weapons | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘weapons’ Category

AFRL, AFSOC Launch Palletized Weapons from Cargo Plane

Wednesday, June 17th, 2020

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) —

Through a partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Air Force Special Operations Command successfully released simulated palletized munitions in three airdrops at Dugway Proving Ground, Utah, Jan. 28 from an MC-130J Commando II, a multi-mission, combat, transport and special operations tanker.

This successful Phase I operational demonstration represents a milestone in executing a palletized munitions airdrop, which refers to the delivery of a large volume of air-launched weapons at any given time.

In this case, munitions stacked upon wooden pallets, or Combat Expendable Platforms, deployed via a roller system. AFSOC used an MC-130J Commando II since its cargo area supported the release of multiple, relatively large munitions.

AFSOC aircrew released five CEPs rigged with six simulated munitions, the same mass as the actual weapons, including four Cargo Launch Expendable Air Vehicles with Extended Range across a spectrum of low and high altitude airdrops. These long-range, high precision weapons destroy moving and non-moving targets.

“In the end, the demonstration accomplished all objectives,” said Jerry Provenza, AFRL CLEAVER program manager. In the three airdrops, all five CEPs separated cleanly from the aircraft, and the munitions separated from the CEPs.

“This successful (demo) is evidence of our commitment to evolve innovative weapons concepts and enhance our partnership with AFSOC to meet the needs of the National Defense Strategy,” said Col. Garry Haase, director of AFRL’s Munitions Directorate. “CLEAVER represents a different approach to launching large numbers of long-range weapons, which will bring a new dynamic to the high-end fight.”

The employment of these weapons directly advances the Air Force palletized munition experimentation effort, an innovative concept in which a multi-engine platform carrying large quantities of network-enabled, semi-autonomous weapons accompanies remotely piloted aircraft and fighter jets in combat missions.

The CLEAVER, while first envisioned by AFRL’s Center for Rapid Innovation, is now led by program managers from AFRL’s Munitions Directorate at Eglin Air Force Base. Dr. Alok Das, AFRL senior scientist and CRI director, leads a rapid reaction team that provides solutions to the warfighter’s highest priority urgent needs.

Das explains that the CRI is “in the business of innovation” by developing non-traditional solutions that address operational challenges. After assembling the subject matter experts and forming a collaborative team, the CRI developed the prototype CLEAVER.

For this Phase I demonstration, an AFSOC 27th Special Operations Wing MC-130J aircraft flew to the range from Hill AFB, accompanied by an Air National Guard 137th SOW MC-12W Liberty chase aircraft flying from Salt Lake City International Airport. This turbo prop plane with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, made real-time observations, capturing photos and video during three airdrops.

In future demonstrations, AFSOC will release CLEAVER glider vehicles, powered vehicles, and full-up vehicles with optional Warhead and terminal guidance. Provenza said AFRL’s Munitions Directorate will provide vehicles and SMEs in Phase II and beyond. He asserts that AFRL is committed to this strategic partnership with AFSOC.

By Whitney Wetsig, Air Force Research Laboratory Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Aviation, Guest Post, weapons | Comments Off on AFRL, AFSOC Launch Palletized Weapons from Cargo Plane

Pre-Order Now Open Vickers Guide: SIG Sauer (Volume 1)

Tuesday, June 16th, 2020

MSG Larry Vickers (USA, Ret) made a name for himself while in the Army, but word spread once he retired and started Vickers Tactical. Over the past few years he has applied his passion for history and small arms to authoring the Vickers Guide series of books.

Written in conjunction with Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons and photographer James Rupley, the firearms of SIG Sauer now join an ever growing list of crucial reference books which include the AR-15, AK, and WWII-era German small arms.

Vickers Guide: SIG Sauer sets out to track the course of SIG Sauer through the 1900s and up to the present day, with visits to the SIG Sauer Museum and SIG Sauer AG manufacturing facilities in Neuhausen am Rheinfall, Switzerland, SIG Sauer manufacturing facilities in New Hampshire, USA, and visits to private collections in Switzerland and the United States.

This First Volume of Vickers Guide: SIG Sauer focuses on the pistols and submachine guns produced by SIG Sauer on both sides of the Atlantic – starting with the P210-series of pistols, which are perhaps the finest production service pistols ever produced. This book then continues on to cover the modernized P220-series and the Swiss P75 service pistol, detailing how the P220 would evolve and find growing adoption and support in the United States with special operations units, law enforcement, and the civilian market.

This Volume continues its look into modern developments at SIG Sauer with behind the scenes glimpses into the introduction of the P320 pistol and its adoption by the U.S. armed forces as the country’s newest standard service pistol – in the form of the M17 and M18. Also covered are inside looks into a number of other pistols produced by SIG, including the P230, P232, P239, SIG PRO-series, and the industry changing P365 line of pistols. This First Volume also delves into submachine guns – starting with the Swiss-produced Modell 1930 and continuing all the way through the present day in the United States with the MPX and its various derivatives.

Pre-order yours at www.vickersguide.com/purchase/sig-standard.

Posted in History, weapons | Comments Off on Pre-Order Now Open Vickers Guide: SIG Sauer (Volume 1)

Sneak Peek – Springfield Armory x Vickers Tactical Master Class 1911A1

Monday, June 8th, 2020

Larry Vickers has been working on this upcoming collaboration with Springfield Armory for months now, a Master Class 1911A1. He’s teamed with Springfield Armory, Wilson Combat and Lipseys to present a signature version of the American classic. Coming soon.

Posted in Advertiser, weapons | 8 Comments »

Barrett Announces Shipment of 6mm ARC Rifles to US DoD

Friday, June 5th, 2020

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc. is pleased to announce that it has partnered with Hornady Manufacturing to chamber the REC7 rifle series in the new 6mm ARC offering. The first production run of these rifles has already been delivered on time to the United States Department of Defense, fulfilling a contract that was awarded to Barrett late last year.

The combination of the proven REC7 DI gas system and the potent 6mm ARC cartridge creates a product that is consistently accurate and easy to shoot. Carrying 24 rounds in the magazine, the 108 gr. ELD Match bullets leave the 18” Proof Research match grade stainless steel or carbon fiber barrel at over 2630 fps. This easily gives the rifle supersonic capabilities past 1000 yards.

Barrett anticipates these rifles will be available to the US commercial market after all US Military deliveries have been completed.

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

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.

Posted in Contracts, International, weapons | Comments Off on Kongsberg Awarded Contract to Provide Remote Weapon Stations to the Canadian Army Worth 500 MNOK

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 »