TrackingPoint

TrackingPoint

Company type	Private
Industry	Technology, Firearms
Founded	February 2011 (2011-02)
Founder	John McHale
Headquarters	Austin , United States
Products	Precision guided firearms, smart rifles, fire control systems, wearable eyewear (ShotGlass)
Parent	Talon Precision Optics

TrackingPoint is a technology firm based in Austin, Texas specializing in applied innovations. Established by John McHale in February 2011, the company pioneered the first precision guided firearm (PGF), debuting its initial product in January 2013 and subsequently introducing the AR Series semi-automatic smart rifle in January 2014.

The bolt-action rifles from TrackingPoint are chambered for .338 Lapua Magnum and .300 Winchester Magnum cartridges, whereas their semi-automatic variants utilize 7.62 NATO, 5.56 NATO, and .300 BLK rounds. In September 2016, TrackingPoint launched the M1400—a squad-level .338 Lapua bolt-action rifle engineered to engage targets at distances up to away and moving at speeds of within 2.5 seconds. This model works in tandem with TrackingPoint’s ShotGlass wearable eyewear, which enhances target acquisition by streaming real-time scope visuals.

In January 2014, the U.S. Army procured six of TrackingPoint’s fire control systems for evaluation purposes, integrating them with the XM2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle to assess advanced targeting capabilities under military conditions.

TrackingPoint expanded its product line in 2018 with the ShadowTrak 6 bolt-action rifle chambered in 6.5 mm Creedmoor, tailored for precision engagements at ranges reaching and capable of tracking fast-moving targets at within one second. This rifle supports Hornady’s 147gr ELD-M match-grade bullets as well as 143gr ELD-X hunting ammunition.

In November 2018, Talon Precision Optics, headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, acquired TrackingPoint, broadening its offerings within precision-guided firearms and cutting-edge optics technologies.

Technology

TrackingPoint’s precision guided firearms system incorporates multiple sophisticated components:

• Networked Tracking Scope: The central element responsible for target tracking, range calculation, ballistic computation, and coordination with both shooter and guided trigger to maximize shot precision.
• Barrel Reference System: A factory-set fixed calibration point that maintains consistent zeroing by aligning precisely with a laser reference.
• Guided Trigger: Electronically connected to the tracking scope, this trigger manages trigger pull weight to minimize timing errors and improve shot execution.
• Field Software Upgradeable: Allows for software enhancements to be uploaded directly to the scope, ensuring ongoing improvement in functionality and tactical advantage.
• Heads Up Display (HUD): Presents essential information such as distance, wind conditions, reticle settings, zoom level, battery status, laser rangefinder activity, Wi-Fi connectivity, compass orientation, and angle indicators to support precise targeting.
• Recording Capability: An integrated camera records video and still images from both the scope and HUD interface; recorded media can be transferred to smartphones or tablets for easy sharing via email or social platforms.

Together, these technologies underpin TrackingPoint’s innovative approach to differentiating its products within the precision firearms sector.

Vulnerabilities

In 2017, cybersecurity researchers Runa Sandvik and Michael Auger identified that the rifle’s aiming computer was susceptible to remote exploitation through its Wi-Fi connection. Malicious actors could manipulate operational parameters such as bullet weight settings, leading to inaccurate shots. A proficient hacker might even obtain root access and disable the system entirely.

External links

• TrackingPoint official site
• Military Science Drives Enhanced Rifle Accuracy, February 9, 2014
• Analysis of Sniper Weapon Fire Control Error Budget, United States Army Research Laboratory, September 9, 1999