Using the same Spear platform developed for the US Army Next Generation Squad Weapon, SIG has come up with a new version of the Spear which is being internally referred to as the Assaulter.
This shorty version (above) features a 10” barrel and follows similar developments of the MCX family including the Rattler and USSOCOM’s PDW, the Reduced Signature Assault Rifle.
Performance-wise, with the 10” barrel you can expect in excess of 2800 fps, firing a 113 grain copper projectile from a high pressure case. In contrast, a 147 grain M80 ball projectile from a 24” M240 barrel is ~2800 fps.
The shorter barrel also leads to a lower weight, just shy of 7.7 lbs which is about a pound heavier than an M4AA1 equipped with a URGI.
This developments falls in line with SIG’s continued development of this platform in multiple calibers.
Look for more details soon.
Understanding NSGW had a threshold requirement on velocity, the best case scenario here is that Big Army sees the more compact weapon might deliver a “good enough” capability. Lightening the soldier’s load is important too.
Curious if Sig would ever make a barrel for the assaulter in 8.6, I’d assume that would ruffle feathers with Q/ Kevin based on his previous Sig history.
Not sure if he went open-source with it like he did 300- closed and the AWB were the main reasons the Whisper rounds failed to gain traction. I don’t see it being in the same space as his, Noveske’s or Faxon’s guns.
I would think if a SMU requested barrels for that specific caliber, Sig could probably make it happen. Seems like a caliber that has a good deal of limitations.
I cannot fathom what the muzzle blast would be like from a 10″ barrel with a full power 6.8×51 80,000 psi bullet would be like.
I hope the can will hold up.