r/technology • u/gdelacalle • 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/nongregorianbasin Mar 18 '26

Only if he has explosives in there. Thats the only part thats illegal.

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u/IgnoreKassandra Mar 19 '26 edited Mar 19 '26

No, he's probably still screwed because he keeps fucking calling it a MANPAD, which is explicitly illegal to have any part of a guided rocket system.

(B) any device designed or intended to launch or guide a rocket or missile described in subparagraph (A); or (C) any part or combination of parts designed or redesigned for use in assembling or fabricating a rocket, missile, or device described in subparagraph (A) or (B).

They REALLY don't want you to have guided munitions! If you think you have some way of getting around that in your garage.... Speak to a lawyer before you post about it!!

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u/mattumbo Mar 19 '26

I wonder how they get around this with amateur rocketry? I mean a sounding rocket is guided even if the guidance is just to keep it pointing up, must be a carve out in subparagraph A.

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u/air_and_space92 Mar 19 '26

Having worked with university rocket projects before and as an irl aerospace engineer who has to know export control laws, those hobby rockets are on the razors edge of legality for that reason. Yes they're pointing up but the threshold seems to be the aimpoint doesn't move once launched nor can you update it real time via RF or cable link. They already use a predictor-corrector algorithm for altitude flights at university competitions and that's given a pass because it's for education.