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Rheinmetall Supplies Light Artillery Cannon to U.S. Army – Contract Worth over Two Million US Dollars

Wednesday, May 25th, 2022

Rheinmetall makes a decisive contribution to the U.S. Army’s light artillery cannon project. Rheinmetall’s subsidiary American Rheinmetall Munition (Stafford, VA) has been awarded a $2.5M contract from the U.S. Army for the delivery of a shorter and lighter artillery weapon system in support of the National Defense Strategy.

A lightweight artillery cannon would enhance the mobility, maneuverability and lethality of Army artillery systems and provide the long-range firing performance capability the Army is seeking for its entire howitzer fleet. It will further inform the Army’s ongoing capability assessment for a next-generation armament.

COL Lance Green, the Military Deputy of the Combat Capabilities Development Command-Armament Center (DEVCOM AC) stated, “This DEVCOM AC project alongside numerous other active Science and Technology efforts could provide our warfighters a distinct advantage in this increasingly complex security environment.”

“We are proud to have the opportunity to support the Army in its efforts to develop next-generation long-range precision fires technologies and particularly to prototype what could be game-changing advanced, lightweight howitzer technologies,” said American Rheinmetall Munition CEO John Somich. “Rheinmetall is a global leader in artillery technologies including munitions, propellant and cannons and we will bring to bear our tremendous expertise, technology and full commitment to the Army in this effort.”

American Rheinmetall Munition is currently expanding its role as a major supplier of innovative, next-generation weapons and ammunition in the U.S., drawing on a global portfolio of world class munitions and armaments offered by Rheinmetall and its affiliates. The company has been producing and supplying high-performance practice and direct fire service ammunition for American military and law enforcement customers for several decades. This new prototype artillery solution contract represents another opportunity to demonstrate American Rheinmetall Munition’s commitment to serve as a vital partner to the Army and to deliver next-generation technology.

American Rheinmetall Munition is part of the American Rheinmetall family of U.S. defense companies which include American Rheinmetall Systems in Biddeford, ME, American Rheinmetall Vehicles in Sterling Heights, MI, and U.S. corporate parent American Rheinmetall Defense in Reston, VA.

www.rheinmetall.com/arm

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FN Unveils MultiCam FN SCAR Rifles at the 151st NRA Annual Meeting in Houston, Texas

Wednesday, May 25th, 2022

McLean, VA – May 25, 2022) FN America, LLC is set to unveil custom MultiCam® patterned FN SCAR® NRCH rifles at the 151st NRA Annual Meeting held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, May 26 – 29, 2022. The pattern, Crye Precision’s original MultiCam®, has been applied hydrographically to the receiver and trigger module frame of the SCAR 16S, 17S and 20S commercial SCAR variants.

The legendary FN SCAR® series, having roots in its battle-proven lineage, now features dual, non-reciprocating charging handles that enable users to shoot from any position or use any grip style. The benchmark of reliability and versatility with its three variants, the FN SCAR rifles are capable of consistent accuracy from their cold hammer-forged and chrome-lined barrels and one-piece forged aluminum receiver. They deliver precision fire with aid from their fully adjustable buttstock, low-flash gas regulator and fast-handling characteristics uncommon in similar rifle platforms.

The MultiCam® pattern is arguably one of the most popular camouflage patterns currently used by conventional and special operations forces worldwide. According to Crye Precision, the MultiCam® pattern was developed to effectively limit the visual and near-IR signature of a person operating across a very wide range of physical environments and seasons. After many successful evaluations, after being proven in combat, and after becoming the officially issued pattern of the U.S. Army for all Afghanistan operations in 2010, MultiCam® is the proven multi-environment concealment solution.

To learn more about the MultiCam SCARs or other FN SCAR rifles, please visit www.fnamerica.com or the FN Booth (2923) at the 151st NRA Annual Meeting.

Posted in Advertiser, Camo, NRA, Press Release, weapons | 4 Comments »

B&T USA Begins Shipping Integrally Suppressed SPC9 PDW SD Short-Barreled Rifle Systems

Tuesday, May 24th, 2022

Tampa, FL (May 24, 2022) – B&T USA is excited to announce it has begun shipping its all-new SPC9 PDW SD short-barreled rifle (SBR) configuration featuring an integrally suppressed, ported barrel system compatible with an included RBS (Reduced Backpressure System) suppressor.

“The SPC9 PDW SD is modern and unique in many ways, while at the same time providing familiarity” said Jon Scott Vice President of Sales, B&T USA. “This integrally suppressed model features a non-standard suppressor design that performs as advertised, while at the same time boasting a slim, ergonomic handguard with useable M-LOK compatible slots for mounting enablers.”

The PDW SD is the fifth model in the SPC9 line-up, joining a 4.5-inch barreled PDW, 9-inch Standard, integrally suppressed Standard SD and a 16-inch Carbine. Each are lightweight and reliable, well balanced and accurate, safe and modular — the SPC9 checks all the boxes and is one of the lightest recoiling 9mm carbines available, thanks to B&T’s innovative and effective hydraulic buffer system.

Some of the features found on the SPC9 are time proven while others are state-of-the-art and modern. One of the unique features of SPC9-series is that it is equipped with two different charging handle systems. One of these is the handle found on AR platforms, while the other is a non-reciprocating, foldable charging handle located above the barrel. This gives the user the choice to use whatever manual of arms that is preferred; both systems are ambidextrous.

Like many B&T SMG’s, the SPC9 accepts all APC9 PRO lower receiver groups, meaning it can be equipped to accommodate Glock magazines, SIG P320 magazines or proprietary B&T magazines, by simply switching the non-serialized lower receiver group.

www.bt-usa.com

Posted in Press Release, Suppressors, weapons | 1 Comment »

U.S. Marine Corps C-UAS Program Kicks off U.S. Production

Tuesday, May 24th, 2022

MADIS production moves to Kongsberg’s world-class RWS facility in Pennsylvania

JOHNSTOWN, Penn. – May 23, 2021 – Production of the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) Remote Weapon Station (RWS) has successfully moved from Kongsberg, Norway to Kongsberg Protech Systems USA in Johnstown, Penn. with the inaugural system completing assembly and testing in March. Additional systems are also being built for MADIS as part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Ground Based Air Defense (GBAD) modernization effort.

“Kongsberg’s Johnstown facility consistently yields remote weapon station manufacturing excellence, having produced more than 20,000 systems over the last 15 years. Our highly trained and skilled staff partnered with engineers and staff from Norway to successfully transition the production of all MADIS RWS to the Pennsylvania facility as part of our schedule and contract with the U.S. Marine Corps,” said Jason Toepfer, project manager, MADIS RWS, Kongsberg Protech Systems. “The successful build of this inaugural system exemplifies our rigorous processes, joining the 5 prototype and test assets we’ve produced for the Marine Corps in Norway. This also kicks off MADIS RWS production here in the U.S., a move that allows us to better support this customer and deliver this critical lethality enhancement.”

The KONGSBERG RS6 RWS for MADIS RWS includes the XM914E1 30mmx113mm percussion-primed cannon with a co-axial M240C (7.62mm) machine gun, an integration kit for the STINGER Air-To-Air Launcher (ATAL) and provisions for future C-UAS defeat systems. MADIS is part of the U.S. Marine Corps’ plan to upgrade their two active Low Altitude Air Defense (LAAD) battalions. The first 30mm remote weapon system to be qualified on the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle platform (JLTV), MADIS RWS mounts on JLTVs and fights as a complimentary pair, designated as Mk1 and Mk2. The MADIS Mk1 features STINGER missiles, and neutralizes fixed and rotary-wing aircraft. Mk2 fulfills the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) mission requirement, while also providing radar and command-and-control for the pair.

The U.S. Marine Corps awarded Kongsberg the indefinite delivery / indefinite quantity other transaction authority (OTA) production contract in Sept. 2021. It has a ceiling of $94 million and includes a series of Low-Rate Initial Production (LRIP) systems, full-rate production units, spares and training. This production contract award followed a Sept. 2020 OTA contract award from the USMC to KONGSBERG for test articles and activities, which included Design Verification Testing (DVT), after a competitive process.

The KONGSBERG RS6 RWS for MADIS leverages technology and competence drawn from multiple counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and air defense programs. The system leverages commonality with the family of PROTECTOR RWS delivered and fielded with the U.S. Army and Marine Corps.

Posted in Armor, Contracts, Press Release, USMC, weapons | Comments Off on U.S. Marine Corps C-UAS Program Kicks off U.S. Production

USSOCOM Publishes Intent to Purchase SIG Rattlers as Personal Defense Weapons

Monday, May 23rd, 2022

The United States Special Operations Command has published an intent to award a sole source IDIQ contract for Personal Defense Weapons to SIG SAUER.

The goal of the program is to provide Operators with maximum firepower in a concealable weapon and they have selected the Rattler, a compact version of SIG’s MCX after having conducted ongoing research and review of viable solutions since 2017.

According to the notice of intent, the IDIQ will provide complete PDW weapons (5.56mm and .300 Blackout caliber) that include suppressors (SIG SL series), cleaning kits, magazines, quick barrel change kits and force on force training kits. Furthermore, parts, sustainment, and New Equipment Training will also be part of this IDIQ.

In 2018 USSOCOM awarded SIG SAUER a contract for the Suppressed Upper Receiver Group program which is also based on the MCX. While the PDW contract will deliver complete weapons, SURG is a SOF unique specialized upper receiver which is attached to the M4A1 lower receiver.

After refinement of the design in conjunction with USSOCOM, SIG began delivering SURG last fall. In these images of SURG the version that won the contract includes a mesh cage around the suppressor but was delivered in the low-profile variant shown detached from the M4A1.

SIG CEO Ron Cohen recently shared in an interview the work they have accomplished to reduce the amount of toxic fumes shooters are exposed to while firing suppressed weapons. He explained that the M4 unsuppressed is 100 parts per million at the shooter while the Mk 18 exposes the shooter to four times the amount of an unsuppressed M4. SURG exposes the shooter to less than an unsuppressed M4.

There will be a short comment period for the Notice of Intent to award the sole source contract for PDWs. After that, the contract will be awarded.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, SOF, weapons | 21 Comments »

Lone Star Future Weapons Protests SIG SAUER’s Next Generation Squad Weapon Contract Award

Saturday, May 21st, 2022

Lon May 18, 2022 Lone Star Future Weapons filed a protest of SIG SAUER’s Next Generation Squad Weapon Contract award.

So far there are no details on the basis of the protest but it has caused an immediate stop work order on the program which has a very aggressive schedule.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, weapons | 19 Comments »

SOFIC 22 – USSOCOM Weapons Update

Friday, May 20th, 2022

There wasn’t a lot briefed this year as USSOCOM has decided to go quiet with industry, over concerns adversaries may determine and exploit their capability gaps. This strategy may prove challenging while trying to fill those gaps, particularly the more exquisite requirements.

The Program Executive Office Special Operations Warrior team only briefed a few immediate items of interest.

There are currently two open weapon competitions, the Mid Range Gas Gun and Light Medium Machine Gun and both address overmatch concerns.

The 6.5 Creedmoor MRGG consists of two variants, Assault and Sniper Support. We introduced the FN America candidates during last week’s Modern Day Marine coverage. This is essentially a do over of an earlier attempt at selecting a weapon.

I asked PEO SOF Warrior, COL Anh Ha if SOCOM planned to continue to invest in 6.5 CM considering the recent Army decision to adopt 6.8x51mm Common Case Ammunition. He responded that the command’s concern is overmatch and that the planned to proceed with 6.5 CM but would monitor the Army’s 6.8 efforts.

Although not briefed on slides SOCOM plans to move ahead with the Lightweight Assault Machine Gun program. However, I doubt will survive the budget axe once an Assessment Director takes a look at it. The XM250 will be a service common beltfed solution meaning MFP 2 funds pay for it rather than the MFP 11 SOF budget. If it is determined that it still must be chambered in 6.5 CM, the manufacturer has been demonstrating a barrel swap from 6.8 to 6.5. The only cost to SOCOM in that case would be the SOF unique barrel.

The LMG-M is a beltfed machine gun which fires a .338 Norma Mag cartridge offering the range of an M2 at less than the weight of an M240. Instead of area targets at that range, the gunner will be able to engage point targets with semi or full auto fire. Although there are multiple small arms updates across DoD, this program is the single most important capability on the horizon.

As far as ammunition goes they are constantly in a state of improvement of various small arms calibers, concentrating particularly on terminal effects. In FY24 they will begin to examine alternative case materials.

The Enhanced Close Quarters Sight (E-CQS) is a planned replacement for the SU-231A holographic weapons sight. This new capability will add a digital overlay which will port data from Android Team Awareness Kit and can be turned off when not needed.

Last, but not least, the proposed Day and Night Heads Up Display (DANHUD) will integrate with the ATAK and transition the operator’s focus from the End User Device to the battelspace around them, increasing situational awareness.

Posted in SOF, SOFIC, weapons | 10 Comments »

SOFIC 22 – SIG SAUER

Wednesday, May 18th, 2022

While SIG’s booth is dominated by their machine gun and rifle options on the heels of their US Army Next Generation Squad Weapons program win, they’ve got a few other gems off in the corners like this P320 concept which shows the modularity of the platform and the art of the possible for users of Modular Handgun System.

It’s configured as an XCarry model and outfitted with a flat trigger, flared magwell, FOXTROT2 weapon light, MODX-9 suppressor (Mk27), and ROMEO2 reflex sight.

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