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Archive for the ‘weapons’ Category

Bundeswehr Orders Upgrade of 143 Puma Infantry Fighting Vehicles

Wednesday, April 19th, 2023

Germany’s Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has awarded Projekt System & Management GmbH (PSM), a joint venture of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) and Rheinmetall, an order to retrofit a further 143 Puma infantry fighting vehicles. In doing so, the German government is exercising two options contained in the contract for retrofitting original Puma infantry fighting vehicles to the new S1 design status. This contract was signed in June 2021. 

The order volume is in the region of €770 million. By 2029, the key capabilities of firepower and command and control of all 143 Puma systems will be brought up to date. Exercising these options assures that every Puma in the Bundeswehr inventory will conform to the uniform S1 design status. Among other things, the retrofit includes integration of high-resolution day- and night-capable camera systems, the MELLS multirole-capable lightweight guided missile system, and digital radio equipment.

Army Integrated Air and Missile Defense System Achieves Full Rate Production

Tuesday, April 18th, 2023

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The Integrated Fires Mission Command Project Office, under Program Executive Office Missiles and Space, announced that the Army’s Integrated Battle Command System received a successful full rate production Defense Acquisition Board decision on April 10.

This major milestone for the Integrated Battle Command System, or IBCS, follows completion of initial operational test and evaluation, which concluded in October 2022.

“IBCS is the Army’s top air and missile defense modernization effort and the only Army acquisition category 1D program with the Defense Acquisition Executive, Dr. William LaPlante, as the milestone decision authority,” said Col. Chris Hill, project manager of the Integrated Fires Mission Command Project Office in Huntsville. “Navigating a successful [full rate production Defense Acquisition Board decision] is truly a monumental accomplishment for the collective team. Our Soldiers’ and civilians’ dedication, expertise and collaboration with industry and the stakeholder community has paved the way for a more effective and coordinated capability against complex air and missile threats that will serve our Army and joint force for decades to come.”

IBCS executed a diverse range of rigorous testing on its path to achieving FRP. Testing and evaluation proved the system’s capability to integrate a variety of sensors and effectors to work together under an integrated command and control system. IBCS is a key component of the Army’s broader modernization efforts and provides transformational air and missile defense capabilities.

“The Army is proving it can and will succeed with its modernization plans as we continue to build momentum for the future,” said Brig. Gen. Frank Lozano, Program Executive Officer, Missiles and Space. “The sensor and effector integration this program brings to air and missile defense will ensure that our warfighters are best equipped to provide air defense against enemy threats. The success of this program is a testament to the incredible talent and capability of the Soldiers, civilians and industry partners whose work ensures the safety and security of our nation.”

Story by Nathaniel Pierce

Norway Orders State-of-the-art Leopard 2 A7 Tanks: Rheinmetall Supplying Main Armament, Fire Control Technology and Sensors

Sunday, April 16th, 2023

Rheinmetall AG has won an important order in connection with a significant NATO main battle tank project. On 17 February 2023 the Norwegian procurement agency NDMA contracted with Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) to supply the Norwegian armed forces with 54 of the latest version of Leopard 2 main battle tank, the A7 NOR. An option exists for a further 18 tanks. 
In its capacity as subcontractor to KMW, the Düsseldorf-based tech enterprise Rheinmetall has been tasked with supplying key components. Among other things, these include the tank’s 120mm L55A1main armament, fire control technology and parts of the sensor suite. 


For Rheinmetall, the total value of the order comes to €129 million. If Norway exercises the option to procure additional Leopard 2 tanks, the order will be worth an additional €44 million. 
The tank guns, fire control technology and sensors for the Leopard 2 will be delivered to KMW during a period of approximately four years. 

After completion and commissioning of the tanks at KMW, the vehicles will be transferred to the Norwegian procurement agency NDMA.  
The order underscores Rheinmetall’s unsurpassed expertise in the development and production of key components for fighting vehicles. As a subcontractor of KMW, Rheinmetall has already taken part in the delivery of Leopard 2 A5, A6 und A7 main battle tanks prior to the Norwegian 2 NOR programme.

Indy 23 – New Rifles from Dillon Rifle Company

Saturday, April 15th, 2023

Dillon Rifle is exhibiting two new upcoming rifles. Chambered in .308, these as-yet-unnamed rifles feature Lilja barrels and Timney trigger and accept AI pattern drop mags.

The only difference between the two is the stock. The top example incorporates an MDT ESS chassis and the bottom has the from Grayboe Phoenix 2 which is a hybrid hunting and tactical stock.

Coming soon.

Indy 23 – Beretta PMXs

Friday, April 14th, 2023

The Beretta PMXs is a semi-auto version of the PMX subgun offered internationally to military and police forces. A polymer design, it operates via direct blow-back and features ambidextrous controlled and a threaded barrel.

They’ve even done up a version in a Tigerstripe pattern to match the limited edition A300 Ultimate Patrol Shotgun.

SIG SAUER Expands LEGION Series with P320-AXG LEGION

Thursday, April 13th, 2023

NEWINGTON, N.H., (April 13, 2023) – SIG SAUER is pleased to announce the latest addition to the SIG SAUER LEGION Series of pistols with the introduction of the P320-AXG LEGION featuring a new two-port slide and Aluminum X-SERIES Grip (AXG) module that, combined, delivers a 30% felt recoil reduction and an ultra-premium shooting experience.

“Since its inception, the LEGION line of products has represented the pinnacle of performance and engineering, and the P320-AXG LEGION is no exception,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc.  “Featuring the strength and weight of the all-metal AXG grip module and the patent-pending slide-integrated expansion chamber, the P320-AXG LEGION delivers on significant recoil reduction for a shooting experience like no other pistol in its class.”

The SIG SAUER P320-AXG LEGION is an all-metal, 9mm striker-fired pistol with patent-pending integrated porting on an optics-ready slide and a full-size AXG grip module in custom LEGION gray Cerakote™ with black LEGION embossed G10 grip panels. The pistol features a skeletonized flat trigger, XRAY3 Day/Night sights, removable magazine well, precision machined deep undercut, enhanced serrations, and an extended beavertail for an ergonomic, comfortable fit.  The pistol comes optic-ready and optimized for use with SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO1Pro and ROMEO2, and SIG SAUER LEGION ammunition. The P320-AXG Legion ships with (3) 21-round steel magazines or (3) 10-round magazines for compliant states.

The LEGION Series pistols are an exclusive product line developed by SIG SAUER based on input from elite shooting professionals and designed to exceed the expectations of the serious shooter.  The SIG SAUER LEGION is an exclusive members-only access program available to owners of the SIG SAUER LEGION Series of firearms. Upon registration of any LEGION Series firearm, members receive a complimentary case, a challenge coin matched to the firearm, exclusive access to LEGION gear and merchandise, and receive exclusive communications from SIG SAUER and the LEGION.

P320-AXG LEGION:

Overall length: 8.2 inches
Overall height: 5.5 inches
Overall width: 1.6 inches
Barrel length: 3.9 inches
Sight Radius: 5.9 inches
Weight (w/magazine): 36.1 oz.

The SIG SAUER P320-AXG LEGION is now shipping and available at retailers. To learn more about the SIG SAUER P320-AXG LEGION, or watch the product video with Phil Strader, Director of Product Management, visit sigsauer.com.

Redefining Concealed Carry with the All-New FN Reflex

Tuesday, April 11th, 2023

Introducing the FN Reflex Micro Compact 9mm Pistol
(McLean, VA – April 11, 2023) FN America, LLC redefines the micro compact pistol segment with the release of the FN Reflex™ and Reflex MRD 9mm pistols, giving concealed carriers the ability to respond instinctively with speed and control. The FN Reflex sets a new standard in the world of everyday carry with its light and crisp 5-pound single-action-only (SAO) trigger, optics-ready capabilities and cold hammer-forged barrel for enduring accuracy.

The FN Reflex is a slim, one-inch micro compact that puts 27 rounds at the ready with the included 11-round and 15-round magazines. With its advanced ergonomics and stippled frame texture, concealed carriers have unmatched control over recoil in an extremely small pistol. A revolutionary fire control group with an internal hammer produces the best trigger feel in a micro compact pistol. Paired with the cold hammer-forged barrel and factory-milled slide for an MRD, the FN Reflex produces match-grade accuracy from a micro compact pistol that is incredibly easy to shoot and conceal. The pistols are available in both standard and MRD (micro red dot) configurations as well as both black and flat dark earth (FDE) finishes.

“Innovation is at the core of FN’s product development efforts. We aspire to push beyond the status quo to deliver products that provide meaningful improvement over the existing landscape, and we feel we’ve accomplished this with the FN Reflex,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “Our customers now have a firearm they can trust to perform when seconds count, that is backed by a quality promise rooted in our battle-tested heritage.”

To meet the needs of this growing market segment, the FN Reflex features an internal hammer design that delivers an impressive, best-in-class trigger in terms of overall feel and pull weight. Upon handling, customers will immediately notice that the trigger has a consistent take-up to the wall with a crisp break at approximately 5 pounds. Aside from the incredibly smooth trigger, the internal hammer design also allows for reduced slide racking force and the ability to disassemble the pistol without pulling the trigger that make the FN Reflex easy to manipulate and safe to maintain. Lastly, multiple redundant safeties within the fire control make the FN Reflex an extremely safe and reliable concealed carry pistol.

“The concealed carry 9mm pistol category is the fastest growing pistol segment in our industry because more and more people are taking their personal protection seriously. But their choices have been limited to a few options, until now,” said Chris Cole, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FN America, LLC. “With the release of the FN Reflex and Reflex MRD, consumers have a new choice that embraces future-forward concealed carry technology. It is the first micro compact handgun to solve the tradeoffs for accuracy, deep concealment and max capacity, which consumers have often compromised on in the past. We’re confident this new pistol has set a new standard for everyday carry.”

The FN Reflex is capable of achieving match-grade accuracy from its a 3.3-inch cold hammer-forged barrel, which is housed within a 6.2-inch slide that has front and rear cocking serrations for easy slide racking and press checks. Both models are configured with three-dot iron sights with a tritium front night sight that aids in low light sight acquisition. Micro red dot (MRD) models have a factory-milled slide to direct mount a micro red dot in a few minutes. The optics mount features a top plate that is removed to install a micro red dot and includes mounting screws. The optic mounting system is compatible with the Shield RMSc, Holosun K-series and is capable of accepting more than six micro red dot optics with similar footprints. Configured with the smallest optics, the FN Reflex MRD is extremely low profile, making deep concealment even easier with reduced snag points under cover garments.

“What sets Reflex apart results from FN’s approach to development,” said John Ryan, Director of Product Management for FN America, LLC. “Our team studied the impacts of user interface and ergonomics on the overall shooting experience as an important part of this project. The result is a slim 1-inch-wide micro compact pistol that fits comfortably in the hand, with an easy to rack slide, and excellent trigger. The use of multi-faceted texturing anchors the gun to your hand during fire. And the overall low bore axis of Reflex further reduces felt recoil making this incredibly small pistol easy to conceal, control and shoot accurately.”

The FN Reflex boasts impressive ergonomics from its slim, 1-inch-wide grip frame and controls that have been optimized for everyday carry like the oversized slide lock and low-profile, reversible magazine release. With a grip angle and profile that have been specifically designed to deliver a natural point of aim, enabling faster sight acquisition and match-grade accuracy. The pistol’s frame also features an aggressive in-mold stippled texture in the palm swell that locks the pistol into the hand along with vertical scale-like texturing on the front and back straps that prevent the pistol from rocking back and forth under recoil. Contributing to the controllability of the FN Reflex is the extremely low bore axis that works together with the grip profile, angle and texturing to make the reflex an incredibly controllable micro compact pistol that is enjoyable to shoot, train with and carry.

 “Aside from delivering a micro compact pistol with optimized dimensions for concealed carry and advanced ergonomics for control and shootability, our team chose to develop a best-in-class trigger with a clean, 5-pound crisp break. And the FN Reflex’s trigger is exceptionally good for the category with its smooth take-up and roughly 5-pound break,” said Chris Johnson, Senior Pistol Product Manager for FN America, LLC. “All in, we’ve delivered a 9mm micro compact pistol purpose-built for the concealed carry buyer with impressive ergonomics, extended capacity, a great trigger and with optics capabilities that is easy to control and shoot well. We’re extremely proud of what we have developed with the FN Reflex.”

The Reflex ships with two magazines included in the box, giving the user an onboard capacity of 26 rounds plus one in the chamber when all magazines are fully loaded. The 11-round magazine is outfitted with a pinky extension that enables most users to get a full hand grip on the frame, providing just enough space for the pinky finger to rest comfortably. The 15-round extended magazine features a grip sleeve with the same aggressive in-mold stippled texture and extends approximately one inch from the bottom of the frame, allowing for a fuller grip and more recoil control when fired. All FN Reflex pistols also ship with one flush-fit baseplate should consumers wish to swap out the pinky extension of the 11-round magazine for an even lower profile that reduces the likelihood of printing under cover garments.

Along with the release of the pistols, FN has developed and launched an ambidextrous inside-the-waistband holster for the FN Reflex and FN Reflex MRD. With a thin profile for IWB concealment, the injection-molded holster provides complete retention and immediate access. Adjustable for retention, belt clip cant and left-or-right-hand use, this new holster matches the versatility of the FN Reflex in a design customized for concealment. The IWB Reflex holster is available for purchase through the FN eStore and other authorized retailers.

See the FN Reflex and Reflex MRD at the FN Booth (Booth 5450) at the 152nd NRA Annual Meetings. The convention, hosted at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, will take place April 14-16, 2023. To learn more about the FN Reflex and Reflex MRD, please visit fnamerica.com/reflex.

Army Moving Forward with Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) Program

Wednesday, March 15th, 2023

The Army is continuing its rigorous testing and evaluation of small arms systems to meet their requirements and deliver increased lethality to the Soldier. Last April, the Army awarded a contract to Sig Sauer to produce the NGSW Rifle, Automatic Rifle and a 6.8mm family of ammunition to replace the M4A1 Carbine, M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and 5.56mm family of ammunition within the Close Combat Force.  Since that time, PEO Soldier, JPEO Armaments & Ammunition, Product Manager (PdM) Next Generation Weapons, PdM Small Caliber Ammunition, Soldier Lethality – Cross Functional Team, Sig Sauer, and the collective Army enterprise have worked feverishly to get this new capability ready to field to the Army.

During the competition to award the contract, the team conducted over 100 technical tests, fired over 1.5 million rounds of 6.8mm ammunition and executed over 20,000 hours of Soldier testing across three different vendor weapon systems.  The team continued this pace by conducting a Soldier Touch Point last fall with a squad of National Guard Soldiers and a squad from the 75th Ranger Regiment.

“The Soldier Touch Point allowed the program and Sig Sauer the opportunity to solicit direct Soldier feedback on the systems post-contract award and inform simple design changes to improve the weapons before going into Production Qualification Test and Operational Tests in the coming year,” said Capt. Tyler Morgan Assistant Product Manager, NGSW

A Soldier with the 75th Ranger Regiment said on the XM7, “Absolutely would take this weapon to combat in a heartbeat. It is light, functions very well, has an awesome load system, and is easy to handle and engage targets with.”

The next step in the NGSW program will be Production Qualification Testing (PQT), May-July 2023. PM Soldier Lethality is preparing to accept delivery of two dozen XM7 Rifles and XM250 Automatic Rifles in preparation for testing. Once these deliveries are received, the Aberdeen Test Center (ATC) will conduct 31 tests including weapons reliability, immersion, cook-off, flash and blank fire performance. The ATC will also test environmental conditions like extreme hot and cold, sand, dust, salt fog and mud.

Following PQT, the Army will conduct an operational test focused on setting the conditions for the First Unit Equipped scheduled in the second quarter of FY24.  Future operational testing is planned for FY24 to assess natural environments and airborne qualifications.

-PEO Soldier, Public Affairs