Developed for an international SOF requirement the KS-1 from Knights Armament.
This 5.56mm gas gun is the next step in the SR-16 line of rifles. It features their Mod 2 gas system, E3 bolt, as well as a 13.7″ cold hammer forged barrel. In addition to a 2-stage full-auto trigger grip, the trigger guard is completely removable without tools.
It is paired with the 5.56 QDC/MCQ-PRT suppressor which adds just 2.33″ to the length (oal 4.43″) and weighs 13.9 oz. It incorporates their pressure reduction technology to minimize back pressure and pushes noxious gases forward, away from the shooter. It reduces the sound pressure level to 155dB on short barreled rifles and eliminates the “first round pop.” There is also a removable shroud nit seen here, which reduces the outside temperature by up to 300 Deg F.
Over the last few weeks both Australia and Canada have joined Denmark and the US in adopting variants of the SIG P320 pistol. Although the pistols showed to be highly reliable during all four countries’ testing, most were drawn to the modularity of the design. With a common, serialized Fire Control Unit, the military pistols, like their civilian counterparts, be configured in a wide variety of ways.
Shown here is the M18 variant of the US Modular Handgun System opposite the Australian Sidearm Weapon System. When Australia-based Aquaterro set about preparing their entry for Land 159, they looked to the M18 as a baseline. What Australia ultimately got is a SIG P320 XCarry Pro outfitted with the SIG ROMEO2 Red Dot Sight and FOXTROT2- light. This is the first instance I know of that general purpose forces have adopted a pistol outfitted with an optic and light. In other instances, countries have incrementally added enablers to their pistols. Like the US, Australia has also adopted a Safariland holster for their sidearm.
More in line with the US MHS, Canada adopted a P320 as the C22 full frame modular pistol. Seen in these photos beside the Australian pistol, you’ll notice a slightly lighter shade of Brown. This is because the Canadian guns are cerakoted. This also provides a more information shading across the different materials of frame and slide.
ALCON: Global Military Products, Inc., a subsidiary of Global Ordnance, LLC, will be showcasing the SCORPION81mm/120mm Mortar System at the Association of the 2022 United States Army Conference.
So, what is the Scorpion Mortar System designed for?
Take a watch, then read on.
SPEED, MOBILITY and FIREPOWER
It’s an essential battlefield combination that equates to survivability, all in one package revolutionizing the art of mortar tactics.
The Scorpion features:
Featuring fastest ”SHOOT & SCOOT” in the world – 8 rounds in 2 minutes – from stop to go
81mm OR 120mm (interchangeable)
Eliminates recoil effect on a vehicle
Fully Digital Fire Control System (FCS) knows its location as well as assigned targets, executes ballistic calculation automatically for multiple munition types – “just wait for the green light”
Touch Screen (iPad) FCS can be operated from inside the cab and/or from outside the vehicle
Lightweight – can be deployed by helicopter or other aircraft
Revolutionary “Non-Seating Base Plate” designed to NOT dig into ground
Pre-program up to 1,000 targets before you leave HQ
Specifications
• Vehicle: Toyota Landcruiser (although platform agnostic; 2+ ton vehicles)
• Length 18’ 4”
• Width 6’ 8”
• Height: 6’ 9”
• Vehicle weight: 4,500 lbs or 2,050kg
• Scorpion weight: 2,600 lbs or 1,200kg
• Total weight: 7,100 lbs or 3,250kg (not including barrel &ammo)
• Magazine: 40/72 round capacity (120mm/81mm)
Fully Digital Fire Control:
• Electro-mechanical aiming/re-aiming in 3-5 seconds
Global Ordnance, LLC and it’s subsidiary Global Military Products, Inc., specializes in systems integration, engineering, and program management for DoD weapons and ammunition programs, and the sourcing, logistics and delivery of standard and non-standard weapon systems, ammunition, and energetics to the U.S. Government and our allies.
The opening of the facility signifies the company’s increased commitment to the US market
Virginia, US, October 6, 2022 – UVision Air Ltd. – a global leader in aerial loitering munition systems of all sizes, for a variety of missions – has announced that the opening of its new facility in Virginia for the production of HERO systems has been brought forward, due to the high volume of orders already received. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on October 6, at the new facility located at 600 Corporate Drive, Stafford VA, in the presence of Stafford County leadership, Industrial Partners, and various customers.
UVision USA Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UVision Air Ltd., is playing an integral role in UVision’s ongoing global expansion of operations. Signifying the company’s increased commitment to the US market, this initiative will create jobs in Virginia, making an important contribution to the American labor market. The opening of the 25,000 square-foot facility located at the Quantico Corporate Center will enable UVision to increase its local production capability, further improve its high-level, rapid response to US customers, and increase supply to international customers – either directly or through government-to-government initiatives.
Tinesha Allen, Stafford County Griffis-Widewater District Supervisor said, “Welcome UVision USA to Stafford County. We congratulate UVision Air Ltd on the expansion and opening of their US Headquarters, and new product and training facility located in Stafford County. We are proud to have this small, specialized business serving our US military combat operations. UVision is an asset to our growing, diverse technical economy. Thank you for your investment in Stafford.”
“Following the signing of our latest contract with a Latin American country and the growing demand for roving armament systems around the world, we decided to bring forward the opening of our new production plant in Virginia, USA,” says Major General (Ret.) Avi Mizrachi, CEO of UVision. “The opening of the factory will enable local production of the company’s systems, strengthening UVision’s overall commitment to the US Armed Services and the US economy, and creating new jobs for local residents. In addition, UVision USA will increase and strengthen our collaborations with academic institutions and local businesses, further supporting the plant’s activities.”
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In what might be a new record, two different countries have awarded the same company a contract for their new service issue sidearm within a week of one another. That company is SIG SAUER and those countries are Canada and Australia.
The Canadian Department of National Defence has awarded a contract for the 9mm NATO C22 full frame modular pistol valued at $3.2 million (USD) and to M.D. Charlton Co. Ltd. of Victoria, B.C.
This contract is for an initial 7,000 SIG P320s and holsters to replace the aging Browning Hi-Powers currently in service. According to DND, additional options for up to 9,500 pistols will be available under the contract to cover the remaining requirements for the Canadian Army, Royal Canadian Air Force, Royal Canadian Navy and Military Police. Pistol delivery is anticipated to begin in mid-2023.
“The Government of Canada is committed to providing the Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment they need when they need it. Replacing the Browning 9mm with the C22 full frame modular pistol (Sig Sauer P320) will help ensure the continued operational readiness and effectiveness of all our members. We look forward to the delivery of these new pistols and holster systems in the coming year.”
-The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence
This brings a conclusion to a very long process to identify a new pistol for the Canadian Armed Forces which goes back over a decade. More recently, after identifying a requirement for a modular pistol, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal upheld a dispute filed by Rampart International on behalf of Glock which slowed the process. Apparently, any issues have been overcome, clearing the way for the competition to proceed.
“As a result of an open, fair and competitive procurement process, we are pleased to award this contract to M.D. Charlton Co. Ltd., a Canadian distributor of tactical equipment. This contract will provide our troops with modern, reliable pistols and holsters to carry out their work, while supporting economic opportunities for the Canadian defence industry.”
-The Honourable Helena Jaczek, Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada
Canada joins the Australia, Denmark and the US in adopting the SIG SAUER P320 as their standard issue sidearm.
In addition to the 6.8×51 prototypes we showcased the other day, Thales Australia the manufacturer of the currently issued EF88 are displaying a couple of other rifles under the Lithgow Arms mark. Lithgow Small Arms Factory has provided Australian built weapons to the ADF for over a century.
First is the F90 PDW variant with suppressor under the handguard.
Next up is a Stoner pattern carbine in 5.56mm and .300 BLK designed in the event the ADF decides at some point to adopt this type of rifle, or alternatively for export.
The Squad Support Weapon SSW40 from Rheinmetall is on display in the NIOA booth along with their full line of 40mm ammunition.
Under development, the SSW40 is a magazine-fed, semi-automatic 40mm launcher Designed to engage targets out to 800m. Weighing under 4.0kg, the SSW40 has a 10 round capacity.
