weapons | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for the ‘weapons’ Category

Textron Systems Lightweight Small Arms Technology Demonstrator in 6.8mm

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

Textron Systems has been developing the Lightweight Small Arms Technology Demonstrator for many years. Initially, it was chambered in 5.56 mm and 7.62mm and later ported over to 6.5mm. In light of the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle PON, they created a 6.8mm variant which was used to inform the requirement and prove out the caliber choice.

A belt fed weapon, based on the same technology you see here, is one of six currently being evaluated by the Army under NGSAR.

What sets LSAT apart from all other weapons in the NGSAR PON, is that it uses a unique ammunition type called Case Telescoped which more resembles a shotgun shell than a traditional shoulder case ammo design. It’s very interesting to see how this technology works.

This short video is of a government test fire of a single magazine through a carbine. It was recorded while the video played during a session at this year’s NDIA Annual Armaments Meeting.

Posted in Disruptive Tech, weapons | 11 Comments »

USSOCOM Small Arms Update – 2019

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

In the wake of United States Special Operations Command’s Tactical Assault Light Operator Suit (TALOS) is the Hyper Enabled Operator concept. PEO SOF Warrior is applying that as Lethal Integrated Operator. They want to ensure the integration of individual data across the full battlespace for application where needed. We are finally at the point, due to sensors and communications infrastructure, to actualize the “every Soldier as a sensor” concept from the early 2000s. Operators will be able to leverage one another’s point of view, and unique access to items and targets of interest, in order to improve decision making, lethality and survivability.

On the kinetic side of Operator lethality, SOCOM is moving quickly forward with the 6.5 Creedmoor cartridge adopted last year.

They have commenced on a Mid-Range Gas Gun – Sniper OTA through SOFWERX. Intended as a replacement for the SCAR MK20, numerous companies have submitted weapons. A shoot-off to cull the herd is coming later this summer. The requirement is simple. With each of three guns, shoot a sub-1 MOA group of five rounds.

In a similar vein, discussions continue with industry for a Lightweight Assault Machine Gun in both 5.56mm and 6.5 CM.

SOCOM is also interested in a Personal Defense Weapon for use by Naval Special Warfare. This is a kit consisting of upper receiver group and buttstock which will adapt the M4A1 into a concealable 300 BLK weapon. A 5.56mm capability for training is also desired. The PDW Kit is required to work with existing SOCOM issue 7.62mm suppressors.

As we mentioned earlier, SOCOM is moving out on the 338 Norma Mag Lightweight Machine Gun Medium with a Combat Evaluation of SIG’s SL-MAG to be conducted by MARSOC. To facilitate this test event, SOCOM is certifying a Machine Gun cartridge in 338 NM.

The Barrett MRAD was selected earlier this year as SOCOM’s Advanced Sniper Rifle. Calibers can be swapped by the Operator from 7.62mm NATO, 300 NM and 338 NM. Army, Marine Corps and Air Force have expressed interest in fielding ASR as their next sniper Rifle.

USSOCOM also has a handgun Suppressor requirement which they plan on satisfying in FY22. No further information was provided on this effort aside from that it will replace the current MK27 Suppressor.

*Capability photos are representative and not necessarily the actual item which will be procured.

Posted in SOF, weapons | 22 Comments »

USMC Small Arms Update – 2019

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

The Marine Corps is well under way with the Small Arms modernization initiatives announced last year.

USMC photo by Sgt. Aaron Henson

The biggest improvement for the Marine Infantryman isn’t a weapon, but it will make him much more effective. The Marines are moving very quickly to field the Squad Binocular Night Vision Goggle, with contract award mid-July.

The H&K produced M27 is being fielded to Marine Rifle Squads along with the M38 Designated Marksman variant.

The M320A1 40mm grenade launcher replaces the M203 and will be used in the stand alone mode.

Limited numbers of the Mk 13 Mod 7, sniper rifle have been brought over from SOCOM. The Marines consider this 300 WinMag Rifle as a bridge between the long serving M40 family and the Advanced Sniper Rifle in 7.62mm, 300 and 348 Norma Mag coming in the early 20s.

They are at the initial stages of replacing SMAW-D with the 84mm M3E1 Carl Gustaf. An interesting aside, the Marines are also making a T/O change. They will go from 8 to 4 TOW launchers per Battalion and increase from 8 to 12 Javelins.

Yes, that’s an M110A1 you see. The Marine Corps long ago signed up for the program, but there has been little indication of how many they plan to buy or how they will use them.

This is a slide indicating what the future holds for Marine Corps Small Arms. Some of these we have already seen draft requirements for, like the Squad Common Optic which is a variable power (6/8x). The SCO will go on every M27 currently being fielded to Marine Rifle Platoons. Expect a full Request for Proposals 1st quarter of 20.

The Marine Corps plans to suppress all of its M27s and eventually, its belt fed machine guns.

Army has lead on Next Gen weapons and the Marines are working with SOCOM to refine the Lightweight Medium Machine Gun requirement.

“Success is not found in contracts awarded…Success is found in confirmed kills”

PM IW

Posted in MARCORSYSCOM, Optics, USMC, weapons | 20 Comments »

MARSOC To Conduct Combat Evaluation of SIG Lightweight Machine Gun in 338 Norma Mag

Wednesday, June 5th, 2019

During this week’s National Defense Industrial Association annual Armaments meeting, acquisition officials from both United States Special Operations Command and Marine Corps Systems Command announced that the Marine Corps Special Operations Command would be conducting a combat evaluation of the SIG Light Machine Gun (SL MAG) in the near future.

Unveiled at SHOT Show, this belt fed machine gun chambered in 338 Norma Mag offers ranges that rival the .50 M2 MG from a weapon lighter than the M240.

The Combat Evaluation is a limited user test, but first they need ammunition. SOCOM is currently working on the P-SPEC for 338 NM belt fed ammunition for what they are calling the Lightweight Machine Gun – Medium.

This Combat Eval will help refine requirements for the procurement of a 338 NM LMG-M in the FY 22-23 timeframe. Both Marine Corps and SOCOM are interested in this capability.

Posted in Advertiser, SOF, USMC, weapons | 8 Comments »

US Air Force Small Arms Update – 2019

Tuesday, June 4th, 2019

At this week’s NDIA Armaments Meeting, Air Force Security Force Center’s Col Enrico Vendetti provided an update on USAF small arms. Up front, he iterated that the Air Force tends to leverage other service weapon programs. This is partly due to the fact that the Air Force’s requirement for arming is at about 50,000 personnel. The vast majority are Security Forces, but there are also Office of Special Investigations Agents and Battlefield Airmen in the mix. Consequently, much of the Security Forces Center’s effort is focused on the Reconstitute Defenders Initiative.

While much of that initiative is focused on the individual, there is also near-term acquisition of the M18 version of the Modular Handgun System, M320A1 40mm Grenade Launcher, GAU-5 5.56mm Aircrew Self Defense Weapon and CROWS/containerized weapons for Airfield Defense.

In the future, the Air Force is looking at M4A1 Improved Modular Rifle (discussed last year), acquisition of the M110A1 Compact Semi Auto Sniper System in 7.62mm, additional precision weapons such as USSOCOM’s Advanced Sniper Rifle, and Fire Control Systems. There is also OSI interest in a new sub gun like the Army’s new Sub Compact Weapon.

Interestingly, they are now focusing in on the SIG SAUER TANGO6 1-6 variable power optic selected by the Army and SOCOM for the AF M4A1 IMR.

Posted in Air Force, weapons | 25 Comments »

Sneak Peek – Law Tactical 300 BLK Demonstrator

Tuesday, June 4th, 2019

I’m at the 2019 National Defense Industrial Association Armaments Meeting and Law Tactical gave me a look at their 300 BLK Demonstrator.

It incorporates their AR Folding Stock Adapter and AR Internal Carrier (ARIC) BCG which allows the Carbine to continue to fire even with the stick folded. It is also outfitted with a 6” barrel paired with a Silencerco Omega 9K.

Posted in Weapon Accessories, weapons | 10 Comments »

GT Distributors GLOCK Salute to Veterans Discount Program

Thursday, May 30th, 2019

During the GLOCK Salute to Veterans Discount Program GT Distributors and GLOCK are extending blue label qualifications to any honorably discharged, active or retired veteran. If you meet these requirements you’re eligible to purchase one Blue Label GLOCK pistol through GT Distributors from Memorial Day to Veterans Day. Blue label pricing provides a significant discount below regular pricing for qualified purchasers. Participation in the Salute to Veterans program is as simple as using a copy of your DD 214 and valid driver’s license as credentials.

Guns like the newly released G48 and G43X as well as the G45 and G19X are all available through this program. GT Distributors is a leading supplier of GLOCK firearms, parts and accessories – from magazines to sights, and even installation.

Buying your new GLOCK online from GT couldn’t be easier: use our FFL Finder to buy your GLOCK on GTDist.com and have it shipped directly to your FFL!

Click or Call today:

www.gtdist.com/glock_veterans_program

800.775.5996

Posted in Press Release, Veterans, weapons | 7 Comments »

SIG SAUER P365 with Manual Safety Now Shipping

Wednesday, May 29th, 2019

NEWINGTON, N.H., (May 29, 2019) –SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce the award-winning everyday carry, high capacity, P365 pistol with Manual Safety (P365-MS) is now shipping and available in retail stores.

This P365 micro-compact, concealed carry pistol is smaller and lighter than other pistols in its class and features a high-capacity, patented modified double-stack magazine for a 10+1 full-size capacity, with 12-round magazine for a 12+1 capacity. The P365-MS variant includes all the features of the original award-winning P365 with the addition of an ambidextrous manual safety. The Massachusetts compliant variant of the P365-MS will be available and shipping to retailers in June.

The P365 Manual Safety Specs:
Total length: 5.8”
Barrel length: 3.1”
Weight (incl. magazine):18 oz.
Height: 4.3”
Width:1.1”
Sight radius: 4.9”

Learn more about the SIG SAUER P365 through a short feature highlighting the extensive list of product awards the pistol has commanded for its revolutionary design including the Guns & Ammo, “Handgun of the Year”, an NRA Golden Bullseye from Shooting Illustrated for “Handgun of the Year, and the praise it has garnered from independent experts across the industry to become the top selling pistol on the market today.

Complete product specs and information on the SIG SAUER P365-MS are available at sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, weapons | 13 Comments »