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US Army Grants NGSW Novation from General Dynamics-OTS, Inc to LoneStar Future Weapons

Wednesday, September 1st, 2021

Something that has flown under the radar is that the US Army has granted a novation from Next Generation Squad Weapons contender General Dynamics-OTS, makers of the Bullpup configuration guns, to Lone Star Future Weapons.

For those of you unfamiliar with the term, Novation means to transfer or substitute a new contract in place of an old one.

Upon request, I received the following statement regarding the action from Program Manager Soldier Lethality, Program Executive Office Soldier, which manages Product Manager Next Generation Weapons (PdM NGW).

“On 30 June 2021, Agreement W15QKN1991024, one of three Agreements supporting the Next Generation Squad Weapons Program for weapons and ammunition prototyping, was novated from: General Dynamics-OTS, Inc. to Lone Star Future Weapons (sic).”

An April press release form LoneStar and partner True Velocity announced a strategic partnership to leverage the two companies’ substantial expertise in R&D, precision manufacturing, quality control and production efficiency.

This is a significant event in the NGSW program. It means General Dynamics-OTS, Inc is out as the prime, along with production partner Beretta USA, and LoneStar Future Weapons along with ammunition partner True Velocity, is in. However, General Dynamics-OTS remains in an advisory role according to LTC Mark Owens (USA, Ret) who currently serves as the Chief Strategy Officer for True Velocity and Project Director at LoneStar Future Weapons whom I spoke with about the novation.

Owens said, “We are extremely excited to pursue the upcoming NGSW RFP. While General Dynamics has novated the contract to us, we will continue to work with their team to combine the best elements of a large company like GD, with the innovation and agility of Lone Star Future Weapons and True Velocity.”

Owens expanded on the significance of what they are doing, “Making something that has never existed before requires a lot of “different”. Different materials, different manufacturing processes, different weapon and ammunition geometries as well as different business relationships and constructs. Maintaining the status quo cannot provide our warfighters with compact, “fightable” weapon systems capable of defeating current and Next Generation threats. We are not different for the sake of being new. We are different in order to adapt to the rapidly changing battlefields of the future. Every piece of our weapon system componentry and ammunition combines the best of traditional technologies from battlefield proven systems with the most lethal, robust, compact and lightweight solutions available for a new, different, enhanced level of lethality.”

One of the big things for the team is that True Velocity has recently introduced commercial production of their composite ammunition in .308 WIN.

Hoping to see additional calibers in the future I asked Owens what might be in the wings and he mentioned a civilian 6.8 round for hunting. I explained that like most shooters, I don’t have any firearms which fire that caliber. He told me not to worry, that LoneStar would be introducing those as well to complement the ammo saying, “We also look forward to a commercial release of the 6.8 Rifle and ammunition for sporting purposes.” He went on to mention that they are working with industry partners to introduce firearms chambered for their 6.8 cartridge.

In addition to access to the NGSW firearm intellectual property, LoneStar is also moving forward with the GD-OTS Lightweight Medium Machine Gun design in 338 Norma Mag and is perusing the USSOCOM opportunity currently underway with SOFWERX. Owens concluded our discussion with, “In addition to the contract, IP for the NGSW R, AR, as well as for the .338 NM MG have conferred. We believe that these weapons will have an important place in both our Army and allied arsenals of the future.”

There’s a lot going on and it sounds like the NGSW novation is just the beginning for LoneStar Future Weapons and partner True Velocity.

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, PEO-Soldier, weapons | Comments Off on US Army Grants NGSW Novation from General Dynamics-OTS, Inc to LoneStar Future Weapons

116th IBCT Trains on New Squad Designated Marksman Rifle

Monday, August 30th, 2021

FORT PICKETT, Va. – Virginia and Kentucky Army National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team trained on and fielded new M110A1 squad designated marksman rifles July 12-15 at Fort Pickett.

The new weapon is a 7.62 mm rifle, which gives Soldiers greater range and accuracy than the standard M4 rifle. It makes use of an advanced targeting system and sound suppression and fills a distance gap between the M4 and larger-caliber sniper rifles.

Those advantages make infantry Soldiers more lethal and allow them to engage the enemy at a greater distance, according to 1st. Lt. Matthew Arnold, the Virginia Army National Guard’s New Equipment Training / New Equipment Fielding state coordinator.

“The M110A1 SDMR allows our Soldiers to be able to reach targets out to 800 meters and beyond, depending on the Soldier’s skill level,” said Arnold. “This basically allows the standard infantry squad to have more standoff between them and their target as well as increased time and space for maneuver as a result.”

Thirty Soldiers assigned to the Lynchburg-based 1st Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, the Winchester-based 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, the Portsmouth-based 2nd Battalion, 183rd Cavalry Regiment, the Fredericksburg-based 229th Brigade Engineer Battalion and the Kentucky National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, participated in the training and fielding.

The event started with time in the classroom with civilian instructors from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command, Materiel Fielding and Training Directorate, Soldier Lethality Team, learning the nuances and mechanics of the new weapon. From there, Soldiers took to the range to zero the rifles before firing at targets up to 800 meters away, taking turns behind the trigger and shot-spotting. Command Sgt. Maj. Ronald Smith, the VNG command sergeant major, and Sgt. Maj. Latane I. Gilliam, the 116th IBCT operations sergeant major, observed the live-fire range and took turns behind the new rifle.

Arnold said in the past, the higher-caliber and increased-range rifles were primarily used as weapons for snipers.

“The main point is that this weapon, which was previously used as a sniper rifle, is now going to be in widespread use across our formation and the ways we use it will change depending on the situation,” said Arnold.

The M110A1 fielding was the most recent in a series of small arms fieldings across Virginia Army National Guard’s formations the past several months to bring its Soldiers up to speed with their active-duty Army counterparts. Other fieldings included the M3E1 Multi-purpose Anti-armor Anti-personnel Weapon System, a recoilless rifle that is replacing the AT-4, as well as the M17 pistol, replacing the M9, and the M320A1 grenade launcher, which replaces the M203.

Those small arms fielding highlights the important role the NET/NEF facility plays in improving the Virginia Army National Guard’s warfighting capabilities.

“It’s important to keep our Soldiers up to date with the latest weaponry because it can and will change how they fight,” said Arnold. “NET/NEF is the process that keeps us on par with the active component.”

By Mike Vrabel, Virginia National Guard

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Training, weapons | 1 Comment »

Matador Arms Announces the Montgo-9 Monolithic Blowback 9mm Upper Receiver

Thursday, August 26th, 2021

Matador Arms has announced the Montgo-9: a monolithic blowback-operated billet 9mm upper receiver that does not require an AR15 type buffer and buffer tube. Instead, it uses a blowback system with an internal buffer reminiscent of the AR18 (q.v.).

Manufactured in the USA, the Montgo-9 is compatible with any AR-15 and/or AR-9 lower, providing shooters with endless build possibilities while being compact and versatile.

The current version of the Montgo-9 is the “K” version, featuring a 5.5” barrel threaded to 1/2×28”. The back cap shows that no buffer is required, allowing for many compact options. In addition, the non-reciprocating charging handle is reversible. The Montgo-9 has a total length integral Picatinny rail on top and a 3.5” bottom accessory rail.

The Montgo-9 upper receiver is made of aluminum, and the bolt and trunnion are 4140 steel for durability. Weight is 3.5lbs with an OAL of 12.125” and a 1.47” width.

The Montgo-9 adds to Matador’s 9mm product offering. Matador recently announced their AR-9 80% billet lower receivers, the first run of which is shipping mid-September. Matador already manufactures the Mag-X, a mag block adapter enabling the use of P320, Glock, M&P, and CZ-75 pistol mags in their AR-15 lowers.

Matador’s Sidewinder is a folding buffer tube adapter that will fold up anything with AR buffer tubes threads WITHOUT a moving buffer inside. And, the adjustable Regulator muzzle brake comes in 9mm, which could top off the Montgo-9 perfectly. That’ll make for a nice little “hideaway” PCC, unless you’re using a drum mag or larger styles of extendo.

The Montgo-9 was scheduled to be on display at this year’s NRA show in Houston at booth #4809…now, not so much.

The MSRP of the Montgo-9 is (as of this writing) $549.99.

Shipping of the Montgo-9 is projected for Q4 of this year. To learn more about the Montgo-9, visit www.matadorarms.com for information.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | 4 Comments »

Army to Field Laser-Equipped Stryker Prototypes in FY 2022

Thursday, August 26th, 2021

WASHINGTON — The Army recently conducted a successful evaluation of a new directed-energy capability, moving the service one step closer to fielding a platoon of four laser-equipped Stryker combat vehicle prototypes next fiscal year, program leads said Wednesday.

The Directed Energy Maneuver-Short Range Air Defense system, or DE M-SHORAD, is a 50kW-class laser designed to protect divisions and brigade combat teams against unmanned aircraft systems, rotary and fixed-wing threats, rockets, artillery, and mortars, said Marcia Holmes, the deputy director of hypersonics, directed energy, space and rapid acquisition.

“Our goal is to deliver prototypes that Soldiers can use as the mission requires and that the Army can leverage as a baseline for a program of record,” Holmes said. “A Soldier-centered design is a key part to reduce risk and to ensure an operationally effective weapon system.”

A strong partnership between the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office and science and technology industry leaders led to the development and implementation of the first prototype in 24 months, Holmes said.

The addition of the DE M-SHORAD and other directed-energy capabilities like the Indirect Fire Protection Capability-High Energy Laser, or IFPC-HEL, and IFPC-High Power Microwave are all designed to complement the Army’s kinetic air defense capabilities, said Craig Robin, deputy director of the RCCTO’s directed energy project office.

The unique design of the DE M-SHORAD leverages the Stryker’s gas-powered engine to energize its batteries, cooling system, and laser. The self-contained system has enough electricity to address multiple threats at a time before needing a period to recharge, he said.

“There are places where directed energy can provide a significant advantage,” he added. “All the bullets are built into the system, so the logistics associated with moving a platform and supplying it requires just gas and parts.”

Robin added that directed-energy systems are also more cost-effective from a life cycle perspective, making them a strategic tool to take out low-cost threats like an UAS to save the Army’s kinetic capabilities.

The Army plans to demonstrate the DE M-SHORAD capabilities during Project Convergence 21, where it will participate in a joint and coalition exercise later this year, said Col. Scott McLeod, the program’s manager.

“[PC 21] will be a big opportunity for us to show how we can integrate with our systems and demonstrate the capability against other threats,” McLeod said.

In July, the prototype proved its abilities during a combat shoot-off at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. During the event, Soldiers faced several realistic scenarios intended to refine future DE M-SHORAD characteristics, as program leads collected extensive data and user feedback to refine the system, McLeod said.

In addition to Project Convergence 21, the DE M-SHORAD development team will make minor adjustments to improve the device’s performance in the coming months, followed by several internal system verifications, he added.

“We are delivering a brand new capability -– it is not a modification or an upgrade. It is unlike any other system the Army has fielded to date,” McLeod said. “This event was a major step in the prototyping process and an informative waypoint as we move forward with building and delivering a prototype platoon in [fiscal year 2022].”

By Devon L. Suits, Army News Service

Posted in Army, Guest Post, weapons | Comments Off on Army to Field Laser-Equipped Stryker Prototypes in FY 2022

SIG Launches Custom Works P365 Fire Control Unit & Configurator

Tuesday, August 24th, 2021

America’s Most Popular Micro-Compact Pistol is Now Also the Most Customizable

The P365 Custom Works Fire Control Unit (FCU) brings an unprecedented level of customizability and personalization to the micro-compact carry platform. From grip modules, magazines, custom slides, barrels, optics, and accessories, you can configure you P365 in thousands of different ways to personally customize your pistol to your specific carry needs using the all new P365 FCU Studio.

Launch the Custom Works P365 Configurator here.

Press release:

NEWINGTON, N.H., (August 24, 2021) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce the SIG SAUER Custom Works P365 Fire Control Unit is now shipping to select SIG Master and Elite Dealers, and the SIG Custom Works P365 Studio is now live at sigsauer.com. The standalone P365 Fire Control Unit (FCU) brings an entirely new level of customization and personalization to the world’s most popular micro-compact, everyday carry pistol with the ability to build a completely custom P365 using the exclusive SIG Custom Works P365 Studio at sigsauer.com.

“The P365 pistol was groundbreaking because it brought an unprecedented,10+1, 12+1 or 15+1 capacity to a micro-compact everyday carry pistol. The revolutionary design and innovation of the P365 took the market by storm to become the world’s most popular, everyday carry pistol,” began Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, SIG SAUER, Inc. “Now with the introduction of the P365 Fire Control Unit we have brought an entirely new level of customization and personalization to the P365 platform – America’s most popular micro-compact pistol, is now also the most customizable.”

The SIG SAUER P65 Custom Works Fire Control Unit (FCU) is a patented, serialized fire control unit (only available at select retail stores) that features a titanium nitride coating, a titanium nitride flat trigger, a custom FCU Serial Number (FC####) and is compatible with all 9mm P365 accessories.

“In conjunction with the availability of the P365 FCU in retail stores, we have also launched the SIG Custom Works P365 Studio online at sigsauer.com. From grip modules to optics, and everything else you could possibly need to configure your P365 in thousands of different ways, the studio has it all right at your fingertips,” continued Taylor. “This level, and ease, of customization was first introduced through the popular P320 Custom Works Studio, and based on the overwhelming popularity, and quite honestly the demand, to incorporate your personality to your pistol, we are bringing the capabilities of the SIG Custom Works Studio to the P365.”

The SIG Custom Works Studio gives the consumer a unique online experience to build a P320 or P365 pistol from the ground up by choosing a grip module, slide, barrel, guide rod and springs, optics, accessories or have complete CAL-X Kits (P320 only) with the virtual configurator. All parts available within the Custom Works Studio are available for purchase direct from sigsauer.com.

“It’s quite fitting that for the pistol known for defining the micro-compact market, SIG has found yet another way to bring an entirely new level of innovation, through complete customization, to the P365 platform,” concluded Taylor.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on SIG Launches Custom Works P365 Fire Control Unit & Configurator

Marine Corps Successfully Demonstrates Nmesis During LSE 21

Tuesday, August 24th, 2021

KAUAI, Hawaii —

The Navy/Marine Corps Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System successfully hit its target in support of Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, during Large Scale Exercise 21 Aug. 15, 2021. The exercise showcased the U.S. maritime forces’ ability to deliver lethal, integrated all-domain naval power.

LSE 21 was a live, virtual and constructive scenario-driven, globally-integrated exercise with activities spanning 17 time zones. LSE 21 applied and assessed developmental warfighting concepts that will define how the future Navy and Marine Corps compete, respond to crises, fight and win in conflict.

The Marine Corps’ NMESIS will provide the Marine Littoral Regiment with ground based anti-ship capability to facilitate sea denial and control while persisting within the enemy’s weapons engagement-zone, and LSE 21 provided a venue for the program team to validate some of those concepts.

“This scenario is representative of the real-world challenges and missions the Navy and Marine Corps will be facing together in the future,” said Brig. Gen. A.J. Pasagian, commander of Marine Corps Systems Command. “This exercise also provided an opportunity for us to work alongside our service partners to refine Force Design 2030 modernization concepts.”

SINKEX, the exercise scenario involving NMESIS, provided a testing environment for new and developing technologies to connect, locate, identify, target and destroy adversary threats in all domains, culminating in the live-fire demonstration of the naval strike missile against a sea-based target. During the exercise, forward-deployed forces on expeditionary advanced bases detected and, after joint command and control collaboration with other U.S. forces, responded to a ship-based adversary. Simultaneous impacts from multiple, dispersed weapons systems and platforms across different U.S. services—including NMESIS—engaged the threat.

NMESIS integrates established, proven sub-systems, such as the Joint Lightweight Tactical Vehicle Chassis, the Naval Strike Missile and the Fire Control System used by the Navy for NSM.

“From an acquisition perspective, NMESIS started a little over two years ago,” said Joe McPherson, long range fires program manager at MCSC. “We’ve been able to rapidly move [on developing and fielding this system] because we’re leveraging existing NSM and JLTV subsystems.”

Because NMESIS is not yet a fielded capability, engineers from MCSC managed the fire control piece of the system during the exercise. Marines, however, were able to practice maneuvering the system and validating the system’s interoperability with their Naval and Air Force partners.

“This week was very successful,” said McPherson. “In addition to the two live fire shots that hit the target, we also successfully deployed the system aboard the Marine Corps’ primary transport systems, the C130 and LCAC.”

Though not associated with its program development, the NMESIS transportability and mobility demonstration serves an important role in developing tactics, techniques and procedures related to this critical capability, said McPherson.

MCSC is developing and fielding new anti-surface warfare weapons capabilities, including NMESIS, on pace to support Force Design 2030 objectives. These new capabilities contribute to the Fleet’s ability to achieve sea control, sea denial and defense against adversary amphibious force missions.

“This exercise gave us an opportunity to not only measure, but also validate the concepts for [the Marine Corps’] anti-ship capability, which is one of the most important avenues of the Commandant’s Force Design 2030,” said Lieutenant Col. Ryan Collins, combat integration office for artillery and fires at Marine Corps Combat Development Directorate, Combat Development and Integration. “I think the successful launches of the missile will help us clarify the path forward as we move to fulfill the Commandant’s 2030 vision, and giving the Marine Corps a transformative anti-ship capability.”

Exercises such as LSE 21 increase maritime interoperability and the ability to project American power at home and around the world.

Kelly Flynn, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication

Posted in Guest Post, USMC, weapons | Comments Off on Marine Corps Successfully Demonstrates Nmesis During LSE 21

Adams Arms Debuts New AA19 Handgun

Monday, August 23rd, 2021

BROOKSVILLE, FL – August 23, 2021 – Adams Arms, industry leading pioneers of piston-driven AR platform firearms, announced the AA19, a performance-driven compact 9mm Luger handgun. The AA19 combines Adams Arms years of experience with handgun barrel and slide innovations with its mission of elevating firearm reliability and performance.

“Adams Arms is known for its slides and barrels for custom handguns, and now we’ve brought all of our expertise into one complete pistol,” Steve Green, Adams Arms Vice President of Sales and Marketing said. “Our customers have been asking for an Adams Arms handgun for years, and now it is ready. The new AA19 incorporates design elements that refine its ergonomics and performance. Every detail on the new AA19 adds upgrades that maximize its potential for both EDC and competition.”

Specifications:

• Enhanced front and rear cocking serrations

• Double undercut trigger guard

• Vickers Tactical Carry Trigger

• Ameriglo Defoor EDC sights

• Profiled and lightened slide

• Threaded 1:16” twist barrel

• Aggressive grip texturing

• 1913 Picatinny rail

• Billet extractor

• OAL 7.6”

• Weight 1.26 lbs.

The AA19 comes with two Magpul G19 magazines, a hardcase, and cable lock. The slide is cut for optics, and plates are plates available in all popular footprints, including the Trijicon RMR, Leupold Deltapoint, Shield RMS, Burris Fastfire 3, Vortex Venom/Viper, Vortex Razon, C-More STS. The gun is made in the USA and is backed by Adams Arms’ lifetime warranty.

The AA19 will be available through Adams Arms’ network of dealers. For dealer locations, please visit adamsarms.net/dealers. MSRP is $999. For more information on the new AA19, visit www.adamsarms.net.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Adams Arms Debuts New AA19 Handgun

CSASS Goes To War

Sunday, August 22nd, 2021

Paratroopers of the 82nd Airborne Division’s Immediate Response Force prepare personnel and equipment for a deployment to the U. S. Central Command Area of Operations. The Immediate Response Force is charged with remaining ready to answer the Nation’s call to deploy to anywhere in the world at a moments notice.

Posted in Army, Guest Post, PEO-Soldier, weapons | 4 Comments »