A technology hobbyist has developed a low cost prototype of a guided projectile system using widely available components and consumer grade manufacturing tools, underscoring how advances in hardware accessibility are lowering barriers to complex engineering projects.
The prototype was created by Alisher Khojayev and demonstrated in an online video, where he outlined the system’s basic design and functionality. The project reportedly cost approximately $96 in parts and incorporates 3D printed structures along with off the shelf electronics, according to Tom’s Hardware.
The system consists of a launcher, a projectile, and an optional tracking module. Much of the physical structure is produced using additive manufacturing, while the control systems rely on commercially available microcontrollers, sensors, and communication modules.
At the core of the design are embedded controllers based on the ESP32, a widely used low cost microprocessor platform capable of handling wireless communication and real time processing tasks. The launcher integrates positioning and environmental sensors including GPS, a barometer, and a digital compass.
The projectile itself incorporates an inertial measurement unit, specifically the MPU6050, which provides data on orientation and motion. This information is used to adjust control surfaces during flight through basic guidance calculations.
Communication between system components is established through a Wi Fi link. Once activated, the launcher connects to a control computer that processes telemetry data and performs trajectory calculations. These calculations are then transmitted back to the system to adjust the projectile’s orientation in flight.
The design includes movable control surfaces, commonly referred to as canards, which are used to influence direction and stability. These are actuated based on calculated orientation adjustments derived from onboard sensor data.
An optional external tracking configuration was also proposed, involving a distributed camera and GPS node system. This setup is intended to enhance targeting accuracy by providing additional positional data to the control system.
While the prototype demonstrates how integrated electronics and software can be combined with 3D printed structures, it remains a proof of concept rather than a validated or tested system. No independent performance data or reliability assessments have been reported.
The project illustrates how modern prototyping tools, including affordable 3D printers and modular electronics platforms, enable individuals to experiment with complex electromechanical systems that previously required institutional resources.
However, the increasing accessibility of such technologies has also raised concerns among regulators and security analysts. The ability to assemble systems involving guidance, sensing, and wireless communication using consumer components highlights potential challenges in controlling the proliferation of advanced hardware capabilities.
Recent developments in additive manufacturing have made it possible to produce structurally robust components using relatively low cost equipment. Combined with open source software and widely available electronic modules, these tools are reshaping how rapidly complex systems can be designed and assembled.
Researchers and policymakers have noted that while these technologies support innovation and education, they also introduce new considerations related to safety, oversight, and responsible use.
The example demonstrates both the technical potential and the broader implications of increasingly accessible engineering tools in the consumer space.
