books (2006).
- ^ Eshel, Tamir (Jan. 16, 2013). “Precision-Guided Firearm: Turning Riflemen into Marksmen?” Defense Update. Retrieved Jan. 22, 2013.