SIG SAUER is represented in the UK by Edgar Brothers so despite the decreased amount of participation by American companies, they were still on hand at DSEi. Although their display was much smaller than what you’d normally see for such a major brand, there are some great unicorns in these photos.
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Colt, Colt Canada, and their new parent company CZ Group displayed a multitude of firearms at DSEi.
One of the weapons that caught my eye was the latest upgrade to the M4 Carbine, which Colt calls the M5. It features a completely redesigned lower receiver with full ambidextrous controls and a new upper receiver and rail design for increased rigidity, while retraining the ability to change rails, lost with a monolithic design.
Above you can see several variants.
The latest addition to the ambidextrous controls is a Bolt Catch at the right side of the Carbine which can be manipulated with fore finger or thumb.
The upper receiver has some upgrades as well. They’ve incorporated an anti-torsion lug to the upper, extending the front of the receiver. This facilitated a free float Barrel. Additionally, the Foreend is M-Lok compatible, with a Picatinny Mil Std 1913 Rail along the top.
The M5 Carbine is offered in 5.56 NATO, .300 BLK and 7.62 x 39. Barrel lengths vary depending on caliber. For instance, the 5.56 model is offered with 10.3″, 11.5″, 14.5″, 16.1″ and 20″ Barrels.
The M5 Carbine is also available in a Sub Compact Weapon configuration in 5.56mm with 10.3″ Barrel and .300 BLK with a 8.5″ and 10.5″ Barrel as well as a 9mm Sub Machine Gun with 9″ Barrel.
Beretta has just announced the M9A4 which is based on the design of the 92F/M9 series with new modern features that include a red-dot optic compatible slide, a beveled magazin e well, and texturized Vertec-style thin grips.
www.beretta.com/en-us/m9a4-full-size
The Aimlock RS1 is a weapon stabilization system which can be mounted to UAS like this Alta Drone. It will accept weapons up into the .30 range and the mechanism mitigates recoil as well as facilitating aiming and remote firing. They also offer an autonomous fire control solution.
The RS1 is a miniaturized version of the RM1 seen below which will accept crew-served weapons like the M240 but all the way up to the new .338 NM guns. It can be mounted on small vehicles like the MRZR or used on a tripod in overwatch.
Aimlock systems are available in the UK from Edgar Brothers PMD.
Spectra Group, the specialist provider of secure voice, data and satellite communications systems, has received an order for their SlingShot satellite communications system from an undisclosed European ministry of defence. The order is for specialist use by troops currently deployed on remote operations globally. This announcement coincides with DSEI taking place in London 14-17 September where Spectra Group will be exhibiting on stand H6-107.
Spectra Group’s SlingShot system is unique in that it can be integrated with in-service UHF and VHF tactical communications radios to extend the range from 30km to 1000(+) km on the move, in all conditions. By integrating SlingShot and Inmarsat’s L-TAC satellite service with in-service radios, the deployed troops have immediately gained communications capability that would otherwise not be available. In addition to Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) voice, SlingShot includes a data capability supporting critical applications such as situational awareness tools; GPS tracking; reporting and other data messaging without the requirement for ground-based line-of-sight rebroadcasting infrastructure. Enabling an extension of the in-service radios with the robust SlingShot system also means that troops do not need to carry both VHF radios (for line-of-sight) and UHF TACSAT radios (for strategic rear link). With SlingShot, a single radio can carry-out both functions. Finally, the small omni-directional antennas utilised with SlingShot provide manpack, land, sea and air platforms, with real-time Comms on the Move (COTM) rather than Comms on the Pause, as experienced with traditional TACSAT systems.
In March 2021, the British Armed Forces announced that they had equipped regular Army units with Spectra Group’s SlingShot system, as they deploy on Operations and Exercises, to enable tactical satellite communications across the area of operations. At the time, Major General Jonathan Cole, Director of Information and CIO of the British Army, said: “SlingShot is a fantastic addition to our communications inventory, delivering vital capability to deployed troops. Of particular note is the fact that the training burden is minimal as the system is effectively a ‘bolt-on’ to our current BOWMAN radios. SlingShot is a game-changer in allowing our troops to operate at reach without the additional requirement to deploy more troops to provide rebroadcast capability when operating at Battle Group level and below. I am delighted to be working with Spectra on the fielding of such an important capability”.
Simon Davies, CEO of Spectra Group, said: “We are very pleased to receive yet another order from a European specialist user group. We have seen SlingShot become a battle-winning capability used by Special Forces across the globe, but we’re delighted to see our SlingShot system now being procured for use on operations by this new customer for the first time”. He added: “The beauty of SlingShot is that it can be “plugged into” any in-service tactical radio system. Numerous Armed Forces, including the British Army, are leading the way with this kind of approach to the integration of SlingShot but we’re now seeing other global forces, including the USA, adopt a similar strategy to meet every Beyond Line Of Sight communications scenario”.
Arnold Defense, the St. Louis based manufacturer of 2.75-inch rocket launchers, is announcing the launch of a capability development program for their unique FLETCHER Land Based, Laser Guided Rocket Launcher that aims to deliver a future ‘next generation’ suite of systems. The FLETCHER precision guided 2.75-inch/70mm weapon system was first unveiled in 2017 at DSEi in London and a number of major orders were announced in October 2020. This announcement coincides with DSEi 2021 that is taking place 14-17 September. At the show, Arnold Defense FLETCHER launchers can be seen displayed on the Level Peaks Associates (H4-648) and ISTEC (H2-702) stands.
Following the receipt of some direct operational feedback from current users of the FLETCHER system, Arnold Defense is launching this capability development program to investigate the potential to take the next generation of FLETCHER systems in a number of key directions. Specifically, the program will include the development, integration and testing of optical pointing, for use when laser designation is not an option and digital fire control systems to increase the operability, functionality and operational capability. As well, the program includes the development of a system to enable multiple “clustered” launcher configurations and notably, man-pack portable units for use by dismounted troops. Once developed and successfully tested, this will allow FLETCHER to be used by small teams working on foot giving the dismounted user the ability to accurately engage targets from the ground at a range of over 5km. Running concurrently with this future development program, Arnold Defense are already working on some other revolutionary development projects for FLETCHER including a boat-mounted marine variant and further development of their 23-round MLHS ground-based system, first unveiled at DSEi in 2019.
With FLETCHER, Arnold Defense has made a bold departure from the traditional concept of use for 2.75-inch rocket systems; that of an area suppression weapon delivered by aviation assets. Arnold’s innovative approach to FLETCHER using advanced rocket-guidance technology to utilize ground-based launch platforms, meets the demands of modern, vehicle-mounted and dismounted asymmetric warfare.
FLETCHER’s unique design allows for ease of operation, maintenance and sustainment. It employs an existing suite of guidance modules, rockets and warheads, already used in well-known programs and readily available to global forces. As a result, the FLETCHER system is ‘rocket agnostic’ allowing the user to fire their existing in-service 2.75-inch rockets of choice with rockets from both BAe and Thales having been tested and certified for use.
Doug Wallace, President at Arnold Defense said, “We’ve listened very carefully to the feedback we’ve received from the operational use of the first generation FLETCHER system and we’re now developing a suite of possible future solutions to improve the operational capability and flexibility.” He added, “Arnold Defense is committed to protecting the warfighter. FLETCHER has generated huge interest globally with its unique capability to deliver organic, long-range precision firepower to even the smallest unsupported tactical element. What we’re now developing will add even more to the firepower toolset on offer to the users.”
Israel, 07 September, 2021. IWI – Israel Weapon Industries – a member of the SK GROUP (founded by Mr. Samy Katsav), and a worldwide leader in the production of combat-proven small arms for governments, armies, and law enforcement agencies around the world is proud by the additional procurement of the Micro-TAVOR assault rifle by the IDF, to be in service by infantry units.
The decision was made as part of the IDF’s complete annual plan, taking under consideration significant parameters such as adaption to the forces’ missions in the modern battlefield, compliance between acting duty forces and reserve and more.
Designed for militaries, law Enforcement agencies, and special forces, the Micro-TAVOR (X95) was developed in close cooperation with elite units of the IDF, and was tailored to their specific requirements. Incorporating advanced technology enabling the conversion between calibers within minutes, special ops can use the same weapon platform for a wide array of scenarios, for mission success.
With an outstanding effective range of more than 500 meters, the Micro-TAVOR was created to deal with modern terror threats, as well as urban and open area combat – all in one mission. Exceptionally reliable in even the harshest weather conditions, the Micro-TAVOR complies with the most stringent NATO standards for small arms, including environmental standards. Combat-proven by many police and armed forces around the world, it is the standard Israel Defense Forces (IDF) rifle.
According to Ronen Hamudot, Exe. VP Marketing and sales: ” The TAVOR family has been in use by various units of the IDF for the past 15 years. This announcement by the IDF for further procurement is yet another evidence for the TAVOR’s high performance and reliability in the field”.
The Micro-TAVOR is a designed by users’ platform. IWI’s engineers are still serving as reserve in the IDF, hence like all IWI’s products, the Micro-TAVOR was designed and developed according to their own experience in the field. We are very proud of this ongoing long-term cooperation with the IDF, and the Micro-TAVOR being once again the weapon of choice.
Hamudot adds, “IWI works closely with its worldwide customer base, providing solutions that are designed to meet their specific needs.” He goes on to say, “The Micro-TAVOR is one of the most popular weapons of its category in the world – a success based on its exceptional effectiveness and reliability. We continue to develop a range of new configurations and applications in order to ensure its effectiveness in the widest possible range of situations and field requirements.”
For the IDF’s formal statement go here.
