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Successful Live-Fire Demo in Sweden of Rheinmetall Mission Master SP and Thales 70mm Guided Rockets

Friday, April 22nd, 2022

Rheinmetall’s Mission Master Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle has once again proved its versatile capabilities in a demonstration conducted for six European allies. The Rheinmetall Mission Master SP used laser-guided FZ275 rockets from Thales in a live-fire exercise. The demonstration took place at the Trängslet base of the Swedish procurement agency Försvarets Materielverk (FMV) near Älvdalen. Delegations from Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and Poland were present. The Rheinmetall Mission Master SP is part of the Autonomous Unmanned Ground Vehicle (A-UGV) family developed by Rheinmetall Canada.

The Rheinmetall Mission Master SP – Fire Support was equipped with a Rheinmetall Fieldranger Multi remotely controlled weapon station armed with two seven-tube 70mm rocket launchers from Thales Belgium, an important partner of Rheinmetall. For the demonstration, the A-UGV fired Thales FZ275 70mm laser-guided rockets (LGRs) at a 4×4 vehicle located 4 km away from the firing point. The FZ275 LGR is the lightest and longest range 70mm/2.75-inch LGR in its class, delivering metric precision and accuracy, hence providing unfailing fire support to armed forces.

The demonstration marked the culmination of the successful qualification process for the Fieldranger Multi equipped with the Thales 70mm rocket launcher. Previously limited to aircraft, these area saturation and precise strike applications can engage stationary and mobile targets at ranges of up to 7 km with minimal collateral damage. They are now qualified for use with the Mission Master A-UGV. Moreover, this new configuration is now ready to be integrated into other types of platforms and armoured vehicles.

This only represents one of many possible configurations for the Mission Master SP – Fire Support. Featuring a fully modular architecture, this A-UGV can also be equipped with other weapon systems: 12.7mm calibre machine guns, a Dillon Aero M134D gun, or 40mm grenade launchers.

The demonstration at Trängslet was performed using a secure, customized, remotely controlled tablet operating in a fully digitized scenario. Firing was controlled using Rheinmetall command and control software. Rheinmetall and Thales both stressed the critical importance of the human-in-the-loop configuration, meaning that the operator has complete control of the weapon system from target acquisition to final fire authorization.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, weapons | 3 Comments »

DoD Announces Next Generation Squad Weapon Award to SIG SAUER

Friday, April 22nd, 2022

The Department of Defense has posted this announcement:

Sig Sauer Inc., Newington, New Hampshire, was awarded a $4,500,000,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the manufacture and delivery of the XM5 Next Generation Squad Weapon Rifle, the XM250 NGSW Automatic Rifle and the 6.8 Common Cartridge Family of Ammunition, as well as accessories, spares and contractor support. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of April 18, 2032. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-22-D-0008). (Awarded April 19, 2022)

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, Contracts, weapons | 10 Comments »

A-10 Integrates Small-Diameter Bombs

Friday, April 22nd, 2022

Maj Eric Hickernell from the 40th Flight Test Squadron flies an A-10C Thunderbolt II with Small-Diameter Bombs during a test near Eglin Air Force Base, Fla, Feb 9, 2022. The 96th Test Wing executes developmental tests of the A-10C, and improves its capability of carrying precision guided munitions and unguided munitions. (U.S. Air Force Photo by Tech. Sgt. John Raven)

Here we can see 16 Small Diameter Bombs on this A-10. As part of the A-10 Common Fleet Initiative this test integrating the BRU-61/A bomb rack transitions pylons from single weapon capacity to carrying four SDBs per position. The GPS guided, 250 lbs SDB can be released as far as 50 miles from its target. This gives the A-10 the stand off it needs to avoid many air defense systems and remain relevant well into the 2030s.

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, weapons | 3 Comments »

Air Force Fields New Rifle to Airmen

Thursday, April 21st, 2022

ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFNS) —

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center’s Small Arms Program Office is in the final phase of delivering the Squad Designated Marksmanship Rifle, or SDMR, to units across the Air Force.

The Air Force purchased approximately 1,464 SDMRs that will be distributed across the service based on approved allowances.

The SDMR is a semi-automatic, 7.62x51mm caliber rifle designed by Heckler & Koch for missions requiring combat over-watch with precision-fire capability to accurately engage targets up to 600 meters.

The SDMR was fielded to Air Force units this year. It is a multi-role asset, set to meet multiple missions taking place around the world.

It will replace legacy M24 Sniper Weapon Systems for security forces defenders performing base defense operations in-garrison and in contingency support.

The SDMR is lighter weight in comparison to other 7.62 platforms and will also replace the M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper Systems rifle for pararescuemen and Guardian Angels, saving them 5 pounds in gear while out on missions.

Finally, the SDMR’s precision-fire capability will be wielded by Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal technicians to eliminate small munitions in their standoff munition disruption activities.

“We’re excited to field this incredible weapon system,” said Matthew Hamer, Small Arms Program Office lead. “Being able to field one solution that can effectively achieve multiple missions epitomizes Air Force acquisition strategies and shows Airmen ability to adapt to any situation.”

Story by Brian Brackens, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Public Affairs

Photos by Shaun Ferguson

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post, weapons | 10 Comments »

U.S. Army Selects SIG SAUER Next Generation Squad Weapons System

Wednesday, April 20th, 2022

NEWINGTON, N.H., (April 20, 2022) – SIG SAUER is honored to be awarded the Next Generation Squad Weapons System (NGSW) Contract by the U.S. Army after a rigorous 27-month testing and evaluation process.

“The U.S. Army is taking a bold step toward command of the 21st century battlefield and SIG SAUER is immensely proud to be the selected provider for this historic revolution in infantry weapons. The fielding of the SIG SAUER Next Generation Squad Weapons System will forever change the dynamic of military engagement for America’s warfighters with American innovation and manufacturing,” began Ron Cohen, President and CEO SIG SAUER, Inc.

The SIG FURY Hybrid Ammunition (6.8 Common Cartridge), SIG-LMG (XM250), SIG MCX-SPEAR Rifle (XM5) and SIG SLX Suppressors meaningfully advance soldier weapons technology to meet the emerging requirements of the U.S. Army.

The SIG 6.8×51 FURY Hybrid Ammunition uses a patented lightweight metallic case designed to handle pressures higher than conventional ammunition, resulting in dramatically increased velocity and on-target energy in lighter weapons.

The SIG-LMG lightweight belt-fed machine gun and SIG MCX-SPEAR Rifle are purpose-built to harness the energy of the SIG FURY 6.8 Common Cartridge Ammunition enabling greater range and increased lethality while reducing the soldier’s load on the battlefield. Both the SIG-LMG and MCX-SPEAR deliver significant weapon and technology advancements to the soldier and provide a solution for battlefield overmatch in comparison to the current M249 and M4/M4A1.

The U.S. Army’s procurement of the NGSW System marks the beginning of an era where combat weapons are coupled with a suppressor as standard issue equipment. The SIG SLX Suppressors are designed to reduce harmful gas backflow, sound signature and flash. SIG SLX Suppressors feature a patented quick detach design for easy install and removal.

“We commend U.S. Army leadership for having the vision to undertake this historic procurement process to deliver a transformational weapon system to our warfighters. This award is the culmination of a successful collaboration between SIG SAUER and the U.S. Army, and we look forward to the continuing partnership,” concluded Cohen.

SIG SAUER is a company that is driven by innovation and we are proud to offer the advancements of the NGSW System in the SIG 277 FURY Hybrid Ammunition (the commercial variant of the SIG 6.8×51 FURY Ammunition round), SIG MCX-SPEAR Rifle, and the SIG SLX Series of Suppressors available to the consumer. For more information about these products visit sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, Contracts, Press Release, weapons | 27 Comments »

Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro 16”

Wednesday, April 20th, 2022

The Daniel Defense Delta 5 Pro promises to be a .5 MOA gun out-of-the-box, featuring a varmint profile 16″ barrel with 1:10 twist. It is topped off with an Area 419 Hellfire Muzzle Brake but the barrel features 5/8 x 24 TPI threads. The barrel is also user swappable thanks to their proprietary barrel nut.

The chassis incorporates a Picatinny Scope Base (20 MOA / 5.8 MRAD of elevation with four #10-32 bolts) along with M-LOK slots for enablers and an integral ARCA LOCK continuous rail along the bottom. The bridge is compatible with an extended pic rail.

The stainless steel action is mechanically bedded and includes an integral recoil lug, while the trigger is an adjustable single-stage Timney Elite Hunter with two-position safety.

The adjustable buttstock offers length of pull and butt pad height adjustments without the need for tools. Additionally, the adjustable cheek riser can be set for preferred height, yaw and drift. The chassis also has a thumbrest which can be configured for right or left hand shooting.

Finally, it is fed by the 10 round Magpul PMAG 7.62 AC magazine.

There are three Cerakote color variations: Black, Coyote and OD. Daniel Defense also introduced an 18″ version of the Delta 5 Pro. Available in .308, 6.5 Creedmoor, and 6 Creedmoor, Daniel Defense has also announced their intent to offer a Delta 5 model chambered for the 6.8 TVC round developed by True Velocity for the Next Generation Squad Weapon program.

danieldefense.com

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US Army Selects SIG SAUER for Next Generation Squad Weapons Program

Tuesday, April 19th, 2022

The US Army has just announced that it has selected SIG SAUER under an Other Transaction Agreement to provide their SPEAR and Lightweight Machine Gun as the new XM5 Rifle and XM250 Automatic Rifle. Both fire a hybrid cased cartridge in 6.8 x 51mm which features a steel head and brass case firing a government provided projectile. This cartridge offers similar performance to .270 Win Short Mag. The 6.8 Common Cartridge Family of Ammunition will be manufactured by Winchester at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant.

The Army selected the SIG SPEAR which is a large frame version of the MCX Carbine used by US and foreign SOF and features selective fire and ambidextrous controls. The new beltfed machine gun is lighter than the currently issued SAW and has a lower recoil impulse than the M4 Carbine. It’s a joy to shoot. Additionally, the system includes suppressors for both weapons. Rumor has it the contract ceiling has room to buy over 500,000 rifles and almost 80,000 beltfed machine guns over a 10-year period.

The Army has also put out feelers to industry, seeking manufacturers for conversion kits for the existing 7.62 NATO M240 beltfed Machine Gun to 6.8mm.

The road to the selection of a NGSW system was started about five years ago with a short lived quest for an Interim Combat Service Rifle in 7.62 NATO which quickly morphed into the search for 6.8mm weapons to replace the 5.56 NATO M4 Carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon in close combat formations which include Infantry, Cav Scout, and Engineer squads.

Both USSOCOM and US Marine Corps are monitoring the program. It will be interesting to see how this affects SOCOM’s 6.5 Creedmoor-based initiatives. As for the Marine Corps, word is that they would only transition away from their H&K produced 416 rifles, named the M27 if it were to a bullpup platform.

An OTA for a Fire Control System to enable NGSW was awarded to Vortex Optics in January.

The other system under consideration by the Army for NGSW was from True Velocity which proposed a polymer cased ammunition and bullpup Rifle and Automatic Rifles. This would have been a shoe-in for the Marines if those rumors I mentioned earlier are true.

Between the two options many in industry considered SIG a lower risk and the “Easy Button” as the ammunition technology is very straight forward and can be manufactured using existing machinery. Additionally, the weapons will seem quite familiar to service members who currently use the M4 and M249 due to similar controls and ergonomics. Finally, SIG has undertaken several successful military contracts for ammunition, optics, and weapons, including the Modular Handgun System.

The Army now faces the arduous task of putting this new ammunition and weapons through developmental and operational testing and determining how their increased range and lethality will affect employment of the close combat squad. Expect some teething pains, but also look forward to the opportunities that come with a new weapon and cartridge.

SIG also plans to offer their ammunition (.277 SIG FURY), Rifle and suppressor commercially.

To wrap things up, I’ll just say that this article from earlier today didn’t age well. A lot of people thought the Army would cancel this program. They didn’t, and they are moving ahead with it. If you’re one of them, its time to go through the stages of grief and make it to acceptance. This is happening.

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, Army, Contracts, weapons | 48 Comments »

B&T USA Introduces 16-Inch SPC9 Carbine

Wednesday, April 13th, 2022

Tampa, FL (April 13th, 2022) – B&T USA is excited to introduce its 16-inch barreled model of its all-new SPC9-series. Born from a European tender requesting a 9mm carbine with the same handling characteristics and ergonomics as the AR platform; the all-new SPC9 incorporates many of the features found on the B&T APC9, MP5 and AR platforms combined into one, very versatile platform. 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 in part to B&T’s innovative and effective hydraulic buffer system.

“The new 16-inch barreled SPC9 is a PCC competitors dream — the carbine is incredibly flat shooting, handles like a race car and has minimal recoil thanks to B&T’s effective hydraulic buffer system” said Jon Scott, Vice President of Sales, B&T USA. “We expect the SPC9 16-inch to dominate both at home and on the competitive field, thanks to an ideal formula of features. Those in search of a premium home defense solution would be well served by this very lightweight, well balanced and incredibly easy to shoot well platform — flatteringly so. Most importantly the SPC9 has a proven record of reliability, produced by a company who has built its reputation on being dependable in the most austere conditions imaginable.”

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.

For more information on B&T USA, visit: www.bt-usa.com

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