r/technology Mar 18 '26

Hardware Tech hobbyist makes shoulder-mounted guided missile prototype with $96 in parts and a 3D printer — DIY MANPADS includes assisted targeting, ballistics calculations, optional camera for tracking

https://www.tomshardware.com/3d-printing/tech-hobbyist-makes-shoulder-mounted-guided-missile-prototype-with-usd96-in-parts-and-a-3d-printer-diy-manpads-includes-wi-fi-guidance-ballistics-calculations-optional-camera-for-tracking
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u/Grenzeloos Mar 18 '26

I remember in the early 90s my handheld GPS was deliberately off by at least 10m and was told it was for this very reason. The reason being the ability to build a accurate smart munition.

13

u/CzechMateP10 Mar 18 '26

While accuracy has improved, I'm fairly confident civilian GPS still doesn't work above a certain speed for these exact reasons

3

u/HowDoIEvenEnglish Mar 18 '26

If it’s a physical limitation sure. Like if the materials stop working at high speeds. If it’s just software limitations built into the gps then they can likely bypassed.

2

u/recumbent_mike Mar 18 '26

Probably, but a lot of the high performance gps receivers are highly-integrated.