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Archive for 2019

Textron Systems Lightweight Small Arms Technology Demonstrator in 6.8mm

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

Textron Systems has been developing the Lightweight Small Arms Technology Demonstrator for many years. Initially, it was chambered in 5.56 mm and 7.62mm and later ported over to 6.5mm. In light of the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle PON, they created a 6.8mm variant which was used to inform the requirement and prove out the caliber choice.

A belt fed weapon, based on the same technology you see here, is one of six currently being evaluated by the Army under NGSAR.

What sets LSAT apart from all other weapons in the NGSAR PON, is that it uses a unique ammunition type called Case Telescoped which more resembles a shotgun shell than a traditional shoulder case ammo design. It’s very interesting to see how this technology works.

This short video is of a government test fire of a single magazine through a carbine. It was recorded while the video played during a session at this year’s NDIA Annual Armaments Meeting.

Posted in Disruptive Tech, weapons | 11 Comments »

USSOCOM Small Arms Update – 2019

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

In the wake of United States Special Operations Command’s Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) is the Hyper Enabled Operator concept. PEO SOF Warrior is applying that as Lethal Integrated Operator. They want to ensure the integration of individual data across the full battlespace for application where needed. We are finally at the point, due to sensors and communications infrastructure, to actualize the “every Soldier as a sensor” concept from the early 2000s. Operators will be able to leverage one another’s point of view, and unique access to items and targets of interest, in order to improve decision making, lethality and survivability.

On the kinetic side of Operator lethality, SOCOM is moving quickly forward with the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge adopted last year.

They have commenced on a Mid-Range Gas Gun – Sniper OTA through SOFWERX. Intended as a replacement for the SCAR MK20, numerous companies have submitted weapons. A shoot-off to cull the herd is coming later this summer. The requirement is simple. With each of three guns, shoot a sub-1 MOA group of five rounds.

In a similar vein, discussions continue with industry for a Lightweight Assault Machine Gun in both 5.56mm and 6.5 CM.

SOCOM is also interested in a Personal Defense Weapon for use by Naval Special Warfare. This is a kit consisting of upper receiver group and buttstock which will adapt the M4A1 into a concealable 300 BLK weapon. A 5.56mm capability for training is also desired. The PDW Kit is required to work with existing SOCOM issue 7.62mm suppressors.

As we mentioned earlier, SOCOM is moving out on the 338 Norma Mag Lightweight Machine Gun Medium with a Combat Evaluation of SIG’s SL-MAG to be conducted by MARSOC. To facilitate this test event, SOCOM is certifying a Machine Gun cartridge in 338 NM.

The Barrett MRAD was selected earlier this year as SOCOM’s Advanced Sniper Rifle. Calibers can be swapped by the Operator from 7.62mm NATO, 300 NM and 338 NM. Army, Marine Corps and Air Force have expressed interest in fielding ASR as their next sniper Rifle.

USSOCOM also has a handgun Suppressor requirement which they plan on satisfying in FY22. No further information was provided on this effort aside from that it will replace the current MK27 Suppressor.

*Capability photos are representative and not necessarily the actual item which will be procured.

Posted in SOF, weapons | 22 Comments »

Team Wendy Releases All-Terrain And Ballistic Mandibles

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

New EXFIL® Ballistic / SL Accessories Provide Full-Face Protection

Cleveland-based Team Wendy®, which researches and develops high-quality headborne systems from the inside out, announced the launch of two new helmet accessories today: the EXFIL® All-Terrain Mandible and the EXFIL Ballistic Mandible. The mandibles attach tool-free to the EXFIL Ballistic and EXFIL Ballistic SL helmets fitted with either the EXFIL Rail 2.0 or EXFIL Rail 3.0 accessory mounting systems. Each mandible is designed to allow the operator to establish a cheek weld with his/her weapon, and when paired with the EXFIL Ballistic Visor, they provide full-face protection.

“The new EXFIL mandibles offer scalable, lightweight protection and attach quickly and easily to the helmet rail system, allowing the operator to be mission-ready in seconds,” said Team Wendy CEO Jose Rizo-Patron. “In designing this new ballistic helmet accessory, it was important for us to engineer a soft mandible option so that the operator can still deploy his or her weapon with ease and accuracy; this is critical for military and law enforcement.”

The EXFIL All-Terrain Mandible protects the face and ears against blunt impact and debris. Weighing 0.71 pounds (320 grams), it is composed of a vented nose piece, a VN vented foam insert, and a glass-reinforced polycarbonate and TPU frame. The outer cover is made of mesh and ultra-suede. The EXFIL All-Terrain Mandible meets blunt impact performance in accordance with Team Wendy impact test protocol TW-TP-1901 (10 and 14.1 ft/s NOCSAE drop, 150G max).

The EXFIL Ballistic Mandible shields the face and ears from fragmentation and blunt impact. Its ballistic coverage area is 72.03 square inches (464.70 square centimeters), and it meets a performance standard of 17gr V50 greater than or equal to 2,400 ft/s (731 m/s) and 9mm V0 greater than or equal to 1,400 ft/s (427 m/s). Like the all-terrain mandible, blunt impact performance is also in accordance with Team Wendy impact test protocol TW-TP-1901.

The ballistic mandible weighs 1.30 pounds (590 grams) and comes standard with two interchangeable nose pieces: a ballistic nose with a Cordura® and nylon/spandex cover and a non-ballistic, all-terrain nose with vents to allow additional airflow. The ballistic nose is made of a proprietary composite matrix, and the frame is glass-reinforced polycarbonate and TPU. The ballistic insert is composed of flexible ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fabrics in a nylon/TPU cover. The outer cover is made of Cordura and ultra-suede.

The EXFIL All-Terrain Mandible and EXFIL Ballistic Mandible retail at $265 and $492, respectively. They come in two sizes, size one and size two, corresponding to the operator’s EXFIL Ballistic or EXFIL Ballistic SL helmet size. Each is offered in four colors: Black, Coyote Brown, MultiCam® and Ranger Green. Both mandibles are now available for purchase on TeamWendy.com and through authorized Team Wendy dealers.

Learn more at www.TeamWendy.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Helmets, Press Release | Comments Off on Team Wendy Releases All-Terrain And Ballistic Mandibles

USMC Small Arms Update – 2019

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

The Marine Corps is well under way with the Small Arms modernization initiatives announced last year.

USMC photo by Sgt. Aaron Henson

The biggest improvement for the Marine Infantryman isn’t a weapon, but it will make him much more effective. The Marines are moving very quickly to field the Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle, with contract award mid-July.

The H&K produced M27 is being fielded to Marine Rifle Squads along with the M38 Designated Marksman variant.

The M320A1 40mm grenade launcher replaces the M203 and will be used in the stand alone mode.

Limited numbers of the Mk 13 Mod 7, sniper rifle have been brought over from SOCOM. The Marines consider this 300 WinMag Rifle as a bridge between the long serving M40 family and the Advanced Sniper Rifle in 7.62mm, 300 and 348 Norma Mag coming in the early 20s.

They are at the initial stages of replacing SMAW-D with the 84mm M3E1 Carl Gustaf. An interesting aside, the Marines are also making a T/O change. They will go from 8 to 4 TOW launchers per Battalion and increase from 8 to 12 Javelins.

Yes, that’s an M110A1 you see. The Marine Corps long ago signed up for the program, but there has been little indication of how many they plan to buy or how they will use them.

This is a slide indicating what the future holds for Marine Corps Small Arms. Some of these we have already seen draft requirements for, like the Squad Common Optic which is a variable power (6/8x). The SCO will go on every M27 currently being fielded to Marine Rifle Platoons. Expect a full Request for Proposals 1st quarter of 20.

The Marine Corps plans to suppress all of its M27s and eventually, its belt fed machine guns.

Army has lead on Next Gen weapons and the Marines are working with SOCOM to refine the Lightweight Medium Machine Gun requirement.

“Success is not found in contracts awarded…Success is found in confirmed kills”

PM IW

Posted in MARCORSYSCOM, Optics, USMC, weapons | 20 Comments »

High Resolution Thermal Viewer from Safran Optics 1

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

One of the best things I saw at SOFIC was the new High Resolution Thermal Viewer from Safran Optics 1.

Here’s the bottom line up front. HRTV is more capable and less expensive than other, existing thermal viewers.

They’ve packed a lot of capability into HRTV.

You get cooled thermal, color day, and low-light level cameras all in one package. Plus, you can use the sensors in in split screen or fusion mode. The HRTV is also equipped with a laser rangefinder, digital magnetic compass, inclinometer, See-Spot detection, remote wireless observation, photo/video capture, fall-of-shot calculator, and moving target speed indicator. Magnification can be further enhanced via a snap on 2.5x AFOCAL lens extender.

HRTV can also be remotely operated and paired with remote operation electronic pan/tilt tripods.

It allows wireless viewing and control over IP from an EUD/Tablet and there is easy access to video/picture gallery for transmitting to higher.

Due to specific user requirements, Optics 1 has developed two additional models of HRTV, one with an embedded SAASM (Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module) GPS and another with a Celestial Camera for obtaining precise target grid locations.

Although it uses a system specific battery, there are both rechargeable and disposable options.

HRTV has already been fielded in limited numbers by elements of the US Army, Marine Corps, and Navy, along with other international military units.

For more information, visit www.optics1.com

Posted in Advertiser, Optics | 1 Comment »

MARSOC To Conduct Combat Evaluation of SIG Lightweight Machine Gun in 338 Norma Mag

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

During this week’s National Defense Industrial Association annual Armaments meeting, acquisition officials from both United States Special Operations Command and Marine Corps Systems Command announced that the Marine Corps Special Operations Command would be conducting a combat evaluation of the SIG Light Machine Gun (SL MAG) in the near future.

Unveiled at SHOT Show, this belt fed machine gun chambered in 338 Norma Mag offers ranges that rival the .50 M2 MG from a weapon lighter than the M240.

The Combat Evaluation is a limited user test, but first they need ammunition. SOCOM is currently working on the P-SPEC for 338 NM belt fed ammunition for what they are calling the Lightweight Machine Gun – Medium.

This Combat Eval will help refine requirements for the procurement of a 338 NM LMG-M in the FY 22-23 timeframe. Both Marine Corps and SOCOM are interested in this capability.

Posted in Advertiser, SOF, USMC, weapons | 8 Comments »

High Angle Solutions – Brigantes Presents – Montane Tactical Range Update

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

The Montane Tactical range has now been around, in a very small way, for the past couple of years. It has found immediate fans, within the UK military, who are familiar with the brand and like the no nonsense, lightweight, outdoor approach. This has seen it taken on for amphibious, mountainous and arctic activities.

Following feedback and in partnership with the exclusive global distributor, Brigantes, Montane have updated the products to take into consideration the experiences of the users. This has led to some small tweaks in design to improve pocket access and allow for the more muscular legs of guys, who are used to carrying very heavy loads.

The new range will be available in the Autumn and will also now include a slate grey sub range based on the very successful stretch jacket, trousers and shirt. The price points remain very closely related to what you would expect in the outdoor world and the functionality is even better. Overall these are perfect pieces for use in the rapidly changing weather that we encounter in the UK and therefore excellent right across the globe.

The full range is available to buy on the Brigantes website and if you are in the UK or Europe you can purchase items from the shop. Register as a member you will get an excellent discount.

For more information get in touch by email on international@brigantes.com

For UK customers tribe@brigantes.com

www.brigantes.com

Posted in Clothing, Guest Post, International, Multicam | 2 Comments »

EWOOL

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

During last week’s Rampart Range Day I saw EWOOL’s product offerings.

They are based in Quebec and produce electrically heated wool clothing, like the gloves and socks you see here. Once turned on, they warm up within three seconds. They also produce a vest, which can be powered via an onboard battery, or via 12 V on a snowmachine or motorcycle.

EWOOL clothing is available in Canada from Rampart International.

Posted in Clothing, Handwear, International, Rampart Range Day | 5 Comments »