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Archive for the ‘weapons’ Category

The Special Relationship Between the Israeli Special Forces & Barrett Firearms

Monday, July 12th, 2021

Over the past decade the Israeli Special Forces (SF) and Barrett Firearms have developed a special relationship leading to early adoption of Barrett models as well as the introduction of unique variants.

Barrett weapons first entered service in Israel in the early 1990’s when the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) SF procured few M82A1 samples for remote EOD work. Few years later in the mid-1990’s the weapon was mass issued to both regular and special units as an anti-material weapon. A decade later in 2008, the IDF adopted the H-S Precision Pro Series 2000 0.338LM as its first standard large caliber sniping platform, and most M82A1 was taken out of service.


IDF sniping platforms on display. Left – a Barrett M82A1, right – an H-S Precision Pro Series 2000 HTR (photo: IDF).

In the early 2010’s, YAMAM, Israel’s Tier 1 domestic counter terrorism and hostage rescue unit, was seeking a standard multi-caliber platform to replace a wide variety of sniping rifles used at the time, including PGM 7.62mm and 0.338LM rifles. With European manufactures’ continuous reluctance to provide small arms and subsequent parts support to Israel due to political reasons, the preference was to procure a U.S. made weapon. Eventually, in 2013 YAMAM selected the MRAD, making YAMAM one of the first units in the world to adopt it, alongside the Norwegian Special Forces, and years before its adoption by the U.S. military as the MK22.


YAMAM sniper armed with a Barrett MRAD during training (photo: IDF)

Few years later, the IDF SF were looking to replace both the H-S Precision Pro Series 2000 0.338LM, which was found to be less than ideal for hard military usage as well as the aging M24, which entered service in 1996 as the IDF standard issue 7.62mm sniper platform and was worn out after 20 years of intense service. Informed by the YAMAM successful experience MRAD, the IDF selected it, with the first rifles entering service in 2017.


IDF SF sniper armed with a Barrett MRAD during training (photo: IDF)

At the same time, the IDF SF had a unique need for a new integrally suppressed sniping platform. The platforms used at the time such as the PGM, were aging and lacking in parts support due to their European origin. The IDF SF approached Barrett with the problem, and within a short period of time Barrett provided a unique integrally suppressed variant.


IDF integrally suppressed Barrett MRAD on display (photo: Israeli MOD).

Finally, in recent years the IDF SF were looking to replace the KAC SR25 that entered service in the early 2000’s as a short-medium sniping / DMR type rifle, and were worn out after 20 years of intense service. Again Barrett proved to be a responsive partner and fast tracked its yet to be released REC10 7.62mm platform for trials. The IDF indeed ending up selecting the REC10 with the first SF units being issued the platform in 2020.  


IDF Counter Terror School Instructor armed with a Barrett REC10 during training (photo: IDF).

With the adoption of the MRAD and the REC10, which are currently gradually replacing the H-S Precision Pro Series 2000, the M24 and the SR25 in service with the IDF SF, Barrett-made rifles are well positioned be the primary sniping platforms used by the IDF SF for years to come. It is still to be seen if either platform will be adopted and issued to regular IDF units, but as common with many militaries, weapons and gear initially used exclusively by SF units are sometimes cascaded to regular units few years later.

Daniel is the editor of www.isayeret.com, a website dedicated to the Israeli Special Forces community, including units, weapons and gear.

SOFWERX – SOF Small Arms Weapons Assessment Event Series

Monday, July 12th, 2021

SOFWERX, in collaboration with USSOCOM PEO SOF Warrior (PEO-SW), will host a series of Assessment Events (AE) to identify solutions for:

1) Lightweight Machine Gun Medium (LMG-M)

2) Medium Range Gas Gun – Assault (MRGG-A)

3) Medium Range Gas Gun – Sniper (MRGG-S)

USSOCOM seeks to enter into non-FAR or FAR-based agreements with Industry, Academic, and National Lab partners whose solutions are favorably evaluated by USSOCOM PEO-SW Subject Matter Experts. As such, the AE is considered competitive in the same manner as a Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) or Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO), and solutions will be evaluated independently of one another primarily for technical merit.

It will consist of four phases:

Phase 1 – 09 July 2021 to 02 August 2021 Submissions to the Assessment Event (AE)

Phase 2 – 03 August 2021 to 10 August 2021 Downselect

Phase 3 – 31 August 2021 to 02 September 2021 Assessment Event (AE)

Phase 4 – Path Forward

Only Phase 4 is a live fire event. Up until that point, only technical merits will be evaluated so have your paperwork together. The performance spec for each weapon is coated at the links above.

SOCOM is kicking all of these AEs off simultaneously so they’ll have their hands full. If you plan to submit weapons to more than one category, or multiple candidates for any of the weapons sought by SOCOM, you must submit separate packages for each one. Additionally, you must submit by 2 August.

Quite frankly, the 338 NM Lightweight Machine Gun Medium is the greatest improvement in US small arms capability in over half a century. Not only is SOF interested, but so is the Marine Corps. Although the Army is currently concentrating on next generation squad weapons, this capability for the Platoon is just a few years out. This is the opportunity to get your solution evaluated.

For more information, visit events.sofwerx.org/sofweapons

Australian Army Direct Fire Support Weapon NCO Course Students Put New M4 Carl Gustaf to the Test

Sunday, July 11th, 2021

Army Headquarters staff had to shout over the burst of 7.62mm rounds coming from the adjacent range as they briefed the group of junior NCOs gathered to evaluate and qualify on the new 84mm M4 Carl Gustaf multi-role weapon system.

The students in the Direct Fire Support Weapon (DFSW) NCO course, held at the School of Infantry, were among the first to fire the shorter and lighter revamped recoilless rifle, the fourth iteration of a design that dates back to the 1940s.

The cadre of acquisition staff from Canberra visited Singleton to collect feedback after the course of 18 students had fired sub-calibre and high-explosive rounds, with the evaluations to be used to inform the rollout of 600 M4 units over the next five years.

Initial impressions of the weapon were positive, according to Lance Corporal Benjamin Wright, a 2IC in the 8th/9th Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment’s, DFSW Platoon.

“The safety catch has changed; it’s now a push-through instead of a slide,” he said.

“It’s a bit easier to get at with your thumb, easier to hit with gloves and when you’re under a bit of stress.”

Another new addition is the make-safe capability.

This locks the cocking lever from moving forward, allowing soldiers to move with the weapon at the action condition.

The make-safe condition will be added to unit standard operating procedures, according to Lance Corporal Wright.

“It will give us the ability for quicker engagements,” he said. 

“If we’re doing a tank stalk, we can load one round into the 84mm, and the number two can still have his three rounds on his back.”

Other differences include the weight and length of the weapon.

The M4 is 2.6kg lighter and 6.6cm shorter than the current M3. There is also the option to fit a fire-control system to improve accuracy.

By Private Jacob Joseph, Australian Army

UVision Showcases Advanced Anti-Armor Capabilities of its Hero-120 and Hero-400EC Loitering Munition Systems

Friday, July 9th, 2021

DEFEA 2021, Athens, Greece. July 13-15. Hall 3, booth G13

Tel Aviv, July 8, 2021. Uvision Air Ltd. – a global leader in Loitering Munitions Systems of all sizes for a variety of missions – will present its Hero-120 and Hero-400EC Loitering Munition systems with anti-tank capability, providing an all-inclusive solution for countering MBTs (main battle tanks). Hero Loitering Munition systems provide an accurate, effective, and highly lethal response to hard targets, and are able to locate hidden targets, track them and attack at significantly longer ranges than commonly available anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).

As members of the HERO series of loitering munition systems, both the Hero-120 and Hero-400EC can carry multi-purpose warheads for extended lethality against a wide range of targets, as well as having unique attack capabilities from any direction and angle, including top attack. With long-endurance and low acoustic, visual and thermal signature, the systems can locate, track and strike static and moving targets with pinpoint accuracy. The ability to launch Loitering Munitions from a remote-controlled multi-canister launcher provides effective deployment of the Hero systems from a variety of platforms – air, land and sea – away from enemy lines.  

“Uvision develops and delivers the most advanced & innovative Loitering Munition systems today,” says Major General (Ret.) Avi Mizrachi, CEO of Uvision.  We are happy to participate in DEFEA for the first time, as part of our mission to strengthen our presence within the clients in the region. We anticipate that this exhibition will pave the way for new collaborations in the area.”

At DEFEA, Uvision will feature the following systems (Hall 3 booth G13):

Hero-30 Loitering Munition System- developed and manufactured by Uvision, the Hero-30 incorporates a high level of precision attack and abort capabilities. This simple-to-operate system enable front-line forces to initiate operations, as well as to respond to any enemy target or threat that arises, and eliminate it with extreme accuracy.  The Hero-30’s advanced capabilities include striking targets with high tracking precision and lock-on, a last-second-mission-abort, and re-engagement for a second attack attempt or change of target. Its versatile installment configurations (man-packed, vehicle mounted or stationary) make it ideally suited to a diverse range of operational scenarios. 

Hero-120 Loitering Munition System – a mid-range, anti-armor loitering munition system which meets the complex requirements of the modern battlefield.  Hero-120 is a high-precision smart loitering munition system with a unique aerodynamic structure that carries out pinpoint strikes against anti-armor, anti-material and anti-personnel targets, including tanks, vehicles, concrete fortifications, and other soft targets in populated urban areas. The Hero-120’s high-precision capability ensures minimal collateral damage. Its wide range of multi-purpose warheads enables the operational user to  effectively engage all targets.

Hero-400EC Loitering Munition System – a long-range, high-precision loitering munition system with a low acoustic, visual and thermal signature that can locate, track and strike static and moving targets with high accuracy, and minimal collateral damage. Precision strike capabilities, extended endurance of up to two hours, and a multi-purpose warhead ? including concrete piercing, anti-tank, and anti-personnel that handle different types of targets with exceptional accuracy ? enable long-range and versatile missions. Due to its exceptional maneuverability, the Hero-400EC provides an advanced mid-air abort capability that enables automatic re-entry into loitering mode, re-engagement, or return to the recovery area using a parachute.

Hero Training and Simulation System – realistic virtual training for the Hero series of Loitering Munitions. With three configurations – classroom, portable and embedded in the operational control unit – presents a comprehensive solution for Hero operators, enabling a higher level of training flexibility. The classroom configuration provides a robust simulation solution with a rich and versatile scenario generator for multiple trainees. The portable and embedded field simulator configurations give Hero operators continuous hands-on training, at various levels, during deployments, maintaining the highest level of operational proficiency and readiness – anytime, anywhere.

www.uvisionuav.com

B&T USA Introduces New SPR300 PRO Model

Thursday, July 8th, 2021

       

Tampa, FL (July 8, 2021) – B&T USA is excited to announce the release of its next generation SPR300 (Special Purpose Rifle 300BLK), the SPR300 PRO. Built for maximum accuracy out to 165 yards, the SPR300 PRO features a 9.8-inch 1:8 twist barrel chambered for 300BlackOut (7.62x35mm). The platform features a foldable, fully adjustable stock; extended top rail designed to accept clip-on night vision/thermal devices and prisms; a quick-detach bipod and a thread-on suppressor. Due to precision Swiss engineering, the SPR300 PRO can be broken down and quickly reassembled with no change in point of impact.

“Due to increased demand, the SPR300 has jumped the line to receive our updated PRO treatment. The new PRO version features an updated chassis, accepts AR-pattern magazines, features a Timney match trigger and has a new folding stock assembly compatible with the myriad of AR/M4-style stock models available today” said Jon Scott, Vice President of Sales, B&T USA. “The SPR300 has an incredible reputation as a whisper quiet precision rifle originally developed for European special mission’s units, who have allegedly used the platform to great success as a discreet, urban precision rifle, that boasts comparable sound and flash signature to that of an air rifle.”

The SPR300 PRO features a durable hard anodized, aircraft aluminum receiver for reduced weight, a Timney single-stage Hunter Elite trigger adjustable from 1.5 lb. to 4 lbs., M-LOK compatible accessory slots, a three-position safety selector, as well as cocked bolt indicator.

bt-arms.com

Canadian Special Operations Forces Command Statement on the Summary Investigation into a Small Arms Weapons Incident that occurred on November 5, 2020

Thursday, July 1st, 2021

After an investigation into the incident, CANSOFCOM just released their statement on the November 5, 2020 unintentional discharge of a holstered SIG P320. The statement concludes that debris in the holster caused the incident and verifies that the holster was not the proper holster for the weapon. However, they go on to say that a properly fit holster would not have prevented the incident. I’m sure holster manufacturers will have something to say about that. Investigation into the incident will apparently continue.

As a reminder, here is our article containing SIG’s statement on the incident after it was disclosed by CBC on February 5, 2021.

June 30, 2021 – Ottawa – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

The Summary Investigation into the unintended discharge of a holstered pistol during a Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) training event on November 5, 2020 is complete.

The investigation found that the procurement process and execution of the training event were not contributing factors to the incident, and that no technical failure occurred within the pistol. The pistol functioned as per the requirements as demonstrated by the weapons technical experts who trialed thousands of rounds without a reoccurrence. The probability of this same incident reoccurring is assessed to be extremely low.

The investigation concluded the primary probable cause of the incident was due to a partial depression of the trigger by a foreign object combined with simultaneous movement of the slide against the pistol frame that then allowed a round to be fired whilst the pistol was still holstered. The investigation also determined that the previously issued holster employed at the time had not been modified for the new pistol. While the investigation concluded the use of a holster not specifically designed for the new weapon was found to be a contributing factor, it determined the use of any other holster would not necessarily have prevented the incident.

The investigation made several recommendations in the areas of further improvements to the process when procuring leading-edge equipment, fielding improvements and weapon system modification.

Central to the decision on the way forward is ensuring our members’ utmost confidence in the effectiveness and safety of their equipment and weapons. As such, the Command assembled a working group consisting of operators, weapons experts and procurement specialists to develop and assess a number of options.

CANSOFCOM leadership has directed a safety/risk assessment be conducted by a third party before taking a final decision on a way forward. This safety/risk assessment will take a number of months to complete.

Sneak Peak – Spuhr SICS “Spuhr Ideal Chassi System”

Tuesday, June 29th, 2021

This is the first real presentation of the Spuhr Ideal Chassi System (SICS) [sic] and its features — specifically in this instance, a chassis part for a Remington short action. Spur recently advised, “We start on the middle section and more is to come.”

In our opinion, one of the most important parts for high/good accuracy is the rigidity of the action. Mostly people are well aware that a rigid action has much higher accuracy potential than one that is less rigid.

This is heavily improved by the stock or chassi system where good bedding helps to stiffen up the system.

So we made our middle section as stiff as possible. That is why the magwell goes far past the magazine towards the muzzle; this will help stiffen up the last inches of the action under the recoil lug.

The middle section features the Spuhr interface cut to allow one to mount notes, timers, ACI, TV screens, or other accessories/necessities and the chassis will feature a barricade stop in front of the magwell.

Follow up on this sneak peek by watching Håkan Spuhr is on social, @Spuhr, and online at Spuhr.biz.

More Spuhr on SSD.

KONGSBERG with Javelin Joint Venture Demonstrate Future Lethality During Flawless Live Fire Exercise

Monday, June 28th, 2021

JOHNSTOWN, PENN., June 25, 2021 – In collaboration with the U.S. Army, KONGSBERG Defence and Aerospace and the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV) conducted a four-shot, multi-platform Javelin demonstration at the U.S. Army Redstone Test Center in Alabama on May 25, 2021. Three different vehicles were each equipped with different configurations of the KONGSBERG Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station-Javelin (CROWS-J) and Protector RS6 Remote Weapon Station (RWS).

“KONGSBERG has solidified its position as the remote weapon station of choice for Javelin deployment across a broad range of platforms. Our remote weapon stations are powerful force multipliers, especially given that we’re delivering a Multi-User Multi-Station (MUMS) capability to facilitate advanced target sharing and cooperative engagement,” said Jason Toepfer, director for Army Business Development (US) at KONGSBERG Defence and Aerospace. “Our continued investments in the architecture and platforms overall maximize the U.S. military’s current inventory, training and provisioning while providing groundbreaking advancements in capability.”

During the demonstration, three different KONGSBERG remote weapon station configurations on three unique ground platforms fired Javelin, successfully engaging targets each time. Using QinetiQ North America’s Robotic Combat Vehicle-Light (RCV-L), KONGSBERG executed a fully remote firing of Javelin using CROWS Tech Refresh control components. This was a first for the Army’s official RCV-L platform and demonstrated Tech Refresh’s backwards compatibility with legacy CROWS systems.

Another firing demonstrated KONGSBERG’s capability to fire Javelin on a 4×4 (JLTV) platform from a previously qualified and fielded system within the inventory on an 8×8 platform – the same KONGSBERG RWS that is currently fielded with Stryker brigades in Germany.

Finally, KONGSBERG continued to showcase its PROTECTOR RS6 (30x113mm) platform by successfully firing javelin from a lightweight, Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV). The RS6 RWS is the system selected by the U.S. Marine Corps for the Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) program. This Javelin firing is one of several conducted from this station and further demonstrates the inherent flexibility of the RS6 design, allowing users to address a broad range of threats and operational needs – C-UAS, SHORAD, ATGM, Maneuver Support, Manned / Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) – from a single system.

With more than 20,000 systems delivered worldwide and 14 years of CROWS experience, KONGSBERG will continue to support the soldiers with new systems, capabilities and features meeting tomorrow’s requirements while maintaining, supporting and keeping up to date a wide range of CROWS variants and support equipment. All CROWS and RWS systems are produced in the KONGSBERG Johnstown, PA facility. Continuing the execution of this contract secures 3,000+ jobs, both directly and through the KONGSBERG U.S. supply chain. With systems sold to 26 nations, KONGSBERG is the world-leading provider of remote weapon stations.