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The Time Is Now For Next Generation Squad Weapons

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2022

Over four years ago, then Army Chief of Staff GEN Mark Milley told Congress that the US Army needed a new family of squad weapons which would provide overmatch for their small arms. The resulting program, Next Generation Squad Weapons is ready to deliver on that requirement. Base on events earlier this week in Ukraine, this program must move forward, with all speed.

Any day now, the US Army may announce the winner to provide replacements for up to 120,000 of the M4 carbines and M249 Squad automatic weapons currently wielded by close combat forces. The Marine Corps is monitoring the program to consider making similar changes. This program doesn’t just concern weapons, but also the ammunition a Soldier fires. The Army specified a performance spec based around a government provided 6.8mm projectile which is similar to 270 WSM.

The contest is now down to two very different candidates. One is a low risk option; SIG SAUER’s weapons consist of a rifle and belt-fed machine gun which fire a hybrid-cased cartridge. Alternatively, True Velocity’s option* is a bullpup design with box-fed rifle and automatic rifle firing a composite-cased cartridge.

Both SIG and TV are ready to move forward, having announced commercial variants of both their ammunition and weapons. At this point, we are approaching COTS.

It’s time to stop the delays and announce the winner. The Army has already selected a Fire Control solution from Vortex Optics as well as let a contract to Winchester which operates the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant and will produce whichever type of 6.8mm cartridge is selected. The pieces are falling into place.

Procured using an Other Transaction Agreement, there is a lot of flexibility on how this moves forward, but it must. At this point, the ball is truly in the Army’s court. Even after the award, there’s still a lot work to be done but the sooner it begins the better. Not only does moving forward with this program get us on the way to achieving small arms overmatch, but it sends a serious message to Russia that US forces are equipping themselves with weapons to defeat their ground forces in combat, regardless of their personal armor. This may give Russia pause in their stated goal to restore the former republics of the USSR to Russian control. It will assuredly weigh on the psyche of their troops. Either is a psychological win.

*The US Army novated General Dynmanics’ NGSW OTA to Lone Star Future Weapons which is owned by True Velocity in June.

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo, Army, weapons | 60 Comments »

Mobility and Firepower: Rheinmetall Presents the Lynx 120 Mechanized Fire Support Vehicle

Monday, February 21st, 2022

Rheinmetall has just unveiled the latest addition to the company’s Lynx next-generation combat vehicle family. The Düsseldorf-based technology group has now developed a mechanized fire support variant of the Lynx KF41 IFV. Called the Lynx 120, this unique platform merges a tried-and-tested turret concept and the proven 120mm smoothbore cannon with the Lynx KF 41 chassis. The new mechanized fire support variant of the Lynx offers the user outstanding fire support and anti-tank capabilities.

Thanks to a well-balanced blend of lethality, protection, mobility and survivability, the Lynx 120 is the perfect additional battlefield asset for Lynx platform users. Featuring off-the-shelf components, meticulous engineering reduces the vehicle’s weight, while customizable protection packages round out the package. The vehicle architecture has been simplified and provides an open ‘plug-and-play’ capability for future upgrades, while complying with, and adapting to, NATO standards.

Because armed forces have to cope with future challenges such as high-tech combat systems at a time when conventional solutions and concepts have reached the limits of their performance, the Lynx 120 is designed to deliver maximum lethality and firepower on tracks paired with the latest defence technologies to keep adversaries at bay.

Utilizing the Lynx KF 41 modular chassis and a scalable large-calibre turret concept, the Lynx 120 is a high-performance solution, harbouring vast growth potential and an assured overmatch capability. Just a couple of weeks ago, Rheinmetall Defence Australia unveiled a combat support vehicle (CSV) variant of the Lynx: now there is the fire support version as well.

The basic idea behind the Lynx 120 design concept is to provide a combat system that offers maximum operational performance in combination with logistic advantages within a reasonable timeframe at a realistic cost.

The vehicle’s main armament is a Rheinmetall 120mm smoothbore gun, derived from the main armament of the Leopard 2. It can fire state-of-the-art DM11 programmable high-explosive (HE) projectiles. Its secondary armament includes a coaxial machine gun. Moreover, the commander’s independent weapon station will feature an additional .50 cal. machine gun.

A 360° camera system with automatic target detection and tracking reduces the crew’s workload in all operational scenarios.

Special protection modules enable a mission-specific response to ballistic threats, improvised explosive devices, explosively formed penetrators and artillery fire, and can be quickly mounted with limited tools. Moreover, the Lynx 120 can be readily equipped with the proven, already fielded Rheinmetall Active Defence System, or ADS, to defeat rocket-propelled grenades and antitank missiles. Additional armour packages and active protection systems can be provided on request.

Various nations are interested in acquiring the Lynx as a next-generation replacement for their aging inventories. The platform is currently a strong contender in Australian and Slovak IFV modernization plans and is competing for the USA’s Optionally Manned Fighting Vehicle (OMFV) programme. Hungary became the launch customer in 2021. Going beyond strictly military aspects such as increased interoperability and capability upgrades, major localization elements form an integral part of these procurement plans, aimed at boosting local industry and creating jobs.

Posted in Advertiser, Mobility, Press Release, weapons | 1 Comment »

Saab Awarded Indian Contract for AT4 Support Weapon

Monday, February 7th, 2022

Saab’s AT4 weapon has been selected by the Indian Armed Forces through a competitive programme for a single-shot weapon. AT4 will be used by the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

The Indian Armed Forces are a new customer for AT4. This order includes the AT4CS AST, which can be fired from confined spaces such as from inside buildings, bunkers and other urban environments. The AT4CS AST offers a tandem warhead with a breach or blast mode, which is optimised to defeat enemies within buildings and to destroy structures, which can create a point of access into them.

The contract was signed by FFV Ordnance AB, responsible for Saab’s Ground Combat offer in India.

“We are honoured that the Indian Armed Forces, which are already users of our Carl-Gustaf system, have also selected Saab for their single-shot weapon need. The Indian Army and Indian Air Force can be confident in the knowledge that they have the necessary firepower to give them the advantage,” says Görgen Johansson, Head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

AT4 is one of the most popular and successful support weapon families on the market. Operated by a single soldier, this single-shot system has proven efficacy against structures, landing craft, helicopters, armoured vehicles and personnel. Its 84 mm calibre warhead offers enhanced power and performance.

www.saab.com

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True Velocity To Launch The Genesis Rifle

Monday, February 7th, 2022

True Velocity has announced their new bullpup, “The Genesis” which is the commercial version of their US Army Next Generation Squad Weapon candidate rifle in 6.8 TVCM.

To reserve your place in line sign up with your email. There will be limited production so act quickly. You will be receiving more information soon regarding the commercial version of the Next Generation platform “The Genesis”.

www.tvammo.com

Posted in weapons | 13 Comments »

The Skyranger 30 HEL – Rheinmetall’s Hybrid Solution for Threat-Commensurate, Modern Mobile Air Defence

Friday, February 4th, 2022

Laser on board: The Skyranger 30 HEL is a hybrid solution designed to thwart the full range of future airborne threats. Here, the interplay of a 30mm automatic cannon, guided missiles, and a high-energy laser (HEL) results in a mix of effectors unique in this combination. Teamed with a matching sensor mix, the Skyranger 30 HEL can monitor airspace autonomously, while simultaneously selecting the optimum effector in response to emerging threats. The Skyranger 30 HEL can protect mobile units on the march or critical stationary infrastructure and facilities from aerial threats. No matter what the initial situation, an appropriate response is always readily available, assuring adherence to legal requirements and the avoidance of collateral damage.

Thanks to its longstanding experience in the field of ground-based air defence and adherence to a clear technical road map for a future laser weapon system, Rhein¬metall is able to integrate mechanically and systemically a full range of advanced capabilities into a wheeled or tracked mobile platforms such as the Boxer multipurpose wheeled armoured vehicle* or the tracked Lynx KF41 armoured vehicle. Thanks to the highly flexible Skymaster fire control system and state-of-the-art sensors, the effectors achieve maximum tactical impact.

Rheinmetall’s HEL effectors consist of a laser source and laser guidance system, both of which are integrated into the vehicle, along with a laser weapon station built into the turret that simultaneously serves as a platform for the electro-optical sensors. The laser weapon station tracks targets automatically, neutralizing them with a laser beam. Thus, the Skyranger 30 HEL is capable of effectively defending assigned airspace with three different effectors – an automatic cannon, guided missiles, and a high-energy laser – with the appropriate level of intensity.

Featuring a rate of fire of 1,200 rounds per minute, the 30mmx173 KCE revolver gun is the world’s top-performing weapon in this calibre. Programmable time-delay ammunition enhances the probability of hitting even the smallest aerial targets. The Skyranger 30 HEL’s guided missiles increase the system’s operational flexibility and maximum range.

In live trials, current technology sample systems for laser weapon systems have successfully achieved laser outputs of 20kW. The ability to increase this figure to 100kW is already an integral feature of this technology. The laser weapon station used here has its own sensors for identifying and tracking targets. Subassemblies coordinated by Rheinmetall to interoperate harmoniously produce the outstanding beam quality of Rheinmetall laser sources even at high-output levels, meaning that they can be directed at the target with high precision. The carrier platform’s sophisticated mechanical design assures 100% coverage of assigned airspace. Laser outputs of up 20-50 kW are planned for the first realization phase.

Late last year, the Skyranger HEL was presented in public for the first time at a counter-drone event held by the Swiss procurement agency armasuisse in Bure, Switzerland, sparking great interest from the experts present at the event.

*Produced in cooperation with industrial partners

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US Army Awards FN America LLC Contract for M240L Machine Guns

Thursday, February 3rd, 2022

The Department of Defense recently announced the following contract award:

FN America LLC, Columbia, South Carolina, was awarded a $49,973,579 firm-fixed-price contract for M240L medium machine guns and titanium receivers. 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 Jan. 27, 2027. U.S. Army Contracting Command, Newark, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-22-D-0010).

Developed in 2011, the M240L sheds five pounds from the standard model thanks to a Titanium receiver and polymer trigger frame. Additionally, it is equipped with a 4? shorter barrel and a redesigned collapsible buttstock assembly. The M240L variant is equipped with the forward-mounted MIL-STD 1913 rail kit.

Posted in Army, Contracts, weapons | 7 Comments »

Kalashnikov-USA Introduced New Rifles and Calibers at SHOT Show 2022 Including A 5.56mm KR-101

Friday, January 28th, 2022

Pompano Beach, Florida January 28, 2022: Kalashnikov-USA (KUSA), the premier manufacturer of AK-pattern firearms in the United States, introduced an expanded line of rifle caliber AKs during the 2022 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show held in Las Vegas January 18-21. The new models include a 7.62x39mm KR-104 short barreled rifle (SBR)* featuring a 12.25” hammer forged, chrome-lined barrel and a folding stock. A pistol version, the KP-104 is being introduced at the same time as the SBR. This reduced length version of the KR-103 weighs just over 7 pounds and is only 22.3” when folded (or in pistol form) thus offering users a very compact firearm. Using standard 124 grain FMJ ammunition, the KR-104 will produce muzzle velocities of approximately 2,200 feet per second (FPS) as compared to 2,350 FPS with the standard 16.3” barreled KR-103.

Kalashnikov-USA also introduced a 5.56mm NATO caliber rifle, based on the AK-101 platform, to be called the KR-101. The rifle features a side-folding stock, 16.5” barrel and uses the popular Bulgarian-style 5.56mm mags commonly found in the marketplace. KUSA will also produce their own steel reinforced magazine for the new firearm. A 12” barreled pistol version, dubbed the KP-102, is also being launched in the same time frame: late spring/early summer 2022.

“Kalashnikov-USA is listening to our customers and we’re expanding our product line to give Americans the variety of AK firearms they seek— all while maintaining our strong focus on quality and fidelity to the original Russian designs” said David Garretson, VP of Marketing at Kalashnikov-USA. “In addition to the 7.62x39mm KR-104/KP-104 and the 5.56x45mm KR-101/KP-102 we are looking to produce 5.45x39mm semi-auto firearms, the KR-74M rifle and KP-105 pistol, later this year” he added.

Kalashnikov-USA has grown enormously in recent years as more American shooters discover the incredible reliability offered by Mikhail Kalashnikov’s iconic long-stroke gas piston design. The company’s product line includes rifles, pistols and 12 gauge shotguns. KUSA offers both civilian-legal variants for US consumers and several select-fire versions for bona fide Military and Law Enforcement agencies. Exports are available to qualified buyers in accordance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) as administered by the U.S. State Department. Additional information can be obtained by visiting the company’s website at www.kalashnikov-usa.com.

*Short barreled rifles (SBRs) are regulated by the National Firearms Act (NFA) and require additional paperwork and the payment of a $200 transfer tax by individuals acquiring them Interested purchasers should consult with a Federal Firearms Dealer holding a Class 3 Special Occupational Tax designation (i.e. “Class 3 Dealer”) in order to purchase a short-barreled rifle. Note that some states and municipalities prohibit SBRs.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | 4 Comments »

FN Announces Safety Bulletin for the FN 502 Tactical

Thursday, January 27th, 2022

(McLean, VA – January 27, 2022) FN America, LLC announces a safety bulletin for the FN 502 Tactical .22LR pistol. The company has become aware that a very limited number of FN 502 Tactical pistols in the field may have an improperly installed manual safety. In these cases, the external safety lever will not function as designed and may result in unintended firing. To ensure the pistol’s safe operation, FN is asking owners of the FN 502 Tactical to suspend use of their pistol and perform a function check to verify the manual safety is operating correctly, following the function check guide located here.

For more information, please see the FN 502 Tactical safety bulletin at fnamerica.com/customer-support/fn-502-safety-bulletin/. For assistance in returning a firearm, please contact FN Support at customerservice@fnamerica.com or call 1-800-635-1321, ext. 145, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.

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