Here Comes An Intelligent Linux-Powered Rifle That Never Misses Target

Gone are the days when Linux was restricted to PCs, tablets and smartphones. Our favourite open source operating system is now powering rifles and ensuring perfection in shots.

Wow! A Linux guided rifle that shoot only when the bullet would meet the target. Until now, we were talking about bringing Linux to smartphones and tablet PCs, but Austin-based startup TrackingPoint has taken Linux to a new level altogether. TrackingPoint manufactures Precision Guided Firearms (PGFs). Their product lineup consists of customised hunting rifles like 0.300 Winchester Magnum or 0.338 Lapua Magnum among many other. TrackingPoint has added a Linux-based computer scope to these rifles. Apart from ensuring accuracy, the Linux-powered scope allows shooters to record their experience and post it on YouTube. 

The futuristic hunting weapon starts at a price of $17,000. Coming to the functioning of thr rifle, the scope of the rifle displays a video of the scenario instead of a direct visual. The experience is similar to that of a sniper in a first person shooter game. You can lock your target and then see where the bullet might hit. Ars Technica has detailed about the shooting procedure.

First, you will have to 'mark' the target. Once the target is identified on the scope, a built-in laser (in the scope) illuminates it. On the display, a 'pip' appears on the target. The scope then measures the range of the target, the ambient temperature and humidity, the age of the barrel, and several other parameters. Once the measurement in done, the display shows where the bullet will go and whether it will hit the target or not.

The scope features image recognition that tracks the target keeps the 'pip' on the target. If you pull the trigger, the weapon will not fire. The reticle would turn from blue to red, 'while keeping the trigger held down, you position the reticle over the marked target's pip.' Once both the pip and reticle coincide the rifle fires. The rifle doesn't fire on its own. But it simply increases the pull force of the trigger until the reticle and pip matches. Once the bullet is sure to hit the target, the pull force of the trigger is set to default. This mechanism gives the shooter a control on his shot and at any point prior to firing you can release the trigger.

Also, the best part is you can record the video that is displayed on the scope and even can post it on YouTube.

Source : efytimes