“The PLA (People’s Liberation Army of Communist China) is also exploring satellite jammers, kinetic energy weapons, high-powered lasers, high-powered microwave weapons, particle beam weapons, and electromagnetic pulse weapons for counterspace application.” US Department of Defense, Annual Report to Congress: Military Power of the People’s Republic of China, 2008. The Chinese have already demonstrated their mastery of directed energy weapons (DEW) as a strategic spacewar capability by killing spy satellites in orbit. The PLA, aided by cynically mercenary experts from a catalog of nations including some US “allies,” is accelerating its program to develop and field ever more powerful and versatile DEW that are suitable for both strategic and tactical employment.

Same for the Russians – said by the Defense Intelligence Agency to have used vehicle mounted lethal power lasers in their Afghanistan debacle – who have been vigorously pushing the frontiers of science for decades in building efficient particle beam, laser and microwave weapons.

Serious discussion and planning throughout the US Department of Defense points to an official certainty that a range of advanced weapons beyond traditional kinetic energy types (hard projectile pushers) will be used by all combatant forces on the battlefields of the near future.

“Death Rays” Revealed

A useful introduction to the three major classes of DEW is provided here, courtesy of the Chinese themselves, who are clearly watching what’s being done in the West to parallel their own efforts.

“Directed energy weapons are new-generation weapons developed on the basis of the new concept of replacing conventional bullets with high-energy beams. Technically, directed energy weapons can be divided into three branches, namely (1) laser weapons, which can destroy or destabilize targets by using electromagnetic radiation energy beams with a wavelength of less than 1 millimeter; (2) radio-frequency weapons, which can destroy or destabilize targets with electromagnetic energy within the radio spectrum range (wavelength is more than 1 millimeter and radio frequency less than 300 gigahertz); (3) particle beam weapons, which are capable of destroying or destabilizing targets with neutral high-energy atomic particle beams (usually hydrogen, deuterium and tritium) or charged high-energy atomic or subatomic particle beams.” Zhang Yaping, Peoples Republic of China Astronautics and Missilery

As laser and microwave systems are most prominent among presently workable DEWs, it is essential to understand that both types are electromagnetic radiation but are different in their wavelength.

We’ll dispense with the scientific explanations and just say that many types of laser emissions are visible to the human eye but microwaves are not. Lasers begin burning the outside of an object while microwaves “cook” from the inside. More detailed information may be found in the resources listed at the end of this feature.

DEW Proliferation

China and Russia are not alone among America’s likely adversaries with current or emerging DEW capabilities. Numerous US government, military and industry documents that are readily available to anyone on the internet confirm the obvious.

A case in point is the December 2007 report to the US Secretary of Defense by the Defense Science Board Task Force on Directed Energy Weapons. Even after being carefully scrubbed of classified information, its chapter on current and emerging threats reveals a chilling likelihood. Addressing vulnerabilities recognized in sophisticated electronic command and control systems – extending from orbiting satellites to tactical team individual radios – the task force zeroes in on the threat posed by laser systems and high power microwave technologies: “They are particularly susceptible to the types of directed energy systems that are believed to be feasible for a wide range of potential adversaries … including non-state actors.” (Emphasis added)

Translated from typically overcautious bureaucratese, this means that all levels of the US-Allied “digital battlefield” can be too easily rendered blind, deaf and mute by devices available now to many countries and their terrorist surrogates (non-state actors). Just one example of this may be found in Iran, which buys high tech weapons from Russia, China and elsewhere, then funnels them to al Qaeda and other “insurgent” forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

What is going to happen when the free world’s many enemies begin employing DEW not only against US and Allied C3I (Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence), but its soldiers as well?

Laser Sniping

We don’t need to wait until fully lethal DE weapons become widely available. Just enough power and range to blind will work just fine for those with no regard for the so-called laws of warfare and the civilized world’s condemnation.

This fits quite well the long-standing military maxim that inflicting incapacitating wounds is more tactically useful than killing the enemy because evacuating and caring for a badly wounded soldier distracts more of his fighting comrades from their primary battlefield mission.

Frying eyes with surprisingly low-powered lasers is a capability that is real and right now, a sobering thought for anyone whose job includes peering through weapon scopes, binoculars, AFV periscopes, and other optical devices.

The ZM-87, China’s Portable Laser Disturber, is a tripod-mounted weapon that can be carried and used by a crew of two. Its utility as a blinding weapon has been demonstrated in documented attacks.

Similarly, a laser “range finder” aboard the Russian spy ship Kapitan Man is known to have caused retina burns on a US Navy officer aboard an allied maritime surveillance helicopter in 1997.

The Federation of American Scientists reports that, “during the Iran-Iraq War, Iranian soldiers suffered over 4,000 documented eye casualties from Iraqi laser systems….” The injuries were described as retinal burns and hemorrhages, most of which were likely caused by deliberate antipersonnel use of the laser rangefinders in Saddam Hussein’s Communist-bloc tanks.

But that’s just the beginning. Ever popped corn in a microwave? Or used a magnifying glass to start a fire? Directed energy weapons are poppers and burners on a massive scale.

Uncle Sam’s DEW Programs

We are relieved to note that the United States and a few allies are well along the way in energy beam weapons programs, some dating back to the 1970s. Countering the very real threat of the Soviet Union’s massive arsenal of thermonuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles drove both high power laser and particle beam development. These reached a degree of practicality that readily transitioned in the 1980s to the Strategic Defense Initiative, popularly known as “Star Wars.”

In the decades that have followed, the strategic and tactical capabilities of these and other DE technologies have accelerated in work by a veritable alphabet soup of government and military programs. Just a sampling of these includes DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), SMDC (Space and Missile Defense Command), AFRL (Air Force Research Laboratory), and ONR (Office of Naval Research). Their many partners in the defense industry and academic institutions extend the roster of DEW players to virtually every state in the union.

Astronomical funding levels have paid off with astonishing capabilities. DEW in various forms are tracking and killing not only massive intercontinental ballistic missiles, but also multiple mortar rounds in flight. They’re melting electronic brains in the smartest of “smart weapons.” Shipborne DE systems can zap sea-skimming missiles. Airborne lasers can instantaneously fry individual terrorists with surgical precision that eliminates the usual “collateral damage” imagery that Al Jazeera and others delight in broadcasting.

Lasers

There are several different ways that the photon beams of lasers are generated in DEW, with major categories being chemical, free electron, bundled optical fiber, and solid state. This last is the simplest, typified by the battery powered pointer-illuminators now clamped to just about every M4 carbine in Uncle Sam’s military and extending to some experimental vehicle-mounted anti-materiel systems.

Included in the grouping of relatively low powered lasers are “dazzlers,” so called for their ability to distract and disorient their human targets using carefully controlled beam intensity that won’t cause lasting eye damage.

AFRL’s ScorpWorks has built a particularly novel dazzler with a name that invokes memories of the science fiction television series Star Trek. Their PHaSR (Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response) is a rifle-sized, non-lethal device in a futuristic housing. It projects two laser wavelengths with an effect “temporarily impairing individuals and their ability to see the laser source.”

Ground vehicle mounted systems are the next step up, quickly gaining in power and tactical potential. ZEUS, SMDC’s high energy solid state laser riding on a HMMWV, has been successfully field tested as a killer of IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices) in Afghanistan. Effectiveness of this and similar pilot program systems has spurred development of more powerful and tactically mobile High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrators. These are already showing the ability to counter a wide variety of battlefield threats including rockets, artillery shells and mortar rounds.

A Bolt from the Blue

There is plenty of evidence that the demand for DEW is increasing throughout the US Armed Forces, driven in particular by current operational realities in the Global War on Terror. A compelling example of this may be found in US Special Operations Command’s (USSOCOM) Technology Development Objectives, briefed at NDIA’s Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict symposium in 2008.

Among other eyebrow-raising requirements is their intention to “pursue a greater variety of integrated, tunable weapons – non-lethal weapons with a tunable destructive potential – to accommodate a broad variety of missions while limiting collateral damage and casualties.”

Keep your eye on that part about “tunable destructive potential” because that’s the most exciting possibility for DEW of the near future. And some possibilities are already flying.

When vastly more power is needed for destructive lasing to greater range and effect, scientists have devised some supremely clever ways to create and hurl man-made “lightning bolts.” Particularly dramatic evidence of the progress of this weaponry may be found in the US Air Force’s Airborne Laser, flying now in a modified 747. Its megawatt-class Chemical Oxygen Iodine Laser (COIL) has repeatedly demonstrated the air-to-air capability of destroying ballistic missiles in flight.

This success has inspired US Special Operations Command to order an air-to-ground version, called the Advanced Tactical Laser (ATL), with an eye toward eventually replacing its fleet of aging AC-130 Spectre and Spooky gunships. Their conventional kinetic-energy weapons will be supplemented at first by a COIL, then completely replaced, enabling engagement of a variety of ground and air targets with previously unattainable precision and instantaneous effect. If the project stays on track, first operational use of the new ATL may occur before the end of 2009.

An apparently authentic Coalition Forces (CF) document, widely circulated on the internet, touts the many desirable characteristics of the ATL under its USMC name Precision Airborne Standoff Directed Energy Weapon (PASDEW). These include “application of graduated effects” (tuning the beam to less-lethal or selectively aiming the full power beam) for such important tasks as stopping vehicles by flash melting the tires.

It also predicts mind-boggling PSYOPS (psychological operations) advantages of the ATL and similar beam devices in uncharacteristically graphic terms:

“In an anti-personnel mode, DEWs can be compared to long range blow torches or precision flame throwers …. A precision engagement of a PID (positively identified) insurgent by a DEW will be a highly surgical and impressively violent event. Target effects will include instantaneous burst-combustion of insurgent clothing, a rapid death through violent trauma, and more probably a morbid combination of both. It is estimated that the aftermath of a sub-second engagement … will also be an observable event leaving an impression of terrifyingly precise CF attribution in the minds of all witnesses.”

Microwaves

While microwaves – radio waves of extremely short length – have been around since WWII, their use in weapons has only recently emerged. Unmatched in their ability to penetrate deep inside even heavily shielded electronic devices, microwaves can melt circuits and instantly turn a multimillion dollar gadget into a great big smoking box of junk.

And just as your ordinary microwave oven heats food, a tunable military HPM (high powered microwave) emitter can readily “dial-an-effect” on various targets ranging from tingling to toasting.

The tingling end of this range is of particular interest to DoD’s Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate for applications where the objective is to disrupt and disperse hostile crowds without resorting to messy traditional means like tear gas, rubber bullets and the like.

This alternative is nicely realized in Air Force Research Laboratory’s Active Denial System (ADS), a counter-personnel, non-lethal, directed energy weapon that projects a focused beam of millimeter waves toward a designated individual or group. An invisible beam, traveling at the speed of light, penetrates clothing and reaches a skin depth of about 1/64th of an inch, the equivalent of three sheets of ordinary copy paper. Test subjects report that an intense heat sensation results, growing intolerable within seconds and forcing the targets to instinctively flee.

Although another desirable attribute is not usually listed in ADS program promotional materials, the invisible internal effects of the invisible microwave beam actively deny hostile media the inflammatory video imagery that is their stock in trade. And don’t forget its tunable/scalable capability that just might tempt the on-site commander to fry the electronic circuitry of all video equipment anywhere in range.

The first mobile configuration ADS is characterized by a large octagonal antenna mounted on a sturdy HMMWV that carries its power and microwave generating apparatus. Development has matured to the point of deployment with USAF Security Forces and prime contractor Raytheon has recently delivered ADS II, a more powerful, enhanced and ruggedized version mounted on the massive HEMETT vehicle.

DE at JSSAP?

The Joint Service Small Arms Program (JSSAP), part of the Army’s enormous Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC), identifies and develops cutting edge concepts in weapons and ammunition to the point of transition leading to large scale fielding. In other words, these are the “go to guys” to find out what’s currently on conveyor belts that run ten years or more into the future.

JSSAP recently published a solicitation that welcomes “non-traditional technology” for next generation small arms systems. The following excerpt shows that serious proposals from the DE community are apparently welcome:

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS SUPPORTING FUNDED R&D EFFORTS FOR LETHALITY AND ADVANCED FIRE CONTROL TECHNOLOGY CONCENTRATIONS FY 2008 – 2010 W15QKN-08-R-0449 

2.7.9. New Concepts & Applications. This research area includes non traditional technology leading to leaps in capability, such as (1) non kinetic energy lethality mechanisms or energy systems that can be scaled from lethal to less than lethal; (2) warheads or projectiles that can offer lethal and less than lethal capability; and (3) systems that automate the target acquisition and take weapon aiming out of the hands of the soldier. Unique and untried approaches to defeating targets in defilade also fit within this technology/research area.

Joel Goldman heads up JSSAP, so we asked him to let us know what’s going on there with DEW. He pointed us in two directions, first to a fascinating working group that JSSAP had recently convened and then to another component of ARDEC that is specifically involved in such things.

Before moving on we spoke at some length with Goldman, who told us he’s been closely following developments in directed energy for quite some time. And his well-informed opinion on the central question of this feature: When will the first fully scalable, hand-held DEW be fielded?

“Based on the periodic technology assessments that JSSAP has conducted,” the 63 year old, government gun guru with 38 years service declared, “not in my lifetime.”

The Fusion of Science and Science Fiction 

In part of its search for far-reaching concepts that are worthy of serious consideration, JSSAP has periodically convened meetings to survey the state of the art of a broad range of technologies that might have relevance to small arms. Beginning in the mid-1980s, JSSAP has consistently involved science fiction writers in these brainstorming and assessment activities. The latest instance of this decidedly unconventional approach occurred as the first of a two-part activity held in March and early May 2008 in support of “Future Small Arms Technology Plan Development” efforts. In the first meeting, JSSAP brought together a select group of nine prominent science fiction writers to brainstorm the frontier of scientific possibilities. Their mission was to propose “leap-ahead technologies” and – with the help of select representatives from industry, academia, the national laboratories, and government – to assess their possible practical potential. 74 concepts resulted, sorted into five categories; intelligence gathering, human factors, survivability, battlefield impact, and firepower.

Their ideas, one of which called for tapping energy from the quantum vacuum, were then given a hard, cold look by a team of science, engineering and military experts during the second meeting. While at this writing the report is still in preparation and its specifics not available for release, Goldman told us that at least twenty concepts have emerged.

“These are viable, relevant and will find a place,” Goldman explained, “in a technology investment strategy for small arms systems capable of overwhelmingly defeating any enemy combatant of the future.”

As SAR is most interested in firepower, we tracked down a couple of participants who, in our opinion, bring particular credibility based on their professional work outside of sci-fi.

John Hemry, a retired US Navy lieutenant commander, is the author of the notable STARK’S WAR series and, under the pen name Jack Campbell, the LOST FLEET series. Speaking of his working group, he reports that “no one thought there would be huge or dramatic breakthroughs in small arms in the near future.”

Instead, Hemry’s own suggestions to JSSAP centered on target recognition and engagement. “The best way to enhance weapon effectiveness in the near future,” he believes, “is to improve the ability of the shooter to identify and target the enemy.”

Doctor Arlan Andrews, Sr., another member of the group, suggests a different track. Notable not only for service in the White House Science Office, Sandia National laboratories and more, Andrews founded an eclectic group of sci-fi writers comprising the SIGMA group. Now well into its second decade of advising government agencies and the military on what the future may hold, SIGMA is most recently known for work with the Department of Homeland Security on innovative ways to combat terrorism.

Andrews enthusiastically responded to SAR’s request for input on his suggestions to JSSAP, sending us a copy of his elaborate PowerPoint presentation to the working group. Entitled “Nanotech-Enabled Weaponry and Features,” it is worthy of a full article in itself. Alas, since it concerns devilishly smart kinetic energy weapons and variable power ammo – but no beam devices in sight – we’ll defer elaboration and go right for the reply he sent us in response to the title question of this article.

The good Doctor Andrews, refreshingly unconcerned it seems with diplomatic sensitivities and likely influenced by conversations with personal contacts in the academic branches of DEW, pulls no punches in his prediction on the US military’s first full-featured ray gun for individual soldiers:

“I would estimate that it will be a pulsed-energy weapon, probably powered by a backpack power system, looking much like today’s flame throwers. After successful small-scale operational tests by special operations forces in occupied Iran (the non-radioactive areas) ca. 2011, they will be more massively deployed by our troops along the perimeter of conflict between the USA and the irregular forces of the secessionist northern Mexican provinces, which is to say between Corpus Christi and the cartel-occupied cities of Laredo and Brownsville,” Andrews replied.

AEAD

Among ARDEC’s many components is one that Goldman advised was particularly relevant to this feature. He kindly assisted our journey back through official channels to contact his counterpart Ben Lagasca, head of Advanced Energy Armaments Division (AEAD).

Because SAR is fully supportive of the cautious process that keeps classified information away from freedom’s many foes, we offered to submit our questions via email. This was accepted and replies came back in kind. Some relevant excerpts:

SAR: At NDIA’s Small Arms Conference in 2000, ARDEC’s Harry Moore gave a presentation on the impressive potential of the Pulsed Impulsive Kill Laser (PIKL). Is this being applied to current DEW projects at AEAD?

AEAD: The Army SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) program/effort started in FY05 with Stellar Photonics was intended to build from the PIKL effort. With the advancement of solid state lasers it was believed that the potential existed to improve the PIKL technology known as Laser Supported Detonation (LSD) or Dynamic Pulse Detonation (DPD). Stellar was tasked to investigate the optimal parameters for creating LSD or DPD that could be useful for military applications. The study was unsuccessful (but) did evolve into possibly using the technology as a non-lethal visual deterrent. This effort is congressionally funded at approximately $1 million per year (out) to 2010, basic research to look at the potential of Synchronized Photopulse Detonation…. Stellar has constructed a prototype device and demonstrated their technology only in a lab environment. The Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate (JNLWD) has shown interest in this technology as a potential part of their non-lethal weapons program; however the effectiveness of the system has yet to be determined by Government or Independent evaluators.

SAR: Applied Energetics recently announced a $4.5 million contract with ARDEC for development and advancement of its proprietary Laser Guided Energy (LGE), “a transformational weapon technology by which a controllable high voltage electric charge can be precisely guided by a laser through the atmosphere to produce a range of controllable effects against a variety of potential military and security targets.” Comment on this being used to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and any other applications.

AEAD: Applied Energetics has a lab demo scheduled for March 2009 developing DE technologies to defeat anti-material targets. AE has the patent on certain aspects of this technology and much of this work is classified.

SAR: ARDEC’s official web page linked at www.pica.army.mil lists an impressive range of “advanced technologies” said to be used in its DEW work. While most are self-explanatory, please comment on work with acoustics and nanotechnology.

AEAD: ARDEC works a wide range of advanced energy weapon systems across (its) many departments. (We) can only comment on the efforts of the Advanced Energy Armaments Division (which includes the Directed Energy Branch) to say that AEAD has no ongoing efforts in nanotechnology. In addition, any acoustic work performed by AEAD is on evaluating non-lethal Commercial Off-the-Shelf devices that are considered to be “hailing and warning devices” and are not considered as “weapons.” Examples include the Long Range Acoustic Device (LRAD), etc.

SAR: What is Mr. Lagasca’s prediction on the first fielding of a scalable non-lethal to lethal DE weapon that can be carried and used by one man?

Lagasca: “Hand held Non-Lethal Laser Dazzlers have already been fielded and are currently available. These systems are mainly used as a non-lethal means to ‘warn’ and/or get the attention of people. These lasers are not considered weapons. Weaponization of lasers for lethal applications into a ‘hand-held’ form factor are a long way away. Currently there are no laser technologies or programs that I am aware of that could be weaponized into hand held size within say 10 years. Breakthroughs in laser and power source technologies would be required to realize laser weapons in this class. It should also be noted that all lethal laser development programs are focused on counter materiel applications and not counter personnel (at least the ones that I am aware of). Any laser weapon designed for lethal and/or non-lethal counter personnel use would have to undergo considerable legal policy review to assure conformance with applicable international treaties such as prohibition on blinding weapons.”

Electric Ships

The United States Navy’s future surface warships are under development right now and they represent the nearly ideal mobile platforms for utilizing all types of directed energy weaponry. These massive, oceangoing, all-electric vessels will have plenty of room on board for complicated apparatus and vast reserves of energy from the latest generation high-yield nuclear power plants.

Office of Naval Research (ONR) has long been interested in the potential of directed energy weapons for shipboard defense at the speed of light and, among other initiatives, is well underway with perfecting the “high average power infrared free electron laser.” FEL for short, it provides particularly intense beams that can be tuned to atmosphere-penetrating wavelengths. This tuning is an essential capability in conditions of thick fog, heavy rain and snow, making FEL weapons lethal in all weather against threat aircraft, watercraft, sea skimming missiles, and more.

And the practicality of including specialized kinetic energy weaponry on these future warships hasn’t been overlooked. Because there are times when slinging steel is the best solution to specific situations, the ONR is also hard at work on EMRGs (electromagnetic railguns). These exotic projectile pushers dispense with traditional chemical propellants or rocket motors in favor an electrically generated magnetic field that “levitates” a specialized metallic slug, launching it down track-like rails at previously unattainable speed.

Successful test firings have been conducted, with one demonstrating a mind-boggling muzzle velocity of 1.56 miles per second. With anticipated fielding some 15 years away, the Navy expects its EMRGs to fire 6 to 10 internally guided projectiles per minute with astonishing precision at ranges in excess of 200 nautical miles, about the distance from New York City to Boston.

KE/DE Combo

In retrospect, it was a bit unfair to ask the experts to predict fielding of an individual weapon using only directed energy to provide fully tunable effects from dazzle to death. Most respondents were quick to point out that a combination of a standard kinetic energy (KE) assault rifle, coupled with a “scalable effects” less-lethal directed energy (DE) device, is the most practical and logical interim step.

Indeed, when one takes into account such possible couplings as XADS’ Stun Strike Close Quarters Shock Rifle clamped to an M4 carbine, we’re getting there now.

More exotic hardware is in the works that promises to extend the reach of the DE module’s less lethal but incapacitating effects to eventually approximate the effective range of the decidedly lethal KE host weapon. The AEWS/Stellar Photonics’ “Synchronized Photo-pulse Detonation” may be one of these, said to employ two synchronized lasers that project an atmospheric shock wave of superheated plasma.

Lest one be tempted to dismiss this and similar efforts as quantum quackery, their development is being fueled by millions of defense dollars, awarded only after rigorous scientific review has validated their potential. Many firms have ongoing contracts and are working on classified counter-IED and other projects under supervision of various Department of Defense entities.

Because these will certainly get smaller, lighter and more powerful in the near future, your individual-issue ray gun seems inevitable. Thus, if Doctor Andrews’ startlingly bold prediction proves right, the first of USSOCOM’s elite warriors will be combat testing their one-man-portable “non-lethal weapons with a tunable destructive potential” in about three years.

The E-Bomb

“After more than two decades of research, the United States is on the verge of deploying a new generation of weapons that discharge light-wave energy, the same spectrum of energy found in your microwave, or in your TV remote control. They’re called ‘directed-energy weapons’ – lasers, high-powered microwaves, and particle beams – and they signal a revolution in weaponry, perhaps more profound than the atomic bomb.” (E-Bomb book jacket notes)

Published in 2005, this fascinating book carries the bold subtitle, “How America’s new directed energy weapons will change the way future wars are fought.” It has served quite well as our primary reference source for this feature, detailing the scientific concepts and evolving hardware of DE. While including plenty of formulas and diagrams for the more scientific-minded readers, these are accompanied by simple explanations and straightforward presentations, making it easily understood by the rest of us.

Its author, a retired USAF Colonel with a Doctorate in Physics, has particular credibility as a result of more than thirty years of experience, from conducting basic research to directing applied-science programs and formulating national policy. J. Douglas Beason’s last active duty assignment was Deputy Director for Directed Energy at the Air Force Research Laboratory.

He is currently the Associate Laboratory Director for Threat Reduction at Los Alamos National Laboratory, responsible for programs that reduce the global threat of weapons of mass destruction.

Doctor Beason graciously responded to our request for a prediction on the first fielding of a scalable non-lethal to lethal DE weapon that can be carried and used by one man. It is presented here in its entirety:

“Small arms Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) will provide the warfighter with the best of all worlds – speed of light engagement, little (if any) collateral damage, near-infinite precision, the ability to induce “graduated” effects (dial-an-effect), and best of all, not be constrained by ballistics or windage. In the near future, as technology matures and DEWs become smaller and capable of being fielded by individuals, a revolution will occur as DEWs move from strategic to tactical applications.

“The first use of small arms DEWs has been in the form of non-lethal weapons, for example dazzlers. As power supplies shrink and sub-THz (teraHertz) sources become more efficient, hand-held active denial units the size of back packs will become available.

“Because of technology limitations, it will take much longer to field a small arms lethal laser capability; but until then, the tactics and doctrine of using DEWs on the battlefield – and most importantly, the evolution of a national DEW policy – will mature.”

Find Out More

The following internet links are listed in their order of presentation in this feature:

Report: Defense Science Board Task Force on Directed Energy Weapons www.acq.osd.mil/dsb/reports/2007-12-Directed_Energy_Report.pdf

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency: www.darpa.mil

US Army Space and Missile Defense Command: www.smdc.army.mil

US Air Force Research Laboratory: www.afrl.af.mil

US Navy Office of Naval Research: www.onr.navy.mil

Department of Defense Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Directorate: https://www.jnlwp.com

US Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center: www.pica.army.mil

FBI Academy Advanced Weapons Subject Bibliography: http://fbilibrary.fbiacademy.edu/bibliographies/advancedweapons.htm

Book: The E-Bomb www.dougbeason.com

“The most significant advance in weapons operating systems in more than 120 years.” Charles J. Kushell IV, CEO and Director, Transformational Defense Industries, Inc.

A rather ambitious statement, naturally leading to the question: How does one significantly advance beyond the work of John Browning, Hiram Maxim, John Garand, Eugene Stoner, and many others over the last twelve decades? Does the name Renaud Kerbrat deserve to be listed along with the uncontested geniuses of small arms innovation? Kerbrat, a Frenchman by birth who now lives in Switzerland, is the engineer whose breakthrough design for locking systems has led to patenting and development of a family of small arms based on “Super V” technology.

SAR’s readers know they’ll get hard facts and straight reporting on developments in weaponry – unlike many gun magazines where expensive advertising space regularly buys absurdly fawning portrayals of any new product to hit the market. We don’t need to get the story first, but we damn sure need to get it right. So our skepticism shields were fully powered up back in 2004 when we first heard about experimental development of a super fast-firing machine pistol.

Always curious about what’s in the works, and determined to help get the word out about worthy innovations, we made it a point to contact a year-old startup enterprise known as Transformational Defense Industries, Inc., (TDI) an American company created by Jebsen’s Gamma Recherches et Technologies Holding SA of Nyon, Switzerland.

Back then, TDI did not appear to be much more than a couple of guys with a rented office inside the Washington beltway and a bunch of technical drawings relating to something that might be yet another super machine pistol. Yes, TDI VP Andrew Finn told us, there is a test fixture that is actually firing pistol caliber cartridges at amazing rates, but “we’re not ready to show it yet.”

OK, we said, just let us know when there’s a gun we can look at.

Sneak Peek

Several months later we saw that Armed Forces Journal (AFJ) had scooped us in the December 2004 issue. Darn good feature too, complete with dramatic live fire photos of TDI’s “proof of concept” prototype that looked like a 1950’s Hollywood ray gun spitting flame from a cartoonishly large and multi-finned muzzle device.

But any inclination to laugh at this awkward contrivance was slapped aside by the tightly bunched flight of plump brass casings seen in the same photo. Unlike some, AFJ doesn’t fake it with handfuls of thrown brass or digitally altered images. Four tumbling empties within inches of the ejection port provided indisputable evidence of powerful and energetic .45 ACP rounds cycling at an extremely high rate of fire, reportedly 1,500 rpm. And the shooter – a petite young woman – didn’t seem to be having any trouble controlling the ripping ray gun in full roar.

The accompanying report in AFJ revealed that the prototype machine pistol in the pictures was being shipped off to the US Army’s Armaments Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) for comprehensive technical evaluation at famed Picatinny Arsenal. Identified as the MK5, it also carried the distinctive name KRISS – reminiscent of the fearsomely wavy-bladed Kris daggers and swords that originated in 13th Century Indonesia. We made a mental note to follow up later and moved on to other projects of more immediate importance.

Our next encounter with the KRISS came a few months later at NDIA’s Small Arms Conference in May 2005, where Finn and fellow TDI VP Tim Lindsay presented a technical briefing to a large room full of curious but cautious engineers and other professionals in the military firearms development community. The weapon’s mechanical secret, now secured by US and international patents jointly filed by international entrepreneur-financier Jan Henrik Jebsen and inventor Renaud Kerbrat, was introduced with the trademarked name “KRISS Super-V System.”

Numerous PowerPoint slides with charts and tables – mostly based on the heavily instrumented testing done at Picatinny – substantiated claims of the prototype’s seemingly physics-defying ability to efficiently fire powerful .45 ACP cartridges with minimal recoil and muzzle rise. Most compelling to us was the bar graph comparing puny 9mm (.38 caliber) rounds from an MP5 to man-stopping .45 caliber (11mm) from the KRISS. According to ARDEC’s engineering tests, the KRISS gun’s muzzle rise was a mere 1.8 degrees from horizontal, while that of the MP5 was four times greater.

But there was no prototype to heft and handle and hard copies of that technical documentation were kept on close hold. These precautions, it was explained, were necessary at this sensitive stage of weapon development.

Disappointing but understandable as long as nothing was amiss. “Trust but verify,” President Ronald Reagan was fond of saying.

SAR’s report on the NDIA conference (Jan ’06 issue) included the notation, “Mysteriously absent from the posted proceedings is a presentation by TDI… on an exciting new recoil-mitigating technology demonstrated in the prototype KRISS submachine gun firing full power .45 ACP ball at 1,300 rpm. TDI expects to apply ‘Super V’ to long arms as well and has promised SAR a live fire evaluation as this program matures.”

The program did a lot of maturing over the following two years, fueled in large part by the government’s ongoing search for innovative technologies for new generation small arms. A lot of credibility accrues to the projects and products that get their approval and funding from US Army Armaments Research and Development Command (ARDEC).

Building on cooperative engineering studies with ARDEC, consultations with Magpul Industries and plenty of input from various experts in tactical shooting including former and current special operations types, TDI fabricated its first true submachine gun early in 2006. The KRISS Super V TRL6 (Technology Readiness Level 6) XSMG, while distinctively configured, is recognizable as a subgun with folding stock and foregrip. By slightly varying the angle of the Super V slider’s camming channel, the XSMG’s rate of fire has been slowed to a slightly more sedate 1,100 rpm and another as low as 800 rpm with optional Enidine buffer assembly.

More refinements and improvements followed, culminating in an improved XSMG. Nine of these were sent to the Army’s Aberdeen Test Center for the usual range of torture and performance testing. The guns did well and emerged with documentation indicating development had reached Technology Readiness Level 7.

A couple of these hard-used veterans of ATC abuse were up on the firing line for TDI’s October 2007 media day at Blackwater. Interestingly, they were joined by a semiautomatic version resulting from parallel development; a BATFE-approved 16 inch barrel carbine having 95% parts commonality with the latest subguns.

11 October 2007, Moyoc, North Carolina

At Blackwater USA’s impressive headquarters and sprawling range complex, a couple dozen members of the news media and gun press have gathered in response to an invitation from Transformational Defense Industries, Inc. We’re eager for trigger time with an exciting new submachine gun and semiautomatic carbine, both built around “Super V,” a radically different operating mechanism.

TDI arranged a well-rounded program, conceived and executed in close association with Brotman, Winter, Fried Communications (BWFC). It began with the obligatory classroom session to introduce key personnel. Standing in front of a trade show display featuring a dramatically enlarged graphic depicting the inner workings of “Super V” in the KRISS Vector Submachine Gun, TDI’s CEO Chuck Kushell, along with VPs Tim Lindsay and Andrew Finn, set the stage, providing an overview of the development of these unusual weapons.

“Super V is a quantum leap forward in weapons technologies,” Kushell declared. After pausing a moment to let the statement hang in the air, he added the familiar headline from TDI’s promotional materials, “It’s the most significant advance in small arms operating system design in more than 120 years.”

Those who had done their homework in preparation for the event understood that Kushell’s sweeping assertions were backed by recently granted US and international patents, as well as hard facts arising from US military testing. An informative presentation followed, highlighting developmental history, mechanical function, test results, and recent developments.

Meet the Family

At appropriate points in their briefings, Kushell and his colleagues indicated specifics as embodied in an array of weapons lined up on a black draped table. On the left were a couple of relatively crude prototype machine pistols, built in Switzerland by Kerbrat himself in advance of engineering studies at ARDEC’s famed Picatinny Arsenal.

Both had the decidedly alien appearance of the 1,500 rpm slug ripper seen in Armed Forces Journal that got speculation flying in the earliest stages, providing compelling evidence of a start point in how far the system had evolved. Lindsay explained that the principle differences between the two were internal. Pointing an index finger to the camming track of the “Super V” slider, he explained that Kerbrat used subtle variations in the two distinct angles of the track to regulate dwell time and rate of fire.

Lessons learned in ARDEC’s testing, computer analysis and input from a variety of sources resulted, Lindsay explained, in development of a somewhat more conventionally configured submachine gun – but still decidedly novel in profile. This one, holding a place of honor front and center on the exhibit table, was finished overall in desert tan with a stubby, stainless steel barrel tipped by a quick-release suppressor coupler. Quite different from any other subgun of our acquaintance, its distinctive parallelogram midsection was obviously dictated by the geometry of the unique bolt and siding mass arrangement of the Super V system.

It was fitted with a skeletonized folding stock and topped with a full run of Mil-Std 1913 “Picatinny Rail” on the upper receiver and a shorter one under the barrel. Noting the selector movement in a semicircular arc with markings 1, 2 and 25 to indicate semiautomatic, two round burst and full auto, Lindsay identified this as one of the first two TRL6 (Technology Readiness Level 6) XSMGs and the gun that debuted with a lot of buzz at the 2007 SHOT Show.

Next came a similar subgun with matte black upper receiver and desert tan lower showing obvious evidence of hard use and abuse. This, we learned, was SN 3 or 4 from that same first series of four TRL6 XSMGs, emerging battered but unbowed following plenty of “tough love” at the hands of the developmental team at TDI’s Viking Works. Its deeply worn, scratched and dinged upper receiver featured a selector lever modified to move in a quarter circle arc for faster and easier operator interface.

Then, retrieved with a flourish from their custom-fitted hardside cases, we met the event’s stars; two new weapons clearly showing direct lineage to the XSMG but carrying notable improvements. The stubby barreled one was the brand new SUPER V VECTOR SMG .45 ACP selective-fire submachine gun, alongside its fraternal twin, the 16-inch barreled SUPER V VECTOR CRB/SO .45 ACP semiautomatic carbine.

Both were derived from a batch of TRL7 guns then undergoing hard knocks at the Army’s Aberdeen Test Center. These were being unveiled for the first time in the form that would begin quantity production, rolling off the assembly line at Viking Works in the months to come. They’ll fill a growing backlog of orders, Finn explained, that is expected to sharply increase following their planned public introduction in February at the 2008 SHOT Show.

Partially hidden in the background until its turn in capping the presentation, was a full scale mockup of a wicked-looking assault carbine. The same SUPER V mechanism used in the semiauto CRB/SO, we learned, was to be housed in an angular polymer receiver, stylishly vented and finished in matte black.

Tentatively designated Model A2-b, the modular design may be customized to owner preference with Picatinny Rails, folding or fixed stock, flash suppressor, etc. This also allows it to be configured to comply with local restrictions, making it “50 state legal.” TDI is planning to introduce the A2-b toward the end of 2008 as a logical follow-on to the CRB/SO.

Full Auto Anti-Ambush

The program moved out to the range for a fast moving tactical scenario intended to show the KRISS subgun’s combat utility. Promotional materials stress the Super V System’s minimal recoil and negligible muzzle rise, aiding the shooter in precisely delivering tightly grouped shots. It was time to see how this advantage could mean the difference between life or death.

The action began with two men in an automobile that had been “disabled by gunfire from ambushers,” simulated by four irregularly positioned reactive steel silhouette targets at the vehicle’s right front.

The driver and passenger wasted no time in returning fire with their compact VECTOR SMGs, handily carried and employed from the confines of a car. Demonstrator Chris Costa, shooting through the window on the passenger side, suppressed the attackers with a torrent of .45 ACP, rapidly ringing the steel target plates one after another.

Tom Maffin, TDI’s Manager of Training and Demonstrations, jumped from behind the steering wheel and took cover beside the engine compartment. Firing his VECTOR sub over the hood, he added another 18 rounds per second to Costa’s 230 grain full metal jacket firestorm.

Each man in turn fired from a crouch as the other reloaded on the move, methodically pulling away from the ambush kill zone. It was all over in less than a minute, with the quartet of heavy steel targets not only hit repeatedly, but with one dramatically slammed to the ground under the relentless assault of burst after burst of powerful slugs.

Skeptics tempted to decry the stationary targets and lack of incoming fire miss the point. The object of the demonstration was to show the real world payoff of the KRISS system’s unique controllability and recoil reduction in an efficiently compact and undeniably deadly new weapon.

As we just observed – and most in attendance would soon experience for ourselves – the VECTOR SMG tames the energetic recoil of powerful and demonstrably lethal .45 ACP cartridges. Simply stated in TDI’s promotional materials, Kerbrat’s Super V system aids the gunner in putting “More rounds on target, more of the time.”

Trigger Time

Clearing their subguns, Maffin and Costa smoothly transitioned to their familiar role as weapons instructors, stepping up to a long table laden with weapons, magazines and plenty of American Eagle .45 ACP ball ammunition. With practiced ease, Maffin quickly separated the receiver halves and withdrew the Super V operating assembly, showing how easy it is for an operator to clean and lubricate this simple and rugged weapon.

Reassembling the weapon in short order, Maffin carefully explained and showed the approved sequence and movements necessary for safe loading and operation. Those who were paying attention would be well prepared for their turn on the trigger.

The hands-on live fire to follow, Maffin urged, would be most productive if it began with a “baseline” experience with a conventional carbine. That way, he said, the recoil and muzzle rise generated by standard 230 grain .45 ACP ball ammunition in traditional weapons would be fresh in our minds.

In this case the “conventional” weapon was HK’s well-respected USC .45 carbine in semiautomatic configuration, notable for purposes of the day to exemplify the old ways of having recoiling parts that travel in a straight line. With most of the recoil energy reaching the butt plate as a pivot point on the shoulder, each shot kicks the muzzle upward, a problem substantially magnified in the full auto UMP version.

TDI’s new VECTOR CRB/SO should come next, Maffin continued, semiautomatic as well and similar to the USC in overall length (34.8 in.) and weight (5.5 lbs.) but having the advantage of Kerbrat’s operating system, which redirects recoil energy at a downward angle. Firing the HK then the KRISS carbine would, he assured, provide convincing evidence of Super V’s effect in minimizing muzzle rise and recoil.

Those attendees successfully completing the semiauto sensory calibration class should then transition to the VECTOR SMG, touching off a couple mags in burst and full auto. While anticipating that the advertised light recoil and controllability of Super V would be readily apparent even to novice shooters, it wasn’t a sure deal.

Patiently awaiting our turn gave plenty of time to closely observe and occasionally photograph most of the attendees as they sent their first bursts downrange. Nine out of ten did quite well, showing good form by leaning forward in a slight “subgun crouch” as seen in the tactical demonstration. This, of course, adds good body geometry to the Super V equation.

Plenty of these, Maffin told us later, were likely to have joined an ever growing list of KRISS converts, almost always notable for a grin and an affirming nod of the head after emptying a standard 13 round Glock 21 magazine in seven tenths of a second. By the way, that same box, fitted with Magpul’s clever KRISS G30 MAGEX 17-round extender, takes a hair over one second more.

As for the other two or three guests who apparently expected a full repeal of the laws of physics, we strongly suggest it would not be fair to fault the design. While the VECTOR guns dramatically reduce recoil and climb as advertised, there is still plenty of energy in play. Also, if you’re going to participate in and report on shooting events, it is prudent to invest a bit of time in learning to shoot.

And our live fire evaluation? The 1,100 rpm .45 ACP KRISS SUPER V VECTOR SMG performs as advertised. Light weight, well balanced, superior holding characteristics, logical and easily manipulated ambidextrous safety and selector, rapid load and mag release, fast and smooth bursts, very mild recoil with minimal muzzle rise, hits where its pointed.

The CRB/SO is also a great little weapon for fun shooting, CQB competition and home defense. Same comments as with the subgun. While we didn’t get to shoot paper, serious evaluators report tight groups of multiple shots with no time lost in keeping the sights on target. Got $1,695 (MSRP) to spare? Get one.

Latest Developments

Additional mechanical and operational refinements have been carried out at Viking Works following the demonstration at Blackwater, incorporating more than 50 design changes that enhance firing performance and manufacturing efficiency. Continuing its collaboration with Magpul Industries on customized flip-up sights, there is now a sturdy and reliable magazine extension that boosts capacity to 30 rounds.

TDI has received BATFE approval for the KRISS SUPER-V VECTOR CRB/SO .45 ACP semiautomatic carbine. Closely resembling the subgun except for a 16 inch barrel and modified fire control system that precludes full auto conversion, the distinctive “Carbine/Special Ops” has particular appeal to tactical weapons enthusiasts for combat shooting competition and home defense. A short barrel rifle (SBR) with or without threaded 5.5” barrel to accommodate a suppressor, is also being offered for sale where legal.

The newly-standardized production model submachine gun and carbine received their public debut at the 2008 SHOT show in Las Vegas, fueling interest that soon generated a million dollars in advance orders of weapons and accessories. TDI has an exclusive agreement with industry giant AcuSport as sole distributor for the KRISS Super-V family of semiautomatic firearms and accessories to the US civilian market. Marketing and sales of the submachine gun version and SBR, heavily regulated by federal, state and local laws, remain under direct control of TDI.

After exploring various alternatives for production of the new subguns and carbines, TDI has taken the very practical route of contracting out parts production, followed by assembly, inspection, and testing at Viking Works, which shipped the first batch of KRISS Super V Vector CRB/SO carbines in April. The initial production rate of 200 guns per month is expected to triple well before the end of the year.

Find Out More

Transformational Defense Industries, Inc. has a particularly information-rich website with hot links to technical information, press coverage, test videos, and more at www.kriss-tdi.com.
AcuSport Corp.: www.acusport.com

YouTube videos of KRISS XSMG (the Discovery Channel’s “Future Weapons” segment is also linked on TDI website) at www.youtube.com search “KRISS”

The KRISS Super V Advantage (Courtesy of TDI)

* Higher operator efficiency: “More rounds on-target more of the time.” Greater lethal speed and less burst dispersion mean a more effective operator. Unprecedented controllability is achieved through a combination of significant reductions in felt-recoil and muzzle climb, reduced weight, compactness of frame and reduction in the number of moving parts.

* Not only is the operator able to gain greater effect from his shooting, but his ability to keep the weapon in-service has been addressed by a simple mechanism that is not only easy to learn, but markedly easier to field strip and clean than any other mechanism. This also means shorter training cycles, longer retention of the operator’s efficiency along with higher operational availability of weapon and operator and lower operating costs.

* Portability of design: The KRISS technology can be easily adapted to any size caliber and any type of platform. Thus, KRISS becomes a highly efficient system that provides significant operating benefits in a multitude of applications. This will significantly reduce training and maintenance cycles.

* Cost-effectiveness: With extensive production analysis work done and with simplicity a design requirement, TDI believes that weapons using the KRISS technology will be highly cost efficient in production quantities due to the elegant simplicity of the mechanism and its fewer moving parts.

The Secret of Super V

“The invention comprises an improved recoil control device… the bolt head and inertia lock block are articulated so that the displacement of the bolt head results in a force component outside the firing axis of the barrel of the firearm. The device can be incorporated into firearms of a variety of sizes and configurations to produce recoil reduction and/or weight reduction advantages.” Abstract, US Patent 7,201,094, Inventors: Renaud Kerbrat and Jan Jebsen

Understanding and appreciation for Renaud Kerbrat’s breakthrough KRISS Super V System necessarily begins with Sir Issac Newton’s fundamentals of physics, popularly known as Newton’s Three Laws of Motion, first detailed in 1687 in his book Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica:

1. A physical body will remain at rest, or continue to move at a constant velocity, unless an outside net force acts upon it.
2. Rate of change of momentum is proportional to the resultant force producing it and takes place in the direction of that force.
3. To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.
In the case of traditional designs for manportable firearms, Rule 1’s “outside net force” is actually inside the weapon – energy resulting from explosion of propellant that sends a projectile down the barrel. Rule 2’s “direction of that force” is straight back at the shooter, and Rule 3’s “equal and opposite reaction” is recoil – what we shooters tend to call “kick.”

Over centuries of firearm development from primitive hand cannon to sophisticated assault weapons, Newton’s unbreakable laws have been validated in readily observable effects of recoil and attendant muzzle rise. While designers have used any number of tricks to minimize these problems – muzzle brakes, buffers, lightweight finned needle projectiles, and more – the fundamental problem has been straight line recoil.

Kerbrat’s ingenious KRISS Super V System overcomes the shock-creating effects of recoil by re-directing the energy down and away from the traditional straight line path.

Super V (vector) is described in patent documentation as “re-vectoring” (changing the path of movement) of the recoil forces, with the additional advantage of reducing muzzle climb by activating a counter-balancing mass. This further absorbs shock and re-directs forces that would otherwise create muzzle climb.

The result of this combination greatly enhances the operator’s ability to accurately and consistently put more rounds on-target; whether through single-fire, multi-round burst or full automatic firing.

Because of its unique design, the KRISS technology significantly reduces both the number and weight of the moving parts of the mechanism. By reducing the mass of the slider and bolt and re-directing their movement, KRISS weapons offer significant advantages in reduction of overall weight.

The Super V mechanism is readily adjustable for a wide range of firing rates and popular cartridges by simply varying the angle of the slider’s channel.

Lethality in the uncannily controllable KRISS Vector SMG is maximized by launching heavy, powerful and hard-hitting .45 ACP cartridges at more than 18 rounds per second (1,100 rpm). Even the shortest bursts can put multiple hits in a tight group for positive knockdown and drag out. Conventional subguns are pushing the envelope at half this rate.

“The Lightweight Small Arms Technologies program has made tremendous progress, which includes a fully functioning dynamic model of the weapons system, a working weapon prototype, and hundreds of cased telescopic rounds fired to date.” Kori Spiegel, US Army ARDEC, Joint Service Small Arms Program

Ms. Spiegel’s presentation during the symposium part of NDIA’s annual gathering of infantry weaponry innovators should be of particular interest to SAW gunners and others who stand to benefit from scientific advances that are cutting the weight of weapons and ammunition. Sharing the rostrum with AAI’s Paul Shipley, her briefing detailed ongoing developments in JSSAP’s multi-million dollar Light Weight Machine Gun and Ammunition program.

AAI is particularly well suited to head up the effort, bringing decades of experience with innovative concepts such as the Vietnam era SPIW, ACR ca. 1990, and the run-up to today’s OICW. They have assembled a similarly distinguished team of companies for the program including ARES, Alliant Techsystems, Battelle Institute, St. Marks Powder, and Omega Training Group.

Recognizing that an alternative to traditional brass cased and steel linked ammunition represents the most productive avenue to meaningful reduction in overall system weight, two alternatives are being simultaneously explored, both featuring projectiles that are “telescoped” in a cavity in the propellant.

The CTA (Cased Telescoped Ammunition) employs conventional powder, primer and projectile, but packaged in polymer casings with synthetic links. This approach is said to be a “low risk” option, yielding significant weight reduction at acceptable levels of cost, complexity and weapon performance.

Fully caseless configuration is the second alternative, using advanced propellant technology where each round is fully consumed on firing so no case extraction and ejection action is necessary. This remarkable cartridge concept was developed to a high degree by Dynamit Nobel back in 1990 for HK’s G11 rifle and is said to promise a greater degree of weight reduction.

AAI has been successfully burst firing CTA in a prototype weapon that is evolving based on engineering refinement and application of advances in materials technology. Concept drawings show the gun as having a rotating chamber with in-line push-through feed and ejection. A fluted, quick change barrel gives high stiffness and heat exchange. Right now the configuration and construction are very conventional with extensive use of alloys and polymers.

Program goals call for successful demonstration firing next year, then transition to Program Manager Soldier Weapons by 2010.

While a standout for this correspondent, the JSSAP/AAI briefing was only one of more than three dozen compelling presentations given during the period 16 to 18 May in Albuquerque’s impressive Convention Center. Other topics of interest included updates on weapons and equipment for Special Operations Forces, NATO research and development, a status report from Program Manager Soldier Weapons, and representatives of each of the US Armed Services charting near term plans for small arms upgrades and replacements. A few morsels from this banquet:

• Marine Corps Systems Command is looking for something beyond the SAW, but needs it sooner than 2010. “The Infantry Automatic Rifle… a light weight, magazine fed, 5.56mm, individual weapon,” sounds something like the CIS ULTIMAX.
• Suppressors are big with all the services seeking noise and flash reduction for everything from Barrett fifties to pistol poppers. Opportunities abound for designers and manufacturers.
• While USSOCOM is moving at flank speed to field the SCAR family, it is not neglecting those current operators still carrying M4 type carbines. NSWC Crane is closing in fast with the Miniature Day/Night Sight program to upgrade capabilities beyond the current hodgepodge of clamp-ons.
• The Coast Guard – and probably Navy Mobile Security – will be getting a reduced range 7.62mm round, developed by ARDEC, with standard velocity and penetration at moderate distance, but quick fall off after that to minimize collateral damage in crowded ports and narrow waterways.
• Remotely aimed weapon systems for a variety of platforms continue to gain favor. The robo turret on STRYKER vehicles will probably be the first to get General Dynamics’ XM307.
• USSOCOM’s MK47 Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launcher is on a parallel track with “Big Army’s” XM312/XM307.
• Knight’s is a big winner with the Army’s recent selection of their modified SR-25/MK 11 as the M110 SASS (Semiautomatic Sniper System).
• Countersniper technologies are getting lots of attention, but existing solutions tend to be complex and expensive. M2 Technologies and the Univ. of Kentucky have partnered to develop an infrared system using COTS components.
• ARDEC has a Rapid Design branch for urgent projects like the Afghan National Army’s need to mount their Russian-type DShK machine guns on American-supplied M113 APCs.
• Along with continued development of Barrett’s 25mm XM109, FN has a shoulder-fired high velocity 40mm launcher in JSSAP’s efforts to enhance anti-materiel capabilities.
• Everybody but the Coast Guard (they have the new SIG P229 in .40 caliber) wants a .45 ACP pistol. SOCOM and Big Army are, once again, conducting separate programs to this common goal.

Go online to get briefings for all of these topics and much more at www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006smallarms/2006smallarms.html

It’s a Small World

Once again this year the Awards Luncheon was enhanced immeasurably by a thoughtful presentation from JSSAP’s Dr. Stephen Small, who can always be counted upon to put current trials and tribulations into historical perspective. This time reaching back to 1326 A.D. and the dawn of gunpowder warfare, his “First Three Hundred Years of Small Arms” had an appreciative audience alternately chuckling and shaking their heads in recognition. Was some distant ancestor of Ronnie Barrett responsible for the 41 pound, carriage mounted, 27mm wheel lock “anti-materiel rifle” developed in Germany so long ago?

Small was honored immediately afterward with an NDIA Professional Service Award, as were Simunition’s Brian Berger, Aberdeen Test Center’s Marvin Maule, Broden Resources’ Dave Broden, and USMC Lieutenant Colonel Richard Adams.

This year’s George M. Chinn award was presented to Richard Swan of A.R.M.S. and the Carlos Hathcock award went to USMC Major Allen Bootby.

Hardware Show

Numerous breaks from scholarly proceedings in the auditorium gave attendees welcome opportunity to visit the large exhibit hall where more than sixty commercial firms and government entities showed their wares. There, many of the concepts and much of the hardware from dry technical papers could be found, along with knowledgeable reps to answer questions and discuss advantages that come with items on display.

ARDEC, JSSAP and Program Manager Small Arms held the biggest section of exhibit booths, a necessary and fitting situation for this giant of the military small arms community. We spoke at some length with engineers and others directly responsible for weapons and ammunition under development as well as those seeking and fielding COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) items to meet immediate needs of troops in harm’s way. From high tech “smart” weapons to Otis cleaning kits, this is the team that gets the good stuff for the good guys.

Several of JSSAP’s industry partners also had a large presence. General Dynamics was on hand with their convertible XM307 to XM312 Advanced Crew Served Weapon. AAI showed its concept mockup of the future light machine gun and its innovative cartridges. ATK had the amazing programmable airbursting ammo for the XM307 and the shoulder-fired XM25.

Long Mountain Outfitters and Defense Munitions combined their considerable assets to provide a billboard-sized display of old and new weapons from around the world, providing an engineering, reference and sales resource for the widest range of attendees. Suppressed pistols, submachine guns, assault rifles, belt guns, grenade chunkers, and antitank rockets snared enthusiasts of all types, sparking innumerable technical discussions and historical anecdotes with this walk-up-and-touch product catalog.

Other real gun guys were also much in evidence including ArmaLite, Barrett, Beretta, Colt, FN, Glock, HK, Knight’s, Remington, S&W, and Taurus.

Barrett is working with JSSAP to lighten the .50 cal M107 and to get the 25mm XM109 ready for fielding. Then there’s the exciting new bullpup XM500 in .416 caliber.

Colt Defense was showing a push-rod M16 called the Advanced Law Enforcement Carbine and a side-opening grenade launcher. Both were apparently developed as entries in recent Army and SOCOM trials. A prototype light machine gun also attracted interest, featuring quick change barrel, open and closed bolt operation, and a push-rod.

FNH USA proudly displayed several new variants of USSOCOM’s tough SCAR (Special Operations Combat Assault Rifle) including a 5.56mm version for sharpshooting, a SCAR Heavy in 7.62mm, and the clever left or right side opening Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module.

HK Defense, after fielding the push-rod HK416 in 5.56mm, has just added the 7.62mm HK417. Also on the table was the handy and hardy MG4, a 5.56mm SAW/LMG.

Knight’s has plenty of reason to crow with the Army’s recent selection of its candidate as the new M110 Semiautomatic Sniper Rifle System, but something much smaller took center stage at their booth. Weighing just 4.5 pounds and measuring only 19.5 inches with stock folded, the brand new 6x35mm PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) was a show stopper for those in the know. The unique high-performance ammo and its diminutive launch platform were developed with requirements and funding from Technical Support Working Group, a little known US Government counter-terrorism organization with direct links to the CIA, FBI and more than seventy other agencies.

Optimizing existing guns and ammo is the job of those who specialize in accessories and add-ons. Specific needs are met mostly by entrepreneurs with companies outside “the system” but well known in the tightly knit world of combat soldiers.

Some precision shooters from CENTCOM’s area of operations asked LaRue Tactical for a special mounting system and soon got the “S.T.O.M.P.” The Sniper’s Total Optic Mounting Package for Remington 700 actions consists of a suitable length of Picatinny Rail, quick-detach rings and inserts, and a quick-detach overarm for positioning night vision optics like the PVS-22 in front and in line with whatever day optic is preferred.

In the same vein, urban warrior shotgunners punished by the heavy recoil of slugs and breaching rounds asked for and got a special buffer from Enidine. The unit we saw was the “ShotShock,” neatly housed in the telescoping tubular stock with grip that Mesa Tactical makes for the Remington 870.

De-ranged

For whatever reason, L3’s Sal Fanelli keeps volunteering to coordinate and conduct the Small Arms Symposium’s traditional government and industry live fire demonstrations. Never an easy task under the best conditions, but heartened that this time wasn’t in the Peoples Republic of New Jersey; Fanelli got everything set up with the Department of Energy’s Central Training Academy to use their superb range facilities on nearby Kirtland Air Force Base.

This became a no-go a few days before the event when those in charge of base entry security clearances realized that busloads of civilians including plenty of foreign attendees would be rolling up. An official case of the vapors ensued, leaving Sal scrambling to find another venue.

Fortunately the good-guy network kicked in and the Albuquerque Police Department cleared its scheduled training to make way for the day’s demos, apparently recognizing that real “national security” should take priority over bureaucratic BS. A big thanks to APD and Range Master Dave Bartram!

Crossed SWORDS

We got out there early on range day to have plenty of time to examine and photograph the weapons and ammo that would be in action later on. This paid off handsomely when the Army’s SWORDS team arrived with two of their mean little battle ‘bots. As ARDEC’s Mike Zecca, along with his team from Foster-Miller, went about their preparations, we watched closely, took pictures and asked a few questions.

Zecca’s planned demonstration, he said, would show how the armed mini-crawler was radio remote controlled by an operator using video link to navigate, acquire targets and then take them out with bursts of machine gun fire.

The first order of business was to swap out the demilled display gun for a real M240, a process that takes only a few minutes when the right tools are on hand. Then, with Deguire at the hardened laptop style computerized OCU (operator control unit), the battery powered rock ‘n roll robot cruised around a few obstacles and pulled up on the firing line. It was time for some test firing so the range went “hot” and a belt of 7.62mm ball got loaded in the 240.

Peering intently at crosshatches on the display screen, Deguire did some fine tuning with the aiming joystick then flipped up the red firing safety cover. The M240 roared to life with the first burst hitting high. Additional fine finger pressure sent a movement signal by radio link and the muzzle lowered almost imperceptibly. The next burst was right on target and a series of quick traverse signals moved the muzzle leftward to quickly engage each silhouette in turn. Satisfied with its practice run, the team powered down SWORDS in place and manually cleared its machine gun.

Most everyone is aware of the cruel truth of “Murphy’s Law” which states, “Anything that can go wrong will, and at the worst possible time.” Keep this in mind as we jump ahead a couple of hours and pick up the story when it was SWORDS’ turn for a live fire demo in front of a crowd including some of the most influential persons in the world of infantry weaponry.

In an unfortunate incident that may have taken its place ahead of all such others in the lore of NDIA Small Arms Demonstrations, the armed robot violated the most basic range safety rule. Our narrative continues with a statement from the Army’s official after action review, presented verbatim:

“SWORDS #5 was equipped with a M240B Machine Gun and flawlessly test fired on the range prior to the opening of the event. At the time that SWORDS was to start its demo, the vehicle started backing up in a counterclockwise arc without any input from the operator. At this time the weapon had loaded ammo but the safety was on, none of the redundant arming steps had been initiated, and because the robot was moving, no firing signals could be accepted (SWORDS cannot fire on the move) by the fire control. The robot was powered down and cleared. No one was injured. An immediate formal investigation of SWORDS #5 revealed that one wire in the operator control unit had broken and was causing a rearward command string to be sent to the tracks. The wiring has now been redesigned to reduce the chance of broken wires and to add wiring redundancy so that these wires have a backup signal.”

(Editor’s Note: Robert Bruce’s in-depth report on SWORDS may be found in SAR’s Vol. 8, No. 5, September 2005 issue.)

Blastin’ With the Big Boys

The ill-fated SWORDS demo took place on the APD range’s rifle lane, a facility that allows even .50 caliber BMGs to be fired safely when reasonable care is taken. Defense Munitions kicked off the firepower show with John Browning’s masterpiece, in this case a new Ohio Ordnance M2HB on the light and versatile Vinghog 12.7 soft mount with the Vingfoot high-low tripod. This was followed by some serious double tapping from LMO’s twin M240 right/left mount that gives over 1500 rpm of 7.62x51mm firepower with superb accuracy.

Then, US Ordnance showed some sustained Sixty shooting with long bursts from their M60E4/MK43, an improved version of a long time favorite of the Navy SEALs.

Others took a turn in demonstrating their wares which included several suppressors. SRT Arms has the Typhoon can for the M4 that quick couples to standard GI birdcages, and Surefire has a nice new addition to its Fast Attach High Endurance line with one for the M249 SAW. Knight’s Dave Lutz showed the dramatic reduction in signature that comes when the M110’s suppressor is in place.

Lewis Machine has a unique recoil compensator and flash suppressor that looks akin to a SKOL can welded under the barrel but is said to significantly reduce muzzle rise and signature. Karl Lewis also showed the easy one minute conversion on his special upper from 5.56mm to 6.8 by swapping out the bolt, barrel and magazine.

The last demo on the big range was a seriously long belt of Simunition’s new 7.62mm “ShortStop” reduced range training ammo, spectacularly sprayed from an M134 Minigun positioned atop an armored car. This rig was thoughtfully provided by the Department of Energy from those now in use by Nuclear Facility Security teams.

PDWs, Pistols, Pumps, Pistons, and Pumice

Live fire action moved a couple ranges over to the pistol lanes where some other interesting weapons awaited.

Earlier that morning we had gotten our hands on Knight’s 6mm PDW, including the chance to handle and strip it. Confidence must be kept but it is permissible to say that lead engineer Doug Olsen’s mechanical action is strongly influenced by a certain designer named Kalashnikov. We also got to fire a mag in semi and full, confirming the controllability and quick handling of this clever weapon/cartridge combo. SAR looks forward to the chance to do an in-depth feature in the near future.

Taurus fired its prototype .45 ACP that is intended for the upcoming military trials, and then Glock went one by one through a table full of their variants including the ever-popular Glock 18 full auto model.

Ammo guru Whit Engel wowed the crowd with a spectacular watermelon-busting shot. Designed for breaching with minimal overpenetration, his 12 gauge hollow point “Entry Frangible Safety Slug” pulverized the hapless melon without even denting the cardboard witness plate two feet behind it.

Colt’s team put the piston-powered Advanced Law Enforcement Carbine through its paces, shooting mag after mag in quick order without incident. This was a tough act to follow for the next presenter, intending to demonstrate the effectiveness of his proprietary metal finish formula and process. Common courtesy dictates that he will not be identified here. “It eliminates the need for lubrication,” he said, pouring handfuls of APD range sand down the barrel and into the receiver of an M16 type rifle just before firing. Painfully, one pop was all he got and no amount of pulling on the charging handle would help. Damn that Murphy…

Once the last round had been fired in formal demonstrations the line opened up for event attendees to come forward and put a few rounds downrange. Sadly, the Minigun had left the range.

National Defense Industrial Association’s Small Arms Systems Division

Small Arms Review strongly supports the work of NDIA. Make plans now to be at the 2007 Small Arms event in Virginia Beach, Virginia, 7 to 10 May. For membership categories and other information contact:

National Defense Industrial Association
“Strength Through Industry and
Technology”
2111 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 400
Arlington, VA 22201
www.ndia.org