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Saab and Boeing Conduct Successful Test Firing of Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb

Tuesday, October 15th, 2019

Saab has together with Boeing conducted a successful long-range test firing of the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) in Norway.

The test firing took place at the Andøya Test Center in Andenes, Norway, September 26, 2019. The objective of the test firing was to hit a predetermined target in the sea, 130 km away from the launcher. The launcher used in the test firing was a custom made, fully autonomous, 20 foot container.

“In collaboration with Boeing, we have developed a highly competent system that offers high precision at long range. We see a lot of potential in the GLSDB, since it provides armed forces around the world with a long range artillery capability, which there is a great demand for”, says Görgen Johansson, Head of Saab business area Dynamics.

GLSDB is a partnership between Saab and Boeing. The GLSDB system stands out with its high accuracy over long ranges, and has the ability to fly complex trajectories and maneuvers to strike targets that cannot be reached by conventional direct and indirect fire weapons. It is launcher independent, which means that it can be fired from a containerized solution as well as any launcher capable of using the M26 launch pod container e.g. HIMARS, M270 and ChunMoo. The containerized solution can also be used onboard ships, providing GLSDB with the ability be fired from both land and sea assets.

“Boeing and Saab bring together deep knowledge of precision weapon systems and the ability to rapidly integrate and test solutions,” said Cindy Gruensfelder, vice president, Boeing Weapons. “Combining our companies’ expertise, experience and resources have resulted in an advanced, cost efficient, supportable global rocket artillery solution that brings warfighters the level of capability needed to combat current and future threats in a joint force environment.”

GLSDB gives land and naval forces a mobile, organic capability to hit targets that were previously out of their reach. This is achieved by taking advantage of the Small Diameter Bomb’s inherent maneuverability and accuracy. GLSDB is the ultimate long-range solution, combining affordability and performance, and meets the evolving needs of armed forces today and tomorrow.

Posted in AUSA, Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on Saab and Boeing Conduct Successful Test Firing of Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb

AUSA 19 – B&T APC-9 with P-320 Compatible Lower

Tuesday, October 15th, 2019

Brügger & Thomet, Swiss manufacturers of the APC-9 introduced lower receivers compatible with magazines for the 9mm Glock G17-series and SIG P320.

PRO customers, which are government procurements, can already order their APC-9s with either standard, Glock or SIg lower, in order to be compatible with their issue sidearms.

These will be available soon as an upgrade for commercial orders. On the APC-9, the upper receiver is serialized so the lower doesn’t require a transfer.

Posted in weapons | 8 Comments »

AUSA 19 – Latest Version of KAC Lightweight Assault Machine Gun

Tuesday, October 15th, 2019

Although it’s a pretty mature design, Knight’s Armament Co continues to refine their Lightweight Assault Machine Gun.

With variants so far in 5.56, 7.62 and 6.5, the weights are 9, 12 and 14 lbs respectively. Everyone who picks one up says, “whoa!”

They’ve made a few improvements to the 5.56 gun which will be reflected in the other variants.

For instance, they’ve updated the feed tray cover to be side folding.

Additionally, by lifting the feed tray, you also depress the barrel release button. Likewise, if the feed tray is down, in firing configuration, the barrel release button can’t be depressed.

They’re also using the Cadex Falcon bipod, due to its pan and tilt capabilities.

If you’re in the market for a badass machine gun, Knight’s has you covered.

Posted in AUSA, weapons | 13 Comments »

AUSA 19 – Textron Systems Unveils Latest Next Generation Squad Weapon – Carbine Candidate

Monday, October 14th, 2019

At AUSA, Textron Systems showcased their Next Generation Squad Weapon candidates, along with a historical perspective of weapons developed as part of the Lightweight Small Arms Technology program, which started out life in 5.56mm and then transitioned to 6.5mm. NGSW requires a 6.8mm cartridge which performs similar to 270 WSM. The top left weapon is their belt-fed Automatic Rifle and top right is their Carbine.

Below is the latest version of the Carbine. The carbine in the middle of the photo above has been seen recently. It is a bid sample with a commercial battery pack.

Textron brings almost two decades of Case, Telescoped weapons and ammunition development. This 6.8mm polymer cased ammunition fully encapsulates the projectile into the case. Olin Winchester, who produces over 4 billion wounds of small arms ammunition a year, will manufacture the 6.8mm rounds of the solution is selected by the Army.

LMT developed the suppressor for these weapons which utilized their virtual baffle technology.

Textron reports they will be prepared to deliver test article prototypes this Spring for the Army’s final down select for NGSW.

Posted in Ammo, AUSA, weapons | 26 Comments »

Sneak Peek – General Dynamics Ordnance And Tactical Systems Next Generation Squad Weapon Candidates

Sunday, October 13th, 2019

General Dynamics OT&S was one of three companies selected to compete for the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program which will replace the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon and M4 Carbine in close combat formations with an Automatic Rifle and Carbine firing a new 6.8mm cartridge with desired performance similar to a 270 Win Short Mag.

Their solution has been under wraps, until now.

These photos, obtained by SSD, show that both the AR and Carbine are in fact, Bullpup designs. Both also feature a suppressor.

Interestingly, the AR is box fed, a requirement insisted upon by the US Marine Corps to satisfy their continued participation in the program. The AR also incorporates a longer barrel as well as a bipod.

They fire a new composite-cases cartridge in 6.8mm, designed and manufactured by True Velocity. GD O&TS is also partnered with Beretta Defense Systems.

Look for more details soon, as the system will be formerly unveiled during this week’s Association of the United States Army annual meeting.

Posted in AUSA, weapons | 28 Comments »

PEO Soldier Visits Modular Handgun System Producer SIG SAUER

Sunday, September 29th, 2019

Army Brigadier General Anthony Potts, U.S. Army, PEO – Soldier recently visited SIG SAUER, manufacturer of the Modular Handgun System saying, “This handgun (M17 and M18) can do everything we’ve asked a handgun to do.”

He was accompanied by a group of Army and Defense Contract Management Agency personnel recently to celebrate the success of the SIG SAUER Modular Handgun System (MHS) Program.

During the month of August SIG delivered a record 11,571 M17s and M18s to the US Army.

Posted in Advertiser, PEO-Soldier, weapons | 3 Comments »

MDM 19 – Mk 14 Mod 0 Anti-Structual Munition Hand Grenade

Friday, September 20th, 2019

Developed by the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technology Division, the Mk 14 Mod 0 Anti-Structual Munition Hand Grenade has been in service with USSOCOM for years. With a new focus on Close Combat Forces, Indian Head displayed the hand grenade to gage Marine interest.

The AMHG is thermobaric with a longer duration blast pressure than other, similar munitions.

Posted in MDM, weapons | 5 Comments »

US Army Seeks IDEAs for Next Generation Squad Weapons

Wednesday, September 18th, 2019

The US Army is all-in on upgrading its Small Arms for Close Combat Forces to a Next Generation Squad Weapons configuration.

Not only have the proceeded to Phase II of their search for a new Automatic Rifle and Carbine chambered in 6.8mm by downselecting weapons from General Dynamics OTS, SIG SAUER and AAI Textron Systems, but they’ve just put out a call to industry asking for their NGSW IDEAs.

Through the Innovative Designs & Engineering Assessment (IDEA) Program, Project Manager Soldier Weapons, is seeking information on new, innovative, enabling technologies that can be applied to NGSW weapons, fire control, and/or ammunition. These technologies will be used for experimentation, technical evaluation, and/or assessment of operational utility focused on enhancing system performance, sustainment, and/or training. This information will advise/inform future NGSW requirements and may compliment or be integrated into existing programs such as the NGSW weapons, ammunition, and fire control.

With so many parallel efforts going on at once, it’s obvious they want these weapons to be ready as quickly as possible.

Vendors who want to participate have until the end of the year to submit, but my advice is to send a submission in as soon as possible, for proper consideration.

Posted in Contracts, PEO-Soldier, weapons | 11 Comments »