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SIG SAUER Delivers Next Generation Squad Weapons to U.S. Army

Monday, June 1st, 2020

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 1, 2020) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is proud to announce the recent delivery of the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW) system to the U.S. Army, consisting of lightweight high-performance 6.8mm hybrid ammunition, NGSW-AR lightweight machine guns, NGSW-R rifles, and suppressors.

“The SIG SAUER next Generation Squad Weapons system is the only submission entirely designed, engineered and manufactured by a single American company. We are proud to deliver this comprehensive solution to the U.S. Army, with new capabilities to enhance mission effectiveness for our soldiers on the battlefield,” began Ron Cohen, President & CEO SIG SAUER, Inc. “Our ammunition, machine gun, rifle, and suppressors far surpass the performance of the legacy weapons system in range and lethality, offer exponentially better maneuverability, and are significantly lighter in weight.”

The features and benefits of the complete SIG SAUER Next Generation Weapons Systems are:

SIG SAUER 6.8mm Hybrid Ammunition: designed to enhance mission effectiveness, this high-pressure, compact round combines a significant reduction in weight, with the ability to handle higher pressures resulting in increased velocity and greater penetration. Additionally, based on the cartridge design and the traditional manufacturing processes, the growth potential of the SIG 6.8mm ammunition is exponential.

SIG SAUER Lightweight Machine Gun (NGSW-AR): with an emphasis on significant reductions in soldier load and enhanced combat performance, SIG SAUER designed the NGSW-AR to be 40% lighter than current systems, and dramatically reduce felt recoil while maintaining traditional belt-fed operation to increase down range capability. The MG 6.8mm machine gun features ambidextrous AR style ergonomics, quick detach magazines, increased M1913 rail space, quick detach suppressor and vastly improves upon the operation and function of the legacy M249.

SIG SAUER Rifle (NGSW-R): a lightweight rifle built on the foundation of the SIG SAUER weapons in service with the premier fighting forces across the globe combined with the added firepower of the 6.8mm round. Features include a fully collapsible and floating stock, rear and side charging handle, free-floating reinforced M-LOK™ handguard, full ambidextrous controls, and quick-detach suppressor.

SIG SAUER Next Generation Suppressors: designed to reduce harmful backflow and signature that feature low flash with a quick detach design.

“I am very proud that every component of the SIG SAUER Next Generation Squad Weapons system was manufactured at our SIG SAUER facilities in New Hampshire and Arkansas and is entirely American made. Our engineers have worked in concert to optimize the system, ensuring that every component is synchronized, and our soldiers are equipped for the demands of the modern battlefield,” added Cohen. “Additionally, I would be remiss if I did not recognize the hard work and dedication of the entre team whom worked tirelessly in these unprecedented times, in the face of a pandemic, to deliver the SIG SAUER NGSW system to the U.S. Army.”

www.sigsauer.com

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Press Release, weapons | 10 Comments »

Kongsberg Awarded Contract to Provide Remote Weapon Stations to the Canadian Army Worth 500 MNOK

Wednesday, May 27th, 2020

May 26, 2020 – Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed a contract with General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada for delivery of the Protector Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) to the Canadian Army valued 500 MNOK. The PROTECTOR RWS will be integrated on Canada’s fleet of Armored Combat Support Vehicles. Canada signed their first Protector RWS contract in 2005 followed by additional contracts in 2012 and 2014.

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has signed a contract with General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada for delivery of the Protector Remote Weapon Stations (RWS) to the Canadian Army valued 500 MNOK.

“We are very pleased to be chosen again as the supplier of Remote Weapon Stations to the Canadian Army. This confirms the strong position of Kongsberg’s Protector RWS, and continues the close relationship between Kongsberg and the Canadian Army and General Dynamics Land Systems – Canada,” says Pål E. Bratlie, executive vice president, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS.

“In the midst of the most uncertain and difficult economic times in our lifetime, we are very pleased to win this order in spite of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our business base is long-term and solid, with an order backlog that provides a strong foundation for continued operations into the future,” says Eirik Lie, President Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS.

Kongsberg has, for more than two decades, been the leading global supplier of Remote Weapon Stations. Leveraging millions of hours of operational use in all conditions, based on 20,000 delivered systems for 23 countries. The Protector RWS has continuously evolved to meet increasingly demanding requirements, utilizing technological advancements in order to meet new threat scenarios.

The Canadian Army will receive the latest generation Protector RWS, a Remote Weapon Station prepared for wireless control, counter UAS capability, multi-sensor fusion, as well as other new functions required by the expanding user community. The systems for Canada will be produced in parallel with five other programs, creating synergies in supply base and project execution for the benefit of the customers.

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USMC’s PM Infantry Weapons Undergoing Largest Modernization Effort in Decades

Wednesday, May 20th, 2020

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. —

Marine Corps Systems Command’s Program Manager for Infantry Weapons has begun a large-scale modernization project to increase the lethality of the infantry squad.

PM IW strives to equip and sustain the Marine Corps with fully-integrated infantry weapons, optics and nonlethal systems for the Ground Combat Element.

The portfolio’s modernization efforts adhere to Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. David Berger’s vision to redesign the force to meet the challenges of a new age of great power competition. Through PM IW, the Corps plans to field numerous new weapon and optic systems over the next decade.

“This is the largest modernization of the infantry squad in the last 25 years,” said Lt. Col. Tim Hough, MCSC’s program manager for Infantry Weapons.

Strengthening systems

PM IW has begun the procurement of the Modular Handgun System, which will replace all Marine Corps pistols. This striker-fired pistol includes a plastic clip-on piece, enabling Marines to change grip sizes to accommodate different hand sizes. The weapon is compatible with the pistol-aiming module used by some units.

MCSC will begin fielding the system this fiscal year.

“The MHS improves on the precision and reliability of the legacy platforms, while also bringing with it new, more effective ammunition,” said Maj. Mike Brisker, weapons product manager for PM IW.

MCSC is expanding the use of the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle. Originally fielded to infantry units as a replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon in 2011, the rifle received overwhelmingly positive feedback from Marines. This feedback led to the Marine Corps’ decision to field the M27 to all rifle platoons as their primary individual weapon.

“We expect fielding of [the M27] to conclude by the end of this fiscal year,” said Brisker.

PM IW is also enhancing its optic systems. Fielded in spring 2020, the Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle is a helmet-mounted system that offers improved depth perception, and the ability to detect and recognize targets in extreme low light, in inclement weather and in the presence of obscurants. The SBNVG provides additional capabilities that the legacy system, the AN/PVS-14, lacked.

Since awarding a contract in February 2020, PM IW plans to begin fielding the Squad Common Optic in fiscal year 2021. The SCO includes a magnified day optic, which improves situational awareness, decreases engagement times and increases probability of hit.

“The Squad Common Optic enables Marines to see farther and identify the enemy more quickly,” said Hough.

MCSC is collaborating with other services to field certain systems. For example, the Marine Corps will partner with the Army to procure the Next-Generation Squad Weapon system, intended to replace the M27 and become the primary individual weapon for infantry units.

The NGSW will provide a significant boost to the lethality of the individual soldier and Marine. The weapon includes an optic/fire control system that will incorporate a disturbed reticle to improve the shooter’s accuracy.

The Marine Corps could receive first deliveries of the NGSW as early as fiscal year 2025, said Brisker.

Additionally, PM IW and Fleet Marines are participating in the Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System and the Enhanced Night Vision-Binocular programs to help inform requirements and programmatic decisions in the future.

Enhancing performance

PM IW’s modernization efforts mirror MCSC’s mission to increase lethality among Marines. The command is continuously striving to equip Marines with the capabilities needed to successfully fulfill missions. To meet this goal, PM IW will continue to solicit feedback from Marines and industry.

“In line with the Commandant’s Planning Guidance, we’re looking to lighten the load and increase the overall lethality of Close Combat Forces—specifically infantry Marines,” said CW4 David Tomlinson, an infantry weapons officer with PM IW.

Tomlinson believes upgrading Infantry Weapon systems will ultimately enhance performance on the battlefield and increase survivability at a time when enemies are strengthening.

“These efforts show we are focused on staying abreast of advancements that are coming quickly,” said Tomlinson. “It also shows our desire to stay persistent, look toward the future, and make sure our Marines receive the best [systems] we can buy.”

Story by Matt Gonzales, MCSC Office of Public Affairs and Communication | Marine Corps Systems Command

Photos by LCpl Michaela R. Gregory and Kealii De Los Santos

Posted in Guest Post, MARCORSYSCOM, USMC, weapons | 18 Comments »

FN Releases FN 509 Compact Tactical Pistol | The Smallest and Most Concealable Tactical Pistol Available

Tuesday, May 19th, 2020

(McLean, VA – May 19, 2020) FN America, LLC, the makers of the world’s most battle-proven firearms,® proudly announces the release of the FN 509® Compact Tactical, the smallest and most concealable 9mm tactical pistol available on the market.

The FN 509 Compact Tactical, available in both black and FN-signature flat dark earth (FDE), can be easily deployed as an everyday carry with the standard 12- or 15-round magazines or on the range with the extended 24-round magazine, giving 51 rounds of ammunition at the ready.

The 4.3-inch cold hammer-forged threaded barrel makes it compatible with today’s most popular aftermarket accessories like compensators or suppressors and the FN Low-Profile Optics-Mounting System,™ capable of accepting more than 10 miniature red sights, rounds out this compact tactical pistol.

The compact frame features the FN 509-signature enhanced grip texturing for secure hold, a MIL-STD 1913 picatinny rail that is compatible with most compact pistol lights and interchangeable backstraps for a customized fit.

Additional features like the suppressor-height night sights aid in co-witness of the miniature red dot and while the optics system is not in use, the protective slide cap provides a serrated surface for racking the slide from any surface and ensures iron sight alignment.

The pistol ships in an FN-branded soft-sided case with the optics-mounting kit, one each of the 12-, 15-, and 24-round capacity magazines with the appropriate grip sleeves or in a state-compliant configuration with 10-round magazines. Visit your local dealer for pricing.

The FN 509 is FN’s most tested pistol platform to-date with over 1 million rounds fired during development. The company’s extensive durability, reliability and performance standards, far exceeding the strictest requirements, has yielded yet another advancement in tactical pistol market with the FN 509 Compact Tactical.

Take your concealed carry into the future with the FN 509 Compact Tactical, part of the FN 509 family by visiting www.fnamerica.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, weapons | 3 Comments »

The QUICK from SOLGW

Tuesday, May 19th, 2020

May 2020 – San Antonio, Texas – Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW) in collaboration with Forward Controls Design (FCD) set out to create a safety that’s an embodiment of our considerable experience in AR15/M16 selector design and knowledge over the years. This collaboration resulted in the “Quick”.

The Quick was designed from the ground up to be a defense/duty/combat safety selector. Its’ mission is quite aptly reflected by the way its’ levers are attached the center, via a stainless-steel roll pin. The lever to center interface is incredibly strong, the high shear strength (800 lbs) 420 stainless steel spring steel roll pin simply holds the two in place and doesn’t handle any load. One of the design goals dictates there be no wobble between the lever and center, we’ve called for very tight tolerances (+0.001/-0.00) on the Quick’s lever and center interface to achieve that.

The Quick is shipped with a selector spring, a nitrided selector detent, two levers, 4 roll pins (two are needed for installation, with 2 spares).

We do not ship the Quick with one lever installed as we recommend installing the center (dimple forward) and installing the grip, allowing the detent to hold the center in place. Using a vice block to then hold the lower receiver as both levers are installed.

Quick centers are billet machined in 4140, heat treated and black nitrided. Levers are billet machined in 4140 and black nitrided.

Manufactured 100% in the USA.

Available now at sonsoflibertygw.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, weapons | 11 Comments »

Introducing the AMTAC Complete Carbine Rifle and Pistol

Friday, May 15th, 2020

[ Morgantown, Indiana — ]

Centurion Arms LLC is happy to announce the AMTAC Complete Carbine Rifle and Complete Carbine Pistol!

We have known Bill for over 20 years now and can say with confidence he is one of the best people we know. Bill is no doubt one of the very best instructors there is on the open market for training. He recently retired after twenty years in the Navy, where his duty assignments included several years at SEAL Team 3 and over 14 years at Naval Special Warfare Development Group. Positions held included assaulter, breacher, sniper, team leader, troop chief, and military working dog department senior enlisted adviser. He has always been an avid shooter and is heavily involved in combatives. With his background and knowledge, he is easily the most combat-experienced instructor available anywhere today. Bill is now running “AMTAC”, American Tactical Shooting Instruction, LLC along with classes across the country! www.amtacshooting.com

The Centurion Arms AMTAC Complete Carbine Rifle and Complete Carbine Pistol are built to Bill’s specs, producing his ultimate carbine setup. We are proud to bring Bill’s knowledge and vision to life with this awesome collaboration!

AMTAC Complete Carbine Rifle

Weight: 6.1lbs

Length: 32.5in (stock collapsed)

Upper: Centurion Arms 16” 5.56mm chrome hammer forged barrel, government profile under the handguard, 1/7 twist, Independently Certified MIL-SPEC 11595E barrel steel, specifically engineered for machine guns for longer life (most all hammer forged barrels on the market are not made of this steel), USGI 5.56mm NATO, chrome lined bore and chamber. HPT/MPI (High Pressure Test/Magnetic Particle inspected), per MIL-SPEC. Manganese Phosphate Finish on entire barrel,
• Centurion Arms CM4 Forged Upper receiver is standard forged Mil-Spec with M4 Extended feed ramps
• Centurion Arms low profile pinned gas block
• 13” MLOK Centurion Arms CMR Rail
• Mid-length gas tube
• Surefire WARCOMP three prong
• BCG: Full Auto machined from MIL-SPEC Carpenter 158 Steel. MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspected), Shot Peened, Tool Steel Extractor w/enhanced extractor spring, Chrome Lined Carrier, Hardened, Chrome Lined Gas Key w/staked Grade 8 Fasteners as per MIL-SPEC.

Lower
• Centurion Arms CM4 Forged Lower Receiver (w/AMTAC logo Engraving)
• Receiver Plate-Standard
• Fire Control Group: Geissele SSA
• Trigger Guard: Aluminum Winter Trigger Guard
• Buffer: H2
• Grip: A2

Stock: Magpul CTR Carbine Stock

Includes: Rifle, (1) 30rd Magazine, Digital USGI Manual

AMTAC Complete Carbine Pistol

Weight: 5.4lbs

Length: 27in (stock collapsed)

Upper: Centurion Arms 11.5″ Carbine Gas 5.56mm chrome hammer forged barrel, government profile under the handguard, 1/7 twist, Independently Certified MIL-SPEC 11595E barrel steel, specifically engineered for machine guns for longer life (most all hammer forged barrels on the market are not made of this steel), USGI 5.56mm NATO, chrome lined bore and chamber. HPT/MPI (High Pressure Test/Magnetic Particle inspected), per MIL-SPEC. Manganese Phosphate Finish on entire barrel,

• Centurion Arms CM4 Forged Upper receiver is standard forged Mil-Spec with M4 Extended feed ramps
• Centurion Arms low profile pinned gas block
• 10.5″ MLOK Centurion Arms CMR Rail
• Carbine-length gas tube
• Surefire WARCOMP three prong
• BCG: Full Auto machined from MIL-SPEC Carpenter 158 Steel. MPI (Magnetic Particle Inspected), Shot Peened, Tool Steel Extractor w/enhanced extractor spring, Chrome Lined Carrier, Hardened, Chrome Lined Gas Key w/staked Grade 8 Fasteners as per MIL-SPEC.

Lower:
• Centurion Arms CM4 Forged Lower Receiver (w/AMTAC logo Engraving)
• Receiver Plate-Standard
• Fire Control Group: Geissele SSA
• Trigger Guard: Aluminum Winter Trigger Guard
• Buffer: H2
• Grip: A2
• Arm Brace: SBA4

Includes: Pistol, (1) 30rd Magazine, Digital USGI Manual

Posted in Black Rifle, Press Release, weapons | 2 Comments »

USArmy Awards AeroVironment $146 Million Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile Systems Contract Funded at $76 Million for First Year of Switchblade Systems Procurement

Friday, May 15th, 2020

· AeroVironment’s combat proven Switchblade with patented wave-off feature provides operators with increased lethality, reach and precision strike capabilities with low collateral effects

· First year of funding approved through Joint Urgent Operational Need Statement, reflecting high-priority requirement and strong user demand from the frontline

· AeroVironment provides full system solution, including Switchblade systems, operator training, support and logistics

AeroVironment’s Switchblade is a back-packable, rapidly deployable, loitering precision strike missile designed for use against beyond-line-of-sight (BLOS) targets, from either mobile positions in the field or from fixed defensive positions for base security.

SIMI VALLEY, Calif., at vSOFIC, May 14, 2020 – AeroVironment, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVAV), a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), announced the receipt of a one-year, $75,930,901 funded contract award on April 30, 2020 from the United States Army for procurement of the company’s Switchblade® loitering missile system. The contract award was funded for the first year of procurement through a Joint Urgent Operational Need Statement from the United States Army Tactical Aviation and Ground Munitions (TAGM) project office. Start of deliveries is anticipated by September 2020. Two additional one-year options, currently unfunded, would extend the period of performance through April 2023 on a sole-source basis.

“For nearly a decade, AeroVironment’s Switchblade has delivered unmatched force protection and precision strike capabilities at the battlefield edge to the U.S. Army,” said Brett Hush, AeroVironment senior product line general manager of Tactical Missile Systems. “We will continue to enhance the capabilities of this battle-proven product, and stand ready with a proven supply chain and customer support system in order to respond effectively to U.S. and allied customers’ needs.”

AeroVironment’s combat proven Switchblade is back-packable and rapidly deployable from ground platforms including a 6-pack launcher, providing warfighters with rapid-response force protection and precision strike capabilities up to 10 kilometers (6 miles) from its launch location. Its high precision, combined with specialized effects and patented wave-off feature, results in Switchblade’s ability to minimize or even eliminate collateral damage.

Northrop Grumman is a key partner on the Switchblade system, providing single purpose and multimode warheads for the program.

Learn more about Switchblade at the AeroVironment, Industry Showcase at vSOFIC www.sofic.org/vsofic or at www.avinc.com/switchblade.

Posted in Aviation, Contracts, Press Release, UAS, weapons | Comments Off on USArmy Awards AeroVironment $146 Million Lethal Miniature Aerial Missile Systems Contract Funded at $76 Million for First Year of Switchblade Systems Procurement

BAE Systems Selects Kongsberg’s MCT-30 Turret for U.S. Marine Corps ACV Program

Friday, May 15th, 2020

May 13, 2020 – Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace AS (Kongsberg) has been selected by BAE Systems, Inc. to design and manufacture the remote Medium Caliber Turret (MCT) for the United States Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) -30 program. Kongsberg will deliver up to 150 MCTs in a phased program as part of this contract. Test article delivery will commence early 2021 followed by production phases.

The Kongsberg MCT-30 is the first remotely operated 30mm turret to be qualified and fielded in the United States. The system provides highly accurate firepower for wheeled or tracked combat vehicles. It is remotely controlled and operated from a protected position inside the vehicle compartment for optimized crew safety.

The MCT-30 leverages a link-less medium caliber cannon providing lethality, extremely high reliability and multi-user functions to the Marine Corps ACV and other platforms.

“The ACV-30 with Kongsberg’s MCT-30 turret signifies a powerful lethality capability for the Marine Corps, representative of a new era in U.S. amphibious operations,” said Pål E Bratlie, Executive Vice President Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.”

The U.S. Army, in 2015, chose Kongsberg’s MCT-30 to increase the lethality of the Stryker Brigade in Europe. The system has been fielded and operated with the Army as part of the European Deterrence Initiative since 2018.

It is the primary armament and fire control system for the Infantry Carrier Vehicle – Dragoon (ICV-D) Strykers. All MCT-30s, and any remote weapon stations, bound for U.S. customers are manufactured in the Kongsberg Johnstown, Penn. facility leveraging a U.S. supply base located in over 30 states.

Posted in Armor, Press Release, weapons | 3 Comments »