SIG MMG 338 Program Series

Archive for the ‘weapons’ Category

H&K Feels Compelled To Tell Us What We’ve Known For Over Two Years

Tuesday, July 16th, 2019

Way back in 2017 the Army decided to purchase just over 6,000 Squad Designated Marksman versions of the M110A1 Compact Semi Auto Sniper System. Specifically, this directed requirement from the Army staff called for the G28E Rifle which CSASS is based upon, and is used by the German Bundeswehr.

Although the First Article Testing was problematic due to the Army attempting to shoot M80A1 ammunition from a Rifle specifically designed to shoot M118 LR, it’s now all been worked out.

But for some reason, manufacturer Heckler & Koch felt compelled to issue a new press release entitled, “Heckler & Koch to supply new US Army Squad Designated Marksman Rifle.” Granted, they added in a bunch of other contracts, but this isn’t anything new. I suppose it was in response to the ridiculous recent claims that they were going out of business.

July 15, 2019

Ashburn, Virginia —Heckler & Koch Defense Inc. is gearing up to deliver between 5,000 and 6,000 complete rifle weapon systems to the US Amy, which plans to deploy them as M110A1 Squad Designated Marksman Rifles (SDMR).

The new HK rifle is a variant of the 7.62 mm G28/HK417. Under terms of the agreement, the rifles, which are manufactured by HK in Oberndorf, Germany will begin to arrive in the HK-USA facility in Columbus, GA early next year. There, HK-USA workers will install scopes and mounts purchased by the Army under a separate agreement. Additionally, HK-USA staff will kit the scoped rifles with additional accessories from 12 other US-based manufacturers to round out the complete SDMR weapon system delivered to the Army. Heckler & Koch will also provide spare parts, support, and training.

“This is a significant achievement for Heckler & Koch,” HK-USA COO/CSO Michael Holley said. “The HK SDMR system will add much-needed capabilities to virtually every squad in the Army. We are honored by this opportunity.”

Holley also added that this award, combined with the recent USMC M27 purchase, as well as several other international contracts, further solidifies Heckler & Koch’s position as one of the world leaders in small arms development.

Beyond the SDMR, recent HK major contracts of record include:

US Marine Corps – M27 Rifle

US Army – CSASS/SDMR Rifle

Berlin Police – SFP 9(VP 9) pistol

Bavarian State Police – SFP 9(VP 9) pistol

French Army – 416 Rifle

British Army – SA80 upgrade

About Heckler & Koch

Heckler & Koch is the world’s premier small arms systems company and a major supplier to global military, law enforcement agencies, and civilian shooters. An innovative leader in design and manufacturing, Heckler & Koch provides technologically advanced firearms, logistical support, training, and specialized services with the highest standards of innovation and reliability to its customer base. Heckler & Koch’s well-known range of products include the USP series pistols, MP5 submachine gun, the MP7 Personal Defense Weapon, the G36 weapon system, the HK416 enhanced carbine, HK45, P30, and most recently VP series pistols.

Warrior EAST 19 – HDT Containerized Weapon System

Thursday, July 11th, 2019

img_2359-1.jpg

HDT’s Containerized Weapon System integrates EO/IR sensors and weapons on a remotely operated mast. CWS can be used individually or networked with one another. It is transportable and can be set up in 30 minutes.

18C5E97D-73B1-47C9-8EA0-81611A48BED3

Weapons and sensor options vary from non-lethal all the way to Hellfire missiles. Reloads and maintenance can be accomplished with the mast retracted, under cover.

E96E9B2D-FD0A-4F99-BDD3-2A3B63C29007

www.hdtglobal.com

SIG SAUER Modular Handgun System Receives Full-Material Release from US Army

Tuesday, July 9th, 2019

NEWINGTON, N.H., (July 9, 2019) – SIG SAUER, Inc. in conjunction with Winchester Ammunition, is proud to announce the SIG SAUER Modular Handgun System (MHS) has officially received notification of Full-Material Release (FMR) from the U.S. Army Program Executive Office Soldier, Picatinny Arsenal, NJ. MHS is collectively comprised of the SIG SAUER M17 Full-Size, and M18 Compact handguns, and Winchester Ammunition M1152 Ball, M1153 Special Purpose, and M1156 Drilled Dummy Inert.

Full-Material Release is a significant milestone for the MHS program and is the official determination that the U.S. Army has rigorously tested and evaluated the M17 and M18 handguns, and associated ammunition, to determine it as safe for use when operated within its stated parameters. The official FMR notification received by SIG SAUER on June 27, 2019 states that MHS has been fully tested, meets all operational performance requirements, and is logistically supportable within the environment it is intended to operate.

Ron Cohen, President & CEO, SIG SAUER, Inc. began, “the Army’s announcement of Full Material Release is the final stamp of approval for the MHS Program, and a true testament to the successful collaboration of the U.S. Army, SIG SAUER, and Winchester Ammunition to deliver the highest quality MHS program to our soldiers in the field. The FMR notification really highlights the safety and quality of the M17 and M18 handguns, and the success of the MHS program in its entirety.”

To date, over 59,000 Modular Handguns have been delivered by SIG SAUER, and over 44,000,000 rounds of ammunition delivered by Winchester Ammunition to the Government for MHS; in the next 5-7 years an additional 350,000 handguns and 100,000,000 rounds of ammunition are scheduled for delivery.

“We are enthused by this announcement, and honored to have all the branches of the U.S. Military participating in the MHS program. These are both important and significant steps to ensuring that MHS, the M17 and M18 handguns, and Winchester Ammunition will serve the U.S. Military well into the future,” concluded Cohen.

The M17 and M18 handguns are 9mm, striker-fired handguns featuring coyote-tan PVD coated stainless steel slides with black controls and utilize both 17-round and 21-round magazines. The handguns are equipped with SIGLITE front night sights, removable night sight rear plates, and manual safeties.

LWRCI Rolls Out New SMG .45

Friday, July 5th, 2019

CAMBRIDGE, MARYLAND (7/3/2019): One of the most exciting product releases in LWRCI™ company history is finally here. LWRCI™ announces the release of its first pistol-caliber carbine – the SMG-45. This highly-anticipated SMG model combines the company’s experience on the AR platform with an innovative delayed-blowback/short-recoil operating system that delivers a unique pistol-caliber carbine shooting experience.

“We listened closely to shooters, operators, and customers throughout the development of this exciting new platform for LWRCI™,” says David Ridley, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “The SMG is truly a ‘Step-Up’ pistol-caliber carbine that offers our customers innovative features and comfortable ergonomics in a compact package.”

Built from the ground up around US-manufactured UMP magazines, the SMG-45 is a completely new PCC in .45 ACP that features many of the same controls and performance attributes found in LWRCI™’s luxury gas-piston AR lineup. LWRCI™’s commitment to craftsmanship and design excellence is clearly evident in the SMG-45: the firearm delivers the high performance that discerning shooters demand alongside the quality and innovation that customers have come to expect from LWRCI™.  

Constructed of advanced aluminum and steel alloys and protected with hard-coat anodizing, ferritic nitrocarburization, and nickel-boron surface treatments, the SMG is built to last. Features on the SMG include a signature fully-ambidextrous lower receiver with AR-style controls for the safety and bolt catch/release, a paddle magazine release, the LWRCI™ Ultra Combat Grip™, and an LWRCI™ Enhanced Fire Control Group™. The upper includes an 8.5” cold- hammer-forged CrMoV steel barrel, LWRCI’s familiar Modular Rail System with LWRCI™ Rail Panels and Hand Stop installed at 3/6/9 o’clock, Magpul MBUS Pro sights, and more. The launch configuration for the SMG-45 is a pistol equipped with the SB Tactical SBTi folding subgun brace. The SMG-45 ships with two 25-round magazines.

To coincide with America’s Independence Day the SMG-45 Pistol+Brace began shipping on July 2 and is expected to be ready for retail from an authorized LWRCI Wholesale Distributor or Premier Dealer by early next week.  For more information on the LWRCI™ SMG-45, visit www.lwrci.com.

Nighthawk Custom Thunder Ranch Combat Special

Thursday, July 4th, 2019

Released today, the Nighthawk Custom Thunder Ranch Combat Special is a collaboration between Nighthawk and Thunder Ranch’s Clint Smith.

The Thunder Ranch Combat Special is a 5? Government model, available in both .45 ACP as well as 9mm Luger. It is available with or without an accessory/light rail.

It also features newly designed front and rear cocking serrations, a lanyard loop mainspring housing, a “GI-Style” nub thumb safety, custom engraving, and a gold bead front sight. The gun is finished with a unique Smoked Nitride finish and green linen/micarta scales.

For full details, visit thunderranchinc.com/thunder-ranch-combat-special-by-nighthawk-custom.

All Americans Conduct Jump Testing Of CSASS

Saturday, June 29th, 2019

FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Operational testing of the Army’s newest precision rifle, the Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS) began recently, marking one of the final hurdles this system will face prior to fielding.

Snipers assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division recently participated in airborne infiltration test trials of what could potentially be the Army’s newest sniper system.

“The compact nature of the CSASS is appealing to airborne forces and particularly Snipers who are typically armed with long barreled precision rifles,” said Sgt. 1st Class Ross Martin, a Test NCO with the U.S. Army Operational Test Command’s Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate (ABNSOTD).

“Current sniper systems are equipped with 20-inch barrels, sound suppression systems and full length stocks that provide accuracy and a stable firing platform required of any precision rifle,” said David Parris, a CSASS New Equipment Training (NET) trainer from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command’s Soldier Weapons Support.

Being a product of battlefield evolution, the CSASS is more geared toward operations in urban environments and operating in and around armored vehicles where traditional length sniper systems can be cumbersome.

“The CSASS will feature a reduction in overall length (with the suppression system attached) and an adjustable stock that provides maneuverability and promotes a stable firing position,” said Victor Yarosh of Project Manager Soldier Weapons.

This will provide airborne snipers a more compact load during airborne infiltration operations and provide a precision rifle platform more conducive to their combat environment without reducing their lethality.

Spec. Nicholas Farmer of Orlando, Florida, a Sniper in C Troop, 1st Battalion, 73rd Cavalry Regiment immediately identified the attributes of a more compact precision rifle.

“The CSASS is much shorter and lighter than our current system which will make long dismounted movements and reaction to contact more efficient,” he said.

Spc. William Holland from Sylacauga, Alabama, a sniper with 2nd Battalion 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment echoed his fellow snipers assessment as, “lightweight and compact makes for a more manageable load during post drop operations.”

Prior to testing, Snipers participated in a NET which included familiarization with the system, maintenance, target engagement and zeroing procedures.

The critical task in testing any small arms platform intended for use by airborne forces is ensuring zero retention of the primary optic subsequent to airborne insertion. This is a critical gauge of the paratrooper’s lethality during airfield seizure and other follow on operations.

“This process establishes a baseline for site reticle locations prior to and post airborne insertion,” said Lacretia Cook, an instrumentation technician with the ABNSOTD.

“Testers can monitor any ‘shift’ in the weapons sight reticle.”

To evaluate this performance measure of the CSASS, the ABNSOTD test team employed the organization’s mobile weapons boresight collimator to ensure the snipers’ “pre-mission” zero was not degraded by shock associated with parachute infiltration.

Once this data was collected, snipers conducted a known distance live fire exercise to gauge lethality subsequent to static line and military free fall operations.

For Sgt. Christopher Landrum of Delano, California, the target audience of trained snipers was perfect.

“It’s vital that operational troops are the ones testing the system as they are best suited to recognize system requirements and mission capabilities,” he explained.

Sgt. 1st Class Darin Pott, a senior sniper with the 1st Battalion, 73rd Armored Regiment said he would also like to see Soldiers added to the process earlier.

“The Army should involve the sniper community at the earliest possible milestone of development,” he said.

“Operational Testing is about Soldiers. It is about making sure that the systems developed are effective in a Soldier’s hands and suitable for the environments in which Soldiers train and fight,” said Col. Brad Mock, Director of ABNSOTD.

“OTC is the U.S. Army’s only independent operational test organization,” said Lt. Col. David Dykema, deputy of ABNSOTD’s Test Division.

“We test Army, Joint, and Multi-service airborne and airdrop related warfighting systems in realistic operational environments, using Soldiers to determine whether the systems are effective, suitable, and survivable.

“Any time Soldiers and their leaders get involved in operational testing,” he added, “they have the opportunity to use, work with, and offer up their own suggestions on pieces of equipment that can impact development of systems that future Soldiers will use in combat.”

Story by Mike Shelton, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command Public Affairs

Photos by Mr. Chris OLeary, Videographer, Airborne and Special Operations Test Directorate, U.S. Army Operational Test Command Public Affairs

Portuguese Navy Adopts G3 Upgrades By Spuhr AB

Wednesday, June 19th, 2019

After extensive testing, which included dropping the weapon 2 meters onto a steel plate, the Portuguese Navy has adopted the Spuhr upgrade kit for the G3. The deal was brokered by NT Group.

As you can see, it includes a new stock (R-410), upper rail (R-402), and forend (R-401). The stock abd forend are the same as Spuhr developed for the Swedish Army. Except, the sling swivel is diferent and the cheekpiece is not screwmounted and can be detached by hand so the rifle can be used with iron sights.

US Army NGSW Submission 6.8 Sherwood by VK Integrated Systems and Bachstein Consulting

Wednesday, June 19th, 2019

The XR-68 is a new weapon system that has been submitted to the Army for the NGSW program by VK Integrated Systems of California and Bachstein Consulting LLC of New Hampshire. The system consists of an electronics suite combined with a rifle chambered for a new cartridge design, 6.8 Sherwood. Variants for both, the NGSW-R and NGSW-AR, have been submitted.

A standout unique feature of the XR-68 is the lower receiver designed to house electronics, route power and data in a secure and robust way. Similar to other VK Integrated Systems rifles, the XR-68 houses the SmarTak electronics system, an advanced weapons system design for real-time battlespace awareness. This will provide the warfighter’s enablers and sights with data that will enhance situational awareness. Parameters like number of shots, last service date, location and orientation will be made available in a way that allows for easy upgrades of software and electronics.

Rifle Design

The XR-68 is based on the DPMS308/SR-25 system used throughout the industry. The XR-68 is chambered for a new cartridge called 6.8 Sherwood. The barrel is the only part that is non-standard, similar in concept to a 300BLK in an AR-15. All other parts in the XR-68, such as the bolt, bolt carrier, fire control, etc., are DPMS308/SR-25 compatible parts. The XR-68 has an ambidextrous charging handle, safety selector and magazine catch.

Ammunition/Cartridge Design

Bachstein Consulting designed the 6.8 Sherwood to meet the level of performance required by the Army for the NGSW program. 6.8 Sherwood has more internal case volume than 7.62mm and other cartridges derived from 7.62mm, allowing for more performance potential. 6.8 Sherwood is compatible with 7.62mm bolts and bolt carriers, no special modifications are required.

VK Integrated Systems

Bachstein Consulting