( CNN ) You know the phrase `` dodging a bullet '' ? Forget about it . Probably not going to happen anymore . The U.S. military said this week it has made great progress in its effort to develop a self-steering bullet . In February , the `` smart bullets '' -- .50-caliber projectiles equipped with optical sensors -- passed their most successful round of live-fire tests to date , according to the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency , or DARPA . In the tests , an experienced marksman `` repeatedly hit moving and evading targets , '' a DARPA statement said . `` Additionally , '' the statement said , `` a novice shooter using the system for the first time hit a moving target . '' In other words , now you do n't even have to be a good shot to hit the mark . The system has been developed by DARPA 's Extreme Accuracy Tasked Ordnance program , known as EXACTO . `` True to DARPA 's mission , EXACTO has demonstrated what was once thought impossible : the continuous guidance of a small-caliber bullet to target , '' said Jerome Dunn , DARPA program manager . `` This live-fire demonstration from a standard rifle showed that EXACTO is able to hit moving and evading targets with extreme accuracy at sniper ranges unachievable with traditional rounds . Fitting EXACTO 's guidance capabilities into a small .50-caliber size is a major breakthrough and opens the door to what could be possible in future guided projectiles across all calibers , '' Dunn said . Videos supplied by DARPA show the bullets making sharp turns in midair as they pursue their targets . It all conjures up images of a cartoon character frantically fleeing a bullet that follows him wherever he goes . Only , these bullets are traveling at hundreds of miles per hour . And even the Road Runner ca n't run that fast . DARPA says the smart bullets will also help shooters who are trying , for example , to hit targets in high winds . The goals of the EXACTO program are giving shooters accuracy at greater distances , engaging targets sooner and enhancing the safety of American troops , DARPA said .
.50-caliber bullets equipped with optical sensors can follow moving targets . The `Additionally can help shooters compensate for high winds . The goal of the program is to give shooters greater range and make American troops safer .