Precision guided firearms (PGFs) are long-rangerifle systems designed to improve the accuracy ofshooting at targets at extended ranges through target tracking,heads-up display, and advancedfire control.[1] Inspired bymissile lock-on andfighter jet technology, the application of PGF technology to small arms mitigates multiple sources ofmarksman 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 1,100 meters or more.[5][6]
PGFs are fully integrated systems consisting of a rifle, networked tracking scope, guidedtrigger and precision conventionalammunition 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]
Precision-guidedsmall arms prototypes have been developed which use a laser designator to guide anelectronically actuated bullet to a target.[8] Another system in development uses a laser range finder to trigger an explosive small arms shellin proximity to a target. As of 2009, the U.S. Army has plans to use such devices in the future.[9]
In 2008 theEXACTO program began underDARPA to develop a "fire and forget" smart sniper rifle system including a guided smart bullet and improved scope. The exact technologies of this smart bullet have not been released. EXACTO was test fired in 2014 and 2015 and results showing the bullet alter course to correct its path to its target were released.[10]
In mid-2016, Russia revealed it was developing a similar "smart bullet" weapon designed to hit targets at a distance of up to 10 kilometres (6.2 mi).[12][13]
In 2019, Israel started using theSMASH Handheld also known as Dagger, also known as Pegion, made by SmartShooter,[14][15][16] which is based on the SMASH 2000.[17] In 2024, the British armed forces signed a £4.6 million contract to purchase Israeli SMASH Smart Shooter rifle attachments, also known as a counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS).[18][19] By 2024, it was also in use by theUSA,India, and other countries.[20]
Air burst grenade launchers are a type of precision-guided weapons. Such grenade launchers can preprogram their grenades using afire-control system to explode in the air above or beside the enemy.[21][22][23]
The three main technologies employed for long-range shooting—thebolt-action rifle,telescopic rifle scope and machinedcartridge ammunition—were developed in the nineteenth century. The first bolt-action rifle was produced in 1824 by the German firearms inventorJohann 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.[24]
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
