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AUSA 24 – SIG Remote Operated Equipment

Friday, November 1st, 2024

SIG gave us an update on their robotics and remote operated weapon station programs which they are referring to, with an eye to the future, as Remote Operated Equipment. As you may recall, SIG purchased Israel’s General Robotics last year.

This is the first fully US-produced SIG weapon station, mounted with an MMG 338 Machine Gun, and sitting atop the tracked Donkey concept platform.

The weapon station is capable of remotely charging and firing the weapon as well as rendering it safe.

The flexible feed chute is from Nobels Worldwide and the weapon is fed from a 300 round quick change ammo can. The entire system can be controlled via a tether or remotely via a Persistent Systems MPU5 radio.

Finally, the weapon station optics include a variable powered day camera along with a thermal camera and 1550 eye safe laser range finder.

Posted in Advertiser, AUSA, Robotics, weapons | No Comments »

101st Airborne Soldiers Assess New Next Generation Squad Weapon with 6.8mm Ammo

Tuesday, October 29th, 2024

FORT CAMPBELL, Kentucky — Roughly 200 Airborne Infantry Soldiers of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) are running the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) system through its paces here from Sept. 1 to Oct. 30.

Soldiers from Alpha and Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment are taking part in an operational assessment (OA) featuring a range of weapon configurations, force-on-force engagements and static live-fire ranges.

It is a key step in modernizing the combat force and aims to impact over 120,000 U.S. Army Soldiers, according to Mr. Elbert L. Grayson, Supervisory Military Test Plans Analyst, Maneuver Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command.

“The Army needs equipment to continually evolve, to meet the threat of our adversaries,” said Grayson.

The NGSW system will be the next stage in that evolution.

“Information is needed to make improvements to the NGSW that will benefit America’s most precious resource, our Soldiers,” Grayson added.

The new weapon system is slated to replace the M4 carbine and M249 squad automatic weapons, representing a significant advancement in firepower, range and accuracy.

“Having seen the capabilities of the 6.8 [mm] round, I have confidence that it will easily do in one to two rounds, what the 5.56 [mm] did in two to four,” said Capt. John M. Green, Commander of A-CO, 1-506th, 101st ABN DIV.

Direct feedback from U.S. Army Soldiers provides invaluable insight to ensure future warfighters receive the best possible equipment when it matters most.

“The force on force is really exciting, really fun, getting in there and doing training against human beings, not just targets, and actually squaring off [against another] unit making plans and objectives, I think it is a really good training experience for sure,” explained Sgt. Todd Smallwood, First Squad Team Leader, A-CO, 1-506th, 101st ABN DIV.

According to Grayson, the NGSW testing is being conducted under the most rigorous conditions to simulate real combat and ensure that the weapon can meet the demand of future conflicts.

“We have been doing the operational assessment on the NGSW weapons, the XM7, the XM250, and also with the XM157 scopes on the weapon systems,” said Smallwood. “We’ve been doing quite a bit of ranges, and pop-up targets, trying to recreate platoon assault objectives.”

Besides standard training environments, the operational assessment was designed to simulate combat as closely as possible.

“The capability of the [6.8mm] round being able to puncture and turn cover into concealment, I think it will make a huge difference in urban and forest environments,” said Smallwood.

Soldiers were challenged to perform individual movement techniques (IMT) while engaging targets up to 300 meters away. This IMT lane requires Soldiers to bound, low-crawl, and high-crawl while maintaining accurate fire, ensuring that the weapon performed reliably under strenuous conditions.

They had to complete the course while under simulated combat stress, pushing their physical and mental limits.

“We did 72 hours of force-on-force (FOF), urban rifle marksmanship (URM), and we’re going to finish with a stress shoot,” said 1st Sgt. Barron C. Garrard, First Sergeant of A-CO, 1-506th, 101st ABN DIV. “I think it [the NGSW] will change daily life in the way that we fight.”

In preparation for future operational environments, Soldiers also tested the NGSW in simulated chemical, biologic, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) environments.

“I like the fact that the testing of equipment has a possible impact on the next generation Soldiers that will be using it,” said Grayson. “My son is a Soldier that may use equipment that I have had a part in testing, so I’m motivated to provide the most accurate data for Army leadership to make the most informed acquisition decision.”

This critical aspect of the assessment ensured that the weapon system can be operated even in the aftermath of a chemical, nuclear or biological environment.

“The NGSW’s advanced capabilities and comprehensive training program will significantly enhance the lethality and survivability of our troops,& ensuring they are prepared for the challenges of future combat operations,” said Mr. Troy , Test Officer in Charge with MTD. “The 6.8mm round offers superior ballistic performance and the NGSW overall represents a significant leap in lethality.

“I feel privileged to be part of this transformative period for the Army,” Willey continued. “Working with the Soldiers who are assigned this system during the assessment is an absolute honor.”

By Mr. Thomas Mort, Audio Visual Specialist, and Maj. Thomas Lorenson, Senior Test and Evaluation Officer, Maneuver Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command

Posted in Ammo, Army, Guest Post, weapons | 25 Comments »

AUSA 24 – FN Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge (LICC) Individual Weapon System (IWS) Update

Monday, October 28th, 2024

We initially showed you the FN Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge (LICC) Individual Weapon System (IWS) just before SHOT Show 2023. Since then, it’s undergone some improvements. FN America exhibited version 2.2 of the IWS at this year’s AUSA.

Here we see the 11.5″ Close Quarter Battle version with the 2.1 selector (it has been modified slightly more based on user feedback) and slightly larger charging handles as well as an improved buttstock mount. Changes to the operating system have also improved the feeding of the carbine.

This is the latest version of the dedicated magazine, produced by Magpul.

The carbine and machine gun are both chambered to fire the Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge (LICC) in .264 USA which was initially developed by the the Army Marksmanship Unit. As you can see, the case is steel.

Here’s a look at the stock which both folds and is collapsible.

Seen here is the latest suppressor, from HUXWRX.

In mid-November, FN will join the Irregular Warfare Technology Support Directorate (IWTSD) program office in delivering carbines, machine guns, and ammunition to the SOF user community for evaluation.

Posted in Ammo, AUSA, weapons | 16 Comments »

AUSA 24 – MG Technologies LMG-A-GP

Thursday, October 24th, 2024

I ran across the belt-fed machine gun mentioned in a recent NDIA poster in the RD USA booth.

Designed under a Cooperative Research And Development Agreement (CRADA) with United States Special Operations Command as a demonstrator to improve the capabilities of the current Mk48 Machine Gun, the LMG-A-GP from MG Technologies has dropped the weight to about 15 lbs. The weight is dependent on selected barrel length with quick change barrels available in 12.5″ to 18″.

Like the Mk48 it is chambered in 7.62 NATO, but convertible to 6.5 Creedmoor and 300 BLK. The operating system relies on continuous recoil with no rearward bolt carrier impact on the receiver.

While it wasn’t designed specifically for SOCOM’s current Lightweight Machine Gun – Assault program, it certainly could be a contender.

For more info, contact info@mgtech-usa.com.

Posted in AUSA, SOF, weapons | 10 Comments »

Nevada Department of Public Safety Selects SIONICS Weapon Systems

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

The Nevada Highway Patrol has selected SIONICS Weapon Systems to provide Rifles for their Law Enforcement Agency. This selection was determined after a rigorous and thorough process. These new Rifles will replace weapons that are currently in use with the LE Agency.

SIONICS Weapon Systems manufactures weapons for over 400+ Law Enforcement Agencies across the United States and is proud to be working with the State of Nevada.

Posted in Contracts, LE, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Nevada Department of Public Safety Selects SIONICS Weapon Systems

USSOCOM to Hold Industry Day for Lightweight Machine Gun – Assault

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024

United States Special Operations Command’s Lightweight Machine Gun-Assault (LMG-A) requirement has been on the books for years but kept getting pushed to the right.

Last week, they announced an industry day to be held 19-20 November 2024, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST at the SOFWERX Facility in Tampa, Florida.

We have shared a photo of the Knights Armament Co Lightweight Assault Machine Gun chambered in 5.56 NATO because it has been procured in limited numbers by USSOCOM and is similar in size to what they are seeking.

To be clear, this is still NOT a solicitation for proposals, proposal abstracts, or quotations. Instead, they want gather market information to assist the Government in forming future acquisition strategy or methods.

Specifically, they are seeking input from industry to further refine the Government requirements documentation, Performance Specification (P-Spec), as well as identify the marketplace for interested vendors for the Lightweight Machine Gun-Assault (LMG-A) under NAICS Code 332994, Small Arms, Ordnance, and Ordnance Accessories Manufacturing. USSOCOM is only seeking input from manufacturers, not distributors.

The LMG-A is intended to replace the legacy MK48 for a lightweight assault machine gun.

The LMG-A shall be a lightweight belt fed, multi-caliber system which will include a primary barrel, spare barrel, with required bolts, barrels, and operating groups for each caliber, buttstock, receiver, sound/signature suppressor, operator manual, cleaning kit, operator tool kit, maintainer tool kit, spare parts kit, training munition kit, bipod, backup iron sights, sling, and a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) approved locking hard carrying case capable of storing a fully accessorized weapon.

The LMG-A will extend the range of suppressive fire capability out to 1500m. The LMG-A shall be accurate to 6.0 MOA (T) / 3.0 MOA (O) at 100 yards firing 7.62mm NATO ammunition and USSOCOM TDP 6.5CM ammunition. USSOCOM is also interested the capability of the LMG-A to adopt other calibers such as 6.8x51mm high pressure ammunition (U.S. Army TDP) and the .264 Lightweight Intermediate Caliber Cartridge (.264 LICC) via caliber conversion kits.

SOCOM has been interacting with industry for years discussing a 6.5 CM gun. During SHOT Show, 7.62 NATO entered the picture. I asked someone in industry why and was told that the answer is that there’s loads of 7.62 ammo available. (Naturally, I immediately said, “.276 Pederson.”) Word is that the 6.5CM ammo programs aren’t progressing very quickly, so like with 300 BLK on RASR, they’re moving forward with an ammo supply they can rely on.

They are shooting for a gun which weighs, at its heaviest, 17 lbs. At that weight, it’s just a pound lighter than the Mk48 it’s replacing. The new gun has to handle 6.5CM which isn’t an issue but those other calibers could be tough for some guns, especially as you get down to the objective weight of 12.75 lbs which is around what the developmental model of the KAC LAMG in 6.5CM weighs.

The command has publicly released these additional requirements:

Operation and Performance characteristics

a) The LMG-A shall be capable of firing in fully automatic and semi-automatic firing modes.

b) The LMG-A shall have an ambidextrous safety selector that prevents the weapon from being fired when the trigger is depressed and the weapon is on SAFE (T), capable of charging the weapon when the weapon is on SAFE (O).

c) The LMG-A shall be capable of firing 7.62x51mm NATO family of belted ammunition to include training munitions, and USSOCOM TDP 6.5 Creedmoor belted ammunition via left-hand feed.

d) The LMG-A shall have AMR not to exceed 6.0 MOA (T), 3.0 MOA (O) at 100 meters (109 yards) when firing 7.62 NATO ammunition.

e) The LMG-A shall be equipped with quick-change barrels in assault and standard configurations.

f) The LMG-A shall be capable of being suppressed, while reducing the signature of the weapon in flash, ground disturbance, sound, and gas blowback. The suppressor shall not modify the rate of fire by more than 10% (T) or 2% (O).

g) The LMG-A suppressor shall be of a quick-detach, lockable design, and minimize Point of Aim/Point of Impact shift when mounted or dismounted.

h) The LMG-A shall have a two-position, non-reciprocating charging handle that is operable and moveable to both the left and right-hand side of the weapon.

i) The LMG-A shall have a user-adjustable bipod that is rapidly deployable/stowable and provides tension and lockup upon loading.

j) The LMG-A buttstock shall have an adjustable for length (T), collapsable (T) side folding (O), and adjustable cheek riser (O) that does not interfere with the function of the weapon.

k) The LMG-A shall have a maximum overall length with bipod attached, buttstock, and barrel (with suppressor) of 49.0 inches (T) less than or equal to 44.0 inches (O). Sights and other accessories will not be included in the weight requirement.

l) The LMG-A shall weigh no more than 17.0lbs (T), 12.75lbs (O).

m) The LMG-A shall have Mil-STD-1913 rails, with numbered slots at the 12 o’clock position with a minimum of 8.50 inches aft of the feed tray cover for optical sights.

n) LMG-A shall have M-LOK attachment points at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions on the forward handguard to support the attachment of accessories and enablers.

o) The LMG-A shall have a rate of fire between 500-750 rounds per minute (T=O).

p) The LMG-A shall minimize felt recoil across all firing modes.

q) The LMG-A shall have a single mounting point for DoD-common weapons mounts.

r) the LMG-A shall have a mounting point for common ammunition carrying boxes or soft pouches.

Posted in SOF, weapons | 14 Comments »

AUSA 24 – SIG SAUER XM250 with Quick Change Barrel

Monday, October 21st, 2024

This is an XM250 in 6.8x51mm. Essentially, it’s the same Automatic Rifle the Army adopted under the Next Generation Squad Weapons program with one exception, it has a quick change barrel. That feature, makes it quite suitable to fulfill the role as a sustained fire, belt-fed machine gun.

This isn’t a new characteristic. It was part of the original design, but the Army didn’t want a quick change barrel as part of NGSW. So, in order to save weight, it was left off. This version of the SIG light machine gun is referred to as the “World” configuration as it is how the gun is marketed to everyone else, except the US Army.

What Makes It Different

As you can see, it is configured here with no top cover over the barrel to facilitate quick barrel changes. However, SIG tells me there is a hinged cover available, as seen on the MG338.

The barrel is locked in place via two buttons. It can’t be removed or secured in place without simultaneously depressing the rocker and secondary locks. Additionally, the plunger must be depressed to fully engage the handle lock.

Here you can see the lugs on the barrel which lock the barrel into the receiver.

Why It Matters Now

The Squad Arms and Ammunition Configuration study led to the development of the 6.8 cartridge and Next Generation Squad Weapons. Afterwards, a study was conducted for the Platoon called, aptly enough, the PAAC study. Although it was completed well over a year ago, Army leaders continue to evaluate the study’s findings to decide on a path forward.

One of the key decisions is how to proceed regarding a machine gun for the platoon. Options under discussion include adopting the 6.8 common cartridge architecture for the role, as well as seeking out an additional cartridge such as the 338 Norma Mag option currently under adoption by USSOCOM.

Regardless of the caliber choice, fielding of the initial XM250 Automatic Rifles to the first units is already highlighting the disparity between the new 6.8 round and its 7.62 predecessor. The current M240s are heavier, offer reduced range and lower delivered energy on target than NGSW.

As of right now, NGSW is only intended for the close combat force consisting of Infantry, Cav Scouts, Combat Engineers, SOF, and select enablers. That means there are just over 13,000 XM250s being fielded to replace M249 SAWs in those formations. This leaves tens of thousands of SAWs across the Army. Chances are good, those will be replaced with XM250s over the coming years. However, the issue is even larger for the M240. No matter the desired course of action for caliber of choice post-PAAC study decision, the Army has to decide what to do with the ~120,000 M240s in inventory.

Many have suggested that they simply reconfigure them to fire the new composite case 6.8X51mm. The thought process is that the Army already owns them and they are serial numbers on the books; no need to buy new guns.

Considering the number of guns involved, it will easily take five years or more to develop a barrel and operating system capable of reliable, long-term firing of the high pressure 6.8 cartridge and to actually reconfigure the guns. It is likely that up to 20% of the guns currently in service ought to be coded out and replaced. They are old and have seen a lot of service over the past 30 years. If the Army does, in fact need all 120,000 guns, that means they’ll have to purchase more M240s to replace the worn-out examples of an almost 70-year-old design. Detractors of this plan ask why the Army would want to buy more old guns that they’ve already decided to replace.

Adoption of a new gun for the sustained fire role is likely a more cost effective solution in the long-term. If the Army desires to transition to 338 NM that has to happen because there’s no gun currently in the inventory to do it. If they don’t, one option is to pure fleet the XM250, with quick change barrels, replacing both M249 SAWs and M240 MGs. In many ways, it’s an easy button. This moves all belt-fed guns to one caliber and one platform across the formation, simplifying doctrine, employment, training and logistics. It also makes the entire force more lethal, and reliable, with new guns which will last longer than modified legacy guns. It’s also a faster option than starting a new program.

No matter the near-term path forward, a version of the XM250 with quick change barrel will inevitably enter Army service.

Posted in Advertiser, Army, AUSA, weapons | 15 Comments »

PWS Announces Support for the Hornady 338 ARC Rifle Cartridge

Thursday, October 17th, 2024

Primary Weapons Systems announces their collaboration with Hornady on the new 338 ARC rifle cartridge. PWS will support the collaboration with their adjustable long-stroke piston driven rifles and uppers, the UXR Multi-cal rifle and a 338 ARC compatible BDE suppressor.

“We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with Hornady on this exciting new caliber. The combination of BDE suppressors and the Long Stroke Piston System used in our rifles, creates an optimal scenario for shooting 338 ARC, given that it’s geared toward hard hitting subsonic performance. Together with Hornady, we’re not just launching a product; we’re setting new standards and redefining what’s possible in our industry.”

– Ben Fleming, President of Primary Weapons Systems

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