Back in 2012, General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems unveiled their belt-fed Lightweight Medium Machine Gun, in .338 Norma Magnum. I saw the weapon, but didn’t take it too seriously, because at the time, there was no money in DoD for new starts. I remember being asked by a friend what a .338 machine gun could be used for and I replied, “shooting $10 bills.” It just seemed like the timing wasn’t right. Now however, its prospects are looking better than ever.
A few things have happened since 2012. First off, the development of Polymer cased ammo has progressed to the point that it is now viable. Second, there’s now money available for an initiative like this. What’s more, we’ve got a Chief of Staff of the Army who wants to retool the Army for the next war. The LWMMG offers an overmatch capability that promises to change how the Infantry fights.
Developed via internal R&D Dollars, GD identified a capability gap between the M240 and M2 machine guns. They set about to create a machine gun which would offer similar handling characteristics as the M240, yet rival the reach of the venerable M2. Combining the .338 Norma Magnum cartridge and their “Short Recoil Impulse Averaging” recoil mitigation system, the LWMMG can engage targets out to 1700m (some GD literature offers 1900m) with a 300gr Sierra HPBT, FMJ, or AP projectile. That round offers 5 times the energy of a 7.62 projectile at 1000m.
While GD chose the .338NM over the .338 Lapua Magnum due to its less tapered case for use in belts, and the promise of longer barrel life, the LWMMG can be converted to use the .338LM cartridge.
At the 1700m range, the performance of the M2’s .50 round limits it to use as an area weapon, while the .338NM has been demonstrated to hit point targets at that range. This more than adequately overmatches the Russian PKM which has been a concern for anyone who has found themselves at its receiving end.
The weapon weighs 22 lbs which places it well within the 240 weight class of 27 lbs and rivals the new M240L. The LWMMG also features a quick change barrel with fixed headspace and timing as well as integrated MIL-STD-1913 rails. Additionally, there is a collapsible stock and GD has been offering the weapon with a 6x optic.
This 2012 chart depicts the weights of the M240, LWMMG and M2 and is based on conventional, brass cased rounds for the LWMMG. In addition to weapon upgrades, Poly case technology is going to further lighten that load, or better yet, increase the amount of ammunition a machine gunner can carry.
Conceptually, the Army is interested in something along these lines, but out in the nebulous world of the future. The thing is, the stars are aligning now.
Now is the time for one of the services or USSOCOM to write a requirement for this capability. Let’s see what industry can do to offer the US Warfighter a capability unparalleled anywhere else. Take that, PKM!
Although Jim Schatz passed away, he left a great deal of knowledge with us, including the “9 Known Truths”, based on his experience in the Small Arms industry. I have a feeling they’ll still be as valid in a decade or more, as they are today.
9 Known Truths
General Thoughts on Modern Warfare and Small Arms Technology
1 The asymmetric threat, unencumbered by “western” doctrine and politics, exploits our capability gaps faster than we can react within our cumbersome infrastructure.
2 Kinetic Energy (KE) kill mechanisms (launched bullets, fragments) have been and remain state-of-the-art weapons technology since the 15th century. That will not change anytime soon so we should embrace and improve on it.
3 Man-portable “directed energy” technology is decades away. One cannot “schedule a break through”, regardless of what the sci fi writers and S&T community developers espouse.
4 For the ground combatant, pH and pI/K has not been markedly improved by so-called “Leap Ahead” or “Revolutionary” technology and “Star Wars” S&T projects, yet $B’s have been spent on unrealistic and undelivered promises.
5 Desired Target Effects (direct hits or effective target suppression) depends on aiming and launch “hold proficiency” (marksmanship) be it used for semi, burst or full auto KE fire, air-bursting engagements via accurate lasing, XM25 or “TrackingPoint”-style FS/FCS, or even directed energy “pulses”.
6 Repeatable First Shot hits/kills will never be readily accomplished due to the many “hold” and error factors beyond the control of the operator. Immediate through-optic BDA and rapid adjusted follow-on shots offer the greatest chance of improved target effects, BUT the equipment must provide that core capability to the trained operator.
7 Snipers as “force multipliers” exploit magnified optics, superior weapons, sights and ammunition to increase pH & PI/K at all ranges, especially those beyond assault rifle range. Rifleman can/should leverage that capability by employing affordable “paradigm shifting” precision enablers.
8 Training is paramount to effectiveness BUT advanced hardware enables advanced training and employment.
9 Incremental, available and emerging (and affordable) advancements in small arms, sighting and ammunition technologies offer the greatest return on investment and are waiting to be exploited.
Last week, the Army News Service released this story about the equipment developed under the Soldier Protection System program.
During the development effort, this is a full size poster, PEO Soldier was using to demonstrate the SPS concept. It will give you a good idea of what we’re talkingaboit.
They’re working on new posters with the gear they selected during the development process. Here are some images from that photo shoot, from PM SCIE’s Facebook page.
Below, in the Army’s article, you’ll get a glimpse of the equipment they actually selected. They’re also featuring the Integrated Head Protection subsystem which took an extremely long time to downselect. Although they’re showing this particular helmet off, don’t forget, the Army just awarded a contract to Revision for the ACH II. Although it’s no slouch, lowering the weight of the helmet by 24% at the same ballistic performance of the ACH, it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles of the SPS helmet. You won’t be seeing this helmet anytime soon.
This photo showing the SPS IHPs as well as the ACH is from the PM SCIE Facebook page.
In fact, delays are a common issue with this program. Much of this has to do with some questionable decisions. From its outset, SPS was on, then off, then on again. Once it was under way, requirements were altered by PEO Soldier after the Torso and Extremity Protection’s subsystem candidates were submitted by industry, lowering them in order to allow the government submission to win. Even then, the government’s winning system lacked the required female variant, which is allegedly still under development. There were other issues with the baseline system but its very production has been delayed due to contract protests. Worse yet, there have been acceptance test failures of its protective armor. Furthermore, production of the Ballistic Combat Shirt was delayed due to protests.
LTC Kathy Brown meets with Army News Service. (Photo from PM SCIE Facebook Page)
Like any organization, they have their triumphs and their failures, but PEO Soldier long ago stopped responding to my requests for information, after I published a series of articles critical of their mishandling of the camouflage and SPS efforts. Program Manager, Soldier Protective Equipment LTC Kathy Brown has met with several reporters regarding this system but they won’t answer the most important question…”why?” Why did they make those choices? Several vendors offered turnkey solutions. The Army has spent two years trying to get their government owned design on the street.
Don’t get me wrong. I want to see them succeed. I’m a former Soldier myself and this equipment is designed to protect the lives of Americans; that’s precisely why I want to see them get it right.
New Soldier armor weighs less, offers more options
WASHINGTON (Army News Service) — The average generation II improved outer tactical vest weighs about 26 pounds. But the new torso and extremity protection system or TEP, under development now at Program Executive Office Soldier, sheds about five pounds of weight and also adds a wide degree of scalability that commanders can make use of depending on threat level and mission.
The Torso and Extremity Protection System” or TEP, under development now at Program Executive Office Soldier, sheds about five pounds of weight from the IOTV, and also adds a wide degree of scalability that commanders can make use of depending on threat level and mission. (Photo Credit: C. Todd Lopez)
The TEP is part of the new Soldier Protection System under development now at PEO Soldier. The SPS includes both the TEP and the integrated head protection system.
RANGE OF OPTIONS
The TEP can replace the IOTV, at less weight and greater scalability, depending on the mission. It includes the modular scalable vest, the ballistic combat shirt, the blast pelvic protection system, and a battle belt, which is aimed at getting weight off a Soldier’s shoulders and onto the hips.
With the TEP, commanders can require Soldiers to go with full protection — which provides the same level of protection as a fully-loaded IOTV — or go all the way down to wearing soft armor under their uniforms for missions that require less protection.
“It’s about giving commanders on the battlefield the ability to use the modularity capability of the equipment to fit their particular mission profile or protective posture level,” said Lt. Col. Kathy Brown, the product manager for Personal Protective Equipment at PEO Soldier, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.
BALLISTIC COMBAT SHIRT
The IOTV sometimes required Soldiers to wear the deltoid auxiliary protection — cumbersome parts that snapped on to the IOTV and protected their shoulders. Soldiers might have also been asked to wear the smaller, easily-lost collars that also snapped on to the IOTV. Both are gone with the TEP. They’ve been replaced by the ballistic combat shirt, which is a shirt with breathable fabric and which also includes those smaller ballistic protection parts built in. Soldiers would wear the BCS under the TEP’s modular scalable vest.
“We have tested it,” Brown said of the ballistic combat shirt. “Soldiers like it. There is 95 percent Soldier acceptability of it. What we are working on now is tweaking the sizes.”
NEW PELVIC PROTECTION
The TEP also includes the blast pelvic protection system, which is designed to protect a Soldiers thighs and groin against ballistic threats and burns. The BPPS is meant to replace the current combination of the pelvic undergarment and the pelvic outer-garment, or “PUG” and “POG.” The PUG has sometimes been referred to as “ballistic underwear.”
Brown said the BPPS “provides the same level of protection” as the PUG and POG combined, including both burn and fragment protection. She said Soldiers have reported that it feels more like it is “part of the pants.”
BELT TAKES LOAD OFF SHOULDERS
The battle belt included with the TEP is part of a weight management system, but it also offers some protection as well.
“It’s designed to remove the weight from your shoulders and put it on your hips,” Brown said. Whereas Soldiers might strap a radio or other gear onto their IOTV in the past, the battle belt can now take that gear and move the weight onto a Soldier’s hips.
Brown said that after successful ballistic testing, production of the TEP will begin in probably May of this year, and that Soldiers could see it in 2018 or 2019.
NEW HELMET
Another part of the Soldier Protection System is the integrated head protection system, or IHPS. In its full configuration, it looks similar to a motorcycle helmet.
The IHPS consists of a base helmet, similar to the polyethylene enhanced combat helmet that some Soldiers are already wearing. The IHPS also includes add-ons for the base helmet, including a visor, a “mandible” portion that protects the lower jaw, and a “ballistic applique” that is much like a protective layer that attaches over the base helmet. The complete ensemble is known as the “high threat configuration.”
Brown said that eventually all deploying Soldiers will get the IHPS with the base helmet, which is the standard configuration. Other Soldiers, vehicle gunners in particular, will also get the mandible portion and the ballistic applique as well, known as the turret configuration.
The IHPS currently has a Picatinny rail mounted on the side for attaching gear, and will also provide for attaching head-mounted night vision goggles.
NEW SUNGLASSES
The visor portion on the IHPS provides ballistic protection to a Soldier’s face but doesn’t provide any protection against the sun. So Soldiers wearing it will need to wear darkened sunglasses underneath the visor if they are in bright environments.
Maj. Jaun F. Carleton, also with PEO Solider, had a pair of new sunglasses that are authorized for use by Soldiers if they want to buy them, or if their commanders buy them for them.
The sunglasses, which also come in a face mask version as well, start off as un-darkened — offering no protection against the sun. But with the press of a button, LCD modules that adhere to the lenses darken and provide protection against the sun. That happens in less than a second.
“The benefit is that using one pair of protective eyewear, you wouldn’t have to switch from a clear goggle to a dark goggle — you’d have one protective eyewear for all conditions,” Carleton said.
Brown said the goggles will be available for units to be able to requisition as part of the Soldier Protection System.
“If we are able to drive the price down, the Army could eventually make a decision to include that on the list of items that we carry for deploying Soldiers,” Brown said.
SOLDIER TESTING
Brown said the IHPS will likely be available to deploying Soldiers sometime between 2020 and 2021.
As part of extensive human factors evaluations, Brown said that PEO Soldier has used Soldiers, extensively, to evaluate the new gear.
“We had a massive scale of Soldiers to evaluate the equipment, usually over a three-week to month-long timeframe, where they would perform their different mission sets, where they will execute basic rifle marksmanship, and ruck marches,” she said.
Afterward, she said, those same Soldiers were asked what they think of the gear through a qualitative evaluation methodology (Soldier survey).
“They would give us the good, the bad, the ugly,” Brown said. “It’s extremely important to get Soldiers’ input. First, Soldiers are brutally honest and they are going to tell you exactly how they feel about the equipment. Second, why buy equipment Soldiers won’t wear? And third, who’s better to give us the best answer about how the kit should be designed than the Soldier who will actually wear the equipment?”
Late last week we lost Jim Schatz, a true expert in the small arms community. Jim was a presenter at many a NDIA Small Arms Conference and this briefing to the 2012 meeting on Caseless Ammunition Small Arms, is one of his best. Click on the image below to read the briefing slides. While Jim’s discussion is missing, he would always offer some great slides, packed with info. There’s a lot going on with Small Arms these days and we’re going to dip into some of it this week, so consider this a read ahead.
April 26 2017 marks the 55th anniversary of the maiden flight of Article 121, the first A-12 to be test flown from Project OXCART. Few aircraft have captivated the aviation community (and in this case, the intelligence community) as much as the A-12. Project Oxcart involved the classified development of the A-12 aircraft as a symbol of the successful collaboration of the Intelligence Community, the Defense Department, and private industry to create a national strategic asset that our adversaries never dreamed possible.
This Memorial Shirt shows an artistic rendering of Article 128 as it sits on display at HQS (CIA Headquarters for the uninitiated) in Langley, Virginia. The stars, larger versions of the stars on the Memorial Wall, shine brightly from the front of Article 128 as a reminder to all who see it, that the mission of the Central Intelligence Agency is not only important to our way of life but, at times, requires the ultimate sacrifice.
The Two Memorial Stars Represent:
Walter Ray: During a routine A-12 training flight on January 5, 1967, a fuel gauge failed to function properly, and the aircraft ran out of fuel only minutes before landing. The pilot, Walter Ray, ejected but was killed when he was unable to separate from the ejection seat before impact. The aircraft was completely destroyed. Its wreckage was found on January 6, and Ray’s body was recovered a day later.
Jack Weeks: The second pilot fatality in the program occurred during this drawdown. On 4 June 1968 Jack Weeks was in Article 129 on a checkout flight after an engine change for the trip to the United States. He was last heard from 520 miles east of Manila. No trace of the plane was found, and an investigation turned up no clue about the cause of the crash. Signals received about a half hour into the flight from the onboard BIRDWATCHER monitoring system indicated engine trouble; a catastrophic failure was the most likely explanation.
The back features the Inglorious Amateurs shield logo.
Professionally screened on the perfect 60/40 blend cotton/poly shirt like all our offerings. Please remember these run on the athletic side, order accordingly.
Available now as a pre-sale only, from 12 March 2017 until 31 March 2017. We expect to ship the 2nd week of April.
Thousands of officers to benefit from Armor Express’ “Quad compliant” Vortex IIIA Gen 2 ballistic vest, certified to meet NIJ, DEA and FBI protocols, and tested against special threats
CENTRAL LAKE, MI, March 16, 2017 – Central Lake Armor Express, Inc. (“Armor Express”), a leading manufacturer and distributor of high-performance body armor solutions, announced today that the Company has been awarded a new, two-year contract with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) and San Francisco Sheriff’s Department (SFSD) to provide its Vortex™ IIIA Gen 2 ballistic vest. The advanced, “Quad compliant” body armor system is uniquely certified to meet the most rigorous requirements of the NIJ, DEA and FBI protocols, and is tested to defeat special type ballistic rounds.
“This is a major win for our Company and for the thousands of law enforcement officers in San Francisco who stand to benefit from the advancements we have made in ballistic protection,” stated Scott Wyatt, Vice President, Sales and Marketing with Armor Express. “As two of the largest law enforcement agencies in the country, their selection of Armor Express is testimony to their confidence in our team and in our offerings. We look forward to outfitting their officers with the most innovative protective solutions in the industry and ensuring all their needs are continuously met. All of us at Armor Express stand ready to safeguard the lives of the men and women who make the sacrifice to protect our freedoms and we are especially honored to partner with these prestigious law enforcement agencies in San Francisco.”
The City of San Francisco selected the Vortex IIIA Gen 2 ballistic package over other body armor offerings because of the ideal balance it provides between a flexible and pliable package, while keeping its lightweight qualities for officer comfort. The Level IIIA package is notably lighter and thinner than the previously contracted body armor (approximately 8 percent lighter and 10 percent thinner). The vest utilizes cutting-edge materials and unique weaving techniques to keep it extremely flexible right out of the box. It is powered by aramid fibers from Twaron®, utilized in the form of a unique multi-layered woven fabric by Lincoln Fabrics and a thin, flexible aramid, uni-directional material produced by Honeywell. Service, delivery and quality were significant factors in SFPD and SFSD choosing the Vortex vest for their officers and because the Vortex IIIA is Quad compliant, it uniquely meets the ballistic technical specifications of both departments.
The Vortex body armor combines strength, comfort and performance in a versatile and budget-friendly package for today’s law enforcement agency. The IIIA is suitable for both concealed wear and use by tactical teams. Its high-performance features are designed based on a slim construction, lightweight fibers, and outstanding strength. The armor’s protective capabilities have been built to match the most strenuous requirements, including in-house special threat ballistic testing. This soft ballistic is capable of stopping some of the most advanced rounds, including the FN 5.7x28mm 27gr. Lead Free Hollow Point, FN 5.7x28mm 40gr. V-Max, Speer LE 9mm +P 124gr. Gold Dot Hollow Point, Winchester Ranger 9mm +P+ 127gr. SXT (DEA round), Winchester 9mm NATO 124gr. (FBI round), Federal Tactical 12ga. TruBall Rifled Slug, among other high-velocity special threats.
The Vortex IIIA Gen 2 is available in both male and female versions. The female version has a unique proprietary design that makes this companion model a great choice for SFPD officers, as it meets the same performance criteria and comfort characteristics required to execute the department’s body armor program.
This award is for a period of two years, with a one year extension option. Under the terms of the contract, the Company expects to deliver close to 900 body armor systems for the two departments on an annual basis. Further, added to the award is an option for officers and deputies to leverage Armor Express’ H-Shock concealable rifle plate. Today’s officers face unpredictable threats but they should never have to compromise. Wearing concealable soft armor doesn’t mean they can’t also have light rifle protection. The H-Shock plate adds rifle protection for the wearer, providing coverage for vital areas. With this special “up-armor” insert, agencies have a cost-effective solution that can stop more than the average trauma plate, while in a concealable carrier. Officers can have peace of mind regardless of what they come up against.
Looking forward to seeing our Friends and Customers at Next Week’s 8th Annual USASOC Sniper Competition! See you at the Vendor Tent and the Vendor Shoot!
Victory Wear Looks to Promote the “Brand” of America and what makes her great beginning at Martinsville Speedway
MOORESVILLE, N.C. (March 17, 2017) – Officials with Austin Hill and Young’s Motorsports are pleased to announce today that Victory Wear, a division of Victory First, has partnered with the No. 02 Ford F-150 team for the remainder of the 2017 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) season. Victory Wear will serve as the primary sponsor for driver Austin Hill at Martinsville Speedway on Saturday, April 1, 2017.
“I’ve always known NASCAR was a very patriotic sport and has a fan base that stands behind the flag, the military, first responders and is truly “All American.” Being a veteran and retired detective, that resonates with me very deeply, and it is what we try to express in all of our apparel,” commented Victory Wear CEO Matt Jacques. “When Austin (Hill) reached out to me about partnering with the team, I was very honored and excited. Being asked to be a part of the NASCAR family, which is all about family, is very exciting. I cannot wait to feel what it’s like to watch Austin wheel the Victory Wear truck at Martinsville Speedway.”
The partnership kicks off with the Alpha Energy Solutions 250 at the infamous 0.526 mile “Paperclip” in Ridgeway, V.A., with a patriotic red, white and blue primary design. Victory Wear will also be an associate on the truck for all of the NCWTS races Hill is slated to drive the remainder of the season. Operating under the three defining principles of honesty, loyalty and humility, Victory Wear will be providing Hill and his crew with quality apparel to wear.
“Having such a patriotic company as Victory Wear join our team and look to promote the brand of America, and everything that makes her great, is truly an honor,” commented Austin Hill. “When we started working with The Lone Survivor Foundation last season, we stepped back as a team and agreed to try and promote our serviceman, veterans, first responders, patriots and most importantly our Country as much as possible. Victory Wear exemplifies all of these qualities and traits and we are proud to welcome them not only to our team but our family.”
Forged from Victory First, which provides real world training to law enforcement and responsible firearms owners. Experience in consulting with firearms industry partners, lead to the creation of Victory Wear, to create and develop leading edge gear. Victory Wear strives to make their clothing to the highest quality and with the belief that you are spending your hard earned money on a shirt of ours, so we will put attention to detail, form manufacturing to delivery. As we move about our daily lives, we see the threads of patriotism in folks just like us, and we look forward to offering you apparel that you want to wear. Learn more about Victory Wear at www.Victory-Wear.com.
Flag-to-flag coverage of the Alpha Energy Solutions 250 will be televised on FOX beginning at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Saturday, April 1, and broadcast live on the Motor Racing Network and Sirius XM Satellite Radio beginning at 3:00 p.m. ET.
Fans can follow Hill on social media for updates at AustinHillRacing (Facebook), @_AustinHill (Twitter) and _Austin_Hill_ (Instagram). Also be sure to check out Victory Wear at VictoryWearables (Facebook), @Victory1stWear (Twitter) and victorywearables (Instagram).
Tags: Victory Wear Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on Victory Wear Joins Forces with Austin Hill and Young’s Motorsports
