Barrett Announces New M107A1 Rifle

Barrett, a company internationally known for providing high-end firearms, optics, and training, introduces to the commercial market the next generation of the U.S. Army’s M107 rifle-the Barrett M107A1. At four pounds lighter, the M107A1 offers all the performance of its predecessor and is now suppressor-ready from the factory. This rifle is built on decades of success with the Barrett Model 82A1/M107 rifle and feedback from users operating these systems on the battlefield around the world. Initial visible differences of the M107A1 include the flat dark earth, ultra-hard PVD coating that increases protection from the elements and decreases the need for lubrication. Also distinctive is the round muzzle brake that is designed to interface with Barrett’s new .50 BMG suppressor which reduces firing signature. There is also a thermal-guard cheek piece that has been added to increase the user’s comfort during extreme heat or cold. An all new aluminum upper receiver and select titanium components contribute to the M107A1’s lighter weight. A new advanced bolt carrier group and recoil system has been designed to handle the dynamics of firing the M107A1 with suppressor attached. A four-port muzzle brake accepts the new quick-attach Barrett .50 BMG suppressor. For more information please contact Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc., Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 1077, Murfreesboro, TN 37133. Phone: (615) 896-2938. Fax: (615) 896-7313. Website: www.barrett.net.

Kruger Unveils Gen II Dual Tactical Sight

Kruger Optical has just unveiled its new Dual Tactical Sight (DTS) Gen II. The patent-pending dual-function sight created a stir when the Gen I prototype was introduced at the 2010 SHOT Show. Since then, Kruger’s engineers have been busy refining and perfecting the scope in response to market and end-user feedback. The resulting Gen II product is shorter, lighter and stronger, with improved functionality. Designed for complex engagement situations, the DTS incorporates two separate sighting systems into a single scope. The scope has two modes: a high-resolution 1x reflex sight with red-dot reticle for close quarter engagement, plus a 2-8×40 long-range zoom sight with Mil-dot reticle for long-range sighting. The product includes two separate aiming systems, each viewed through the same sight window. The user can switch between modes with the flip of a lever, with no head movement and without looking away from the target. The product has been designed for the extreme demands of the tactical professional who requires one optical sighting device that can be used for close or long range target engagement. The Gen II version incorporates several significant improvements over the original GEN I model. It features a unique, ultra-strong carbon fiber molded body, which is shorter, lighter and more durable than the GEN I version. It also has unlimited eye relief in reflex mode, with a large viewing window for extremely fast target acquisition. Unlike other dual-function systems on the market, the DTS does not require any bullet-drop calculations when changing modes, thus saving time and preventing errors. The sight features a patent-pending, extended range elevation system for linelong-range impact adjustments, with resettable clicks and a Geneva-style revolution counter. The scope’s rectangular shape and square viewing window are also key to the product’s performance. The square shape allows for an extremely wide field of view and large viewing window, making it easier to acquire and maintain a target. A zoom lever makes magnification adjustments quick and easy. All controls on the product are ergonomically designed to be user-friendly and easily adjusted without breaking line of sight. The scope’s illumination system features six brightness levels for varying light conditions. Each brightness setting alternates with an “off” setting, so the user can turn the scope off and then immediately return to the previous setting. Other features include: locking 1/4 windage and elevation adjustments with “unlocked” indicator, mil-dot reticle calibrated at 8x, Picatinny accessory rail attachment and an integrated mount system. The new scope is shockproof, waterproof, fog-proof and weights just 30 ounces. For more information on this revolutionary new scope please contact Kruger Optical, Inc., Dept. SAR, 251 West Barclay Drive, P.O. 532, Sisters, OR 97759. Phone: (888) 526-7779. Fax: (541) 549-0769. Their website is www.krugeroptical.com.

New Night Vision Goggle From ATN

American Technologies Network, makers of military, law enforcement, security and outdoor night vision and thermal applications, is proud to announce the ATN Night Cougar XT; a lightweight dual eye/tube Goggles System that is comfortable to wear and easy to use. Powered by two high-quality 1st Gen+ Light Intensifier Tubes and using fast precision optics, the ATN Night Cougar Night Vision Goggle has one of the clearest and brightest images available in a 1st Gen. Goggle System. Combine all of the above with a built-in Infrared Illuminator that lets you see in total darkness and you will be on your way to exploring even the darkest of places from your backyard to any exotic location for wildlife viewing or for personal security. Other features include hands-free usage via comfortable easy-to-use flip-up headgear, digital controls, multi-coated all glass optics with Proshield Lens Coating. The new goggles are water and fog resistant and retail for just $569. For more information on the new Cougar XT goggles please contact American Technologies Network, Corp., Dept. SAR, 1341 San Mateo Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94080. Phone: (650) 989-5100. Fax: (650) 875-0129. Website: www.atncorp.com.

ISSC-Austria And Gemtch Co-Partner

ISSC-Austria, exclusive importer and distributor of the M22 range pistol and MK22 range rifle, has partnered with Gemtech, the leader in high- performance suppressors, to offer products that fit and function seamlessly together. The ISSC-Austria M22 pistol with the new threaded barrel and the Gemtech Alpine suppressor offer target shooters the most efficient baffle design for a .22 LR suppressor while maintaining ease of disassembly (only tool needed is a U.S. coin, such as a nickel). Built using the combination of a Lothar Walther match barrel, adjustable sights and a very crisp 4-lb. single-action trigger, the M22 with the threaded barrel for the addition of accessories, such as the Gemtech Alpine, is the new standard in training pistols. MSRP starts at $389.95 for the M22 pistol and $425 for the Gemtech Alpine suppressor.

New for 2011 from Gemtech is the Tactical Retention Lanyard (TRL) in the new multi-cam color featuring a built-in, fail-safe breakaway for safe, non-mechanical retention and recovery of dropped pistols and other gear. MSRP for the Gemtech TRL is $23.

The just released ISSC-Austria MSR MK22 rifle pairs perfectly with Gemtech’s G5-22 suppressor designed from the ground up for .22 LR full-sized assault and MSR-style rifles. The MK22, designed and built in Austria, incorporates the look and feel of a military-style rifle with all the modern elements of a modern sporting rifle platform. This all-metal rifle gives the target shooter a “centerfire” feel even though it is chambered for the economical .22 LR cartridge. Using Gemtech’s patented Quickmount system, the G5-22 has all the same features of the 5.56mm G5 but made for the .22 LR cartridge. The G5-22 was further designed for superb group size and zero first round pop. MSRP on the ISSC MSR MK22 rifle is $569.95 and the Gemtech G5-22 suppressor is $495. Watch for an upcoming issue of SAR for an in-depth article on the ISSC MK22 rifle. For more information you can contact ISSC, LLC, Dept. SAR, 91 West Main Street, Ware, MA 01082. Phone: (800) 967-3940. Fax: (413) 967-7025. Website: www.issc-austria.com. Gemtech, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 140618, Boise, ID 83714. Phone: (208) 939-7222. Website: www.gem-tech.com.

Kel-Tec Introduces New Bullpup Shotgun

Kel-Tec has just announced the introduction of its new bullpup style shotgun called the KSG. This previously rumored shotgun is now a reality. The KSG is their first entry into the shotgun market. The size, shape and design are similar to the currently available Kel-Tec RFB rifle, but the KSG ejects downward, instead of forward. The KSG weighs 6.9 pounds and is as compact as legally possible with a 26.1 inch overall length and an 18.5 inch cylinder bore barrel. Even with this compact size, the internal dual tube magazines hold an impressive 15 rounds of 12 gauge 2-3/4 inch rounds (7 per tube and 1 in the chamber). The simple and reliable pump action feeds from either the left or right tube. The feed side is manually selected by a lever located just behind the trigger guard. The lever can be positioned in the center detent in order to easily clear the chamber without feeding another round from either magazine or to load single specialty rounds. A cross bolt style safety blocks the sear, and the pump release lever is located in front of the trigger guard. The pump includes an under Picatinny rail for the mounting of a forward grip, light or laser. The included top Picatinny sight rail will accept many types of optics or iron sights. Forward and rear sling loops are built in, and a basic sling is included. The soft rubber butt pad helps to tame recoil. Retail price has not been set as of this writing but is said to be in the $800 range. For more information you can contact them at Kel-Tec CNC Industries, Inc., Dept. SAR, 1475 Cox Road, Cocoa, FL 32926. Phone: (321) 631-0068. Fax: (321) 631-1169. Their website is www.keltecweapons.com.

Ordnance.Com Restoration Specialists

Ordnance.Com is dedicated to preserving the past to educate the future. Specializing in artillery and ordnance, they can restore your historical items to museum quality. Their restorations include Howitzers, AA guns, AT guns, recoilless rifles and mortars. They also restore ordnance and support items from 20mm to 16 inch, carts, support equipment, vehicles and underwater warfare ordnance. Ordnance restoration is carried out by using techniques and procedures taken from their vast reference collection of ordnance renovation manuals. Original techniques and tooling is applied as available or reproduction components are made as needed. Correct color, font and placement is ensured using rolling, stenciling or painting and is applied as the original would have that create a look of authenticity that is striking. They also have available a very good selection of modern ordnance, RPGs, Stingers, folding fin aerial rockets, chemical rockets, mortars, and most modern tank related ordnance. Located in Paris, Tennessee, they may be contacted at (713) 407-4510. Email info@ordnance.com. Website: www.ordnance.com.

The Association of the United States Army held its annual meeting on October 6-8 in the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington DC. As one of the premier showcases demonstrating developments in the defense industry, more than 500 exhibitors from more than a dozen countries displayed their products and services. Displays included cruise missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, small and medium caliber small arms, and armored vehicles. Small Arms Review was present to report on new products and advances within the defense community.

ATK

ATK showcased a new medium caliber system utilizing a redesigned 20mm, 25mm, and 30mm weapons system. Designed in two parts, the weapon mount has been designated the PAWS – the Palletized Autonomous Weapons System. As a self contained and fully autonomous weapons system, the PAWS system provides the user the capability to aim and fire virtually any small and medium caliber weapon.

As a roll on/roll off system, the PAWS can be fully palletized for air delivery. Set up time from crate to running system testing is reportedly less than 10 minutes. Designed from off-the-shelf components, the platform can be easily installed in a variety of platforms. Representatives of ATK indicate that due to the light weight, the PAWS system can be utilized within a light truck, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), light boat, or rotary aircraft.

Use of the system was extremely easy. A joy stick controls elevation, traverse, and fire controls, while a LCD display provides an aiming point and view of the target. The system is electrically powered, and capable of using batteries or a variety of external power sources.

In conjunction with the PAWS weapon mount, ATK has redesigned the 25mm Bushmaster chain gun. Designated the LW25 Bushmaster, the system is a compact and lightweight system based upon the successful Bushmaster family of chain guns. Weighing 68 pounds (unloaded) or 94 pounds with available soft mount and fire control unit, the LW25 has a reported cyclic rate of 250 rounds per minute. In addition, ATK representatives report that the system has a Mean Rounds Between Stoppages (MRBS) in excess of 35,000 rounds, providing an extremely reliable system.

The LW25 Bushmaster utilizes five newly designed 25mm cartridges: HEI (High Explosive Incendiary), HEDP (High Explosive Dual Purpose), PABM (Programmable Air Burst Munition), Shotshell, and TP (Training Practice). The new cartridges measure 25x59mm. ATK reports that the LW25 Bushmaster is ideal for applications that are currently limited to gas-operated guns. ATK representatives pointed out that the system is lighter than the M2HB, M240, and Mk19 machine guns, while providing increased lethality.

The Programmable Air Burst Munition is reportedly a remnant of the OICW program, complete with point detonating fuze and programmable airburst capability. As evidence that old projects never die, the OICW project is alive and well at ATK, and has now been designated the Individual Airburst Weapon System (IAWS). Designed to engage targets at 300 meters, the system has a maximum effective range of 500 meters. Similar to the OICW, the IAWS utilizes five types of ammunition: thermobaric, flechette, training, high-explosive airburst, and non-lethal.

Heckler and Koch

Heckler and Koch revealed a new blank firing adaptor intended for the M16 family of weapons. Intended to be used as a complete system comprised of a magazine and muzzle device, the blank firing adaptor is intended to prevent the use of live ammunition. The length of the magazine is reduced to prevent users from loading ball ammunition. Instead, only blank ammunition (which is typically shorter in length than live ammunition) may be loaded within the special magazine.

In the event that ball ammunition is forced into the magazine, a maximum of three live rounds will fit within the magazine. Attempts to load more than three live rounds will result in the rounds binding and jamming within the magazine. If live rounds are loaded within the magazine and fired through the weapon, the blank firing adaptor attached at the muzzle is capable of stopping a maximum of three live rounds.

The system is reportedly under test and evaluation by the U.S. Marine Corps. An HK representative indicated that the system is not currently in production, and would not be produced unless a significant order was placed by a branch of the military.

SAAB Bofors

Long known for the Carl Gustav recoilless AT rocket system, Saab Bofors displayed a variant of the venerable AT-4 anti-tank rocket system. The AT-4 system has been in the U.S. Army inventory since the mid-1980s. In an effort to revitalize and update the system, Saab Bofors improved the system in two significant ways.

The system was first outfitted with a liquid counter-mass to eliminate the back blast created when firing the weapon. As a recoilless system, the weapon’s back blast prevents use of the AT-4 system within confined spaces. With the new Saab Bofors improvements, the liquid counter mass reduces the back blast and eliminates the deadly effects of firing the system within a confined space.

The AT-4 system has always been intended as a disposable system. Unlike the Carl Gustav system, the AT-4 system cannot be reloaded once the rocket is fired. As originally designed, the plastic weapon sights are crude, simplistic, hard to use and cannot be zeroed or adjusted for range. As originally designed, the original AT-4 weapon sight cannot be zeroed, or adjusted for range. As a result, Saab Bofors worked together with Aimpoint to incorporate a red dot sight to the system. Adjustable for range, the soldier estimates the range to the target, adjusts the sight, places the aiming point directly on the target, and fires the weapon. As the AT-4 system is disposable, the new Aimpoint sights are reportedly disposable, and not intended to be reused. Finally, a Picatinny rail has been incorporated on the AT-4 tube, to allow the user to mount and use a laser designator or range finder as part of the system.

Barrett Firearms

Barrett Firearms revealed their new .338 Lapua bolt action rifle. Designated the Model 98B, the new .338 Lapua rifle sports a 27 inch barrel, and has an overall length of 49.75 inches. The barrel utilizes a ten-round polymer magazine, with an ambidextrous magazine release lever.

Built primarily of 7075 aluminum and polymer plastics, the complete system weighs in at 13.5 pounds. Considering that the Barrett 82A1 weighs nearly 31 pounds, the Barrett 98B provides significant weigh savings while providing a platform capable of heavy hitting long range shooting. The barrel is fluted for additional weight savings, while utilizing a 1-in-10 twist rate for long range accuracy.

Projected to be vailable in January 2009, the current suggested retail price will be $4,500.

Colt Defense

In response to recent U.S. Army solicitations and weapons tests, Colt Defense presented a large number of new and innovative weapon platforms. SAR spent a significant amount of time discussing weapons development with MG Battaglini, (USMC, Retired) Colt’s Chief Operating Officer and Kevin Brown, Vice President, Military Programs. Built in response to a request from the U.S. Army, MG Battaglini explained that the new models were not intended to replace the venerable M4 carbine. Rather, the new systems were designed to demonstrate the available technology, should the U.S. military decide to upgrade or change existing specifications to the M4 carbine system.

Colt Defense presented several major developments to the M4 weapon platform, including the use of a monolithic upper receiver, the use of a piston system, the creation of a hybrid short stroke gas/piston system, and an articulated gas piston.

Colt Defense also presented a newly designed 40mm low velocity grenade launcher. Designated the Eagle, the grenade launcher is a side opening, fully ambidextrous system capable of being used as either a stand-alone unit, or mounted to a battle rifle. With a built in pistol grip, the system appeared to be a direct competitor to the Heckler and Koch AG-C system, and was reportedly submitted for review by the U.S. Military when considering a replacement to the M203 weapons system.

Weighing 4.7 pounds, the Eagle weighs nearly two pounds heavier than the M203 legacy system, but provides additional capability to fire non-traditional rounds that would not otherwise fit within the M203 breach. Outfitted with Picatinny rails, the weapon is capable of accepting traditional iron sights intended for a 40mm system, or an EOTech 40mm grenade launcher sight. The Eagle is capable of firing nearly any conventional or commonly acquired 40mm lethal and less-lethal ammunition.

The AUSA annual meeting was an unqualified success and allowed many in the small arms industry to display recent developments and innovations. Although not all of the products displayed were in production, the AUSA show is a great opportunity to witness developments in the small arms industry, talk to the engineers involved in the research and development process, and discuss innovations with others within the small arms community.

By Jim Schatz

Each year, as the air turns cool in the Washington, DC metro area and the trees that line the banks of the Potomac River begin to turn to color, the Army rallies for the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) Annual Meeting and Exposition held in 2007 from October 8-10 at the Washington Convention Center. This year’s event was larger than any before it and is, as always, an excellent opportunity to see the latest military equipment on display from around the world; not to mention the small arms – the real focus of this report

Protestors

As one arrived at the site of the show, the AUSA banners flew high and proudly from the tall buildings in downtown DC. The day was clear and sunny, a perfect day for such an event and folks were in high spirits as they made their way to the convention center by taxi, the Metro and on foot. However, this feeling of slight elation was dampened by the chanting and insulting signs of anti-war/anti-America protestors roaming outside of the center and harassing the visitors and denigrating the soldiers and contractors entering the facility. Waving their “blood” stained hands in the faces of the attendees and harassing our brave men and women warriors making their way inside, one could not help but wonder if they realize that their very right to protest, to spout their anti-freedom rantings, has and was paid for with the blood of so many courageous military men and women who have sacrificed so unselfishly and so dearly for our freedoms. To their great credit, the proud and disciplined soldiers in uniform were seemingly not enraged by the actions and mindless rantings of the protestors.

Quietly and Professionally

The mood inside the building was positive, electric in a way and yet reserved. The “surge” in Iraq is clearly working. Civilian and U.S. military deaths are down and insurgent deaths are up. The Army has once again, as it has always done quietly and professionally, performed at its very best for America and for the Iraqi citizens who maybe do not yet realize fully what freedom, independence and a true self governing country is.

The Army gathers each year at the annual AUSA Meeting to celebrate its successes, recognize its heroes and in many quiet ways morn its irreplaceable loses. In 2007, there was much work to be done in all these areas.

The big news on the show floor, besides the hum about troop withdrawals and the success of the surge and the meeting and greeting of old friends and comrades in arms, was the then very recent announcement of the sizable contract awards for new armored vehicles called MRAP. The MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protection) translates to highly mobile but equally protected wheeled vehicles to provide improved protection against IEDs and RPGs. More than 6,400 RG31 MK5 MRAPs have been ordered thus far for the Army alone from just one of numerous vendor teams, BAE Systems through its partnership with General Dynamics Land Systems, while another 600 MK5Es, an extended version of the RG31, have been ordered on a separate $135 million dollar contract for the U.S. Marine Corps. These are huge contracts with the biggest defense contractors in the world. The show floor was awash with armored vehicles of all shapes, sizes and even colors (yes, there was one in British SAS desert “pink” as well). The MRAPs have proven highly effective in countering modern ballistics threats with U.S. and coalition forces. They have and will continue to save lives on the battlefields wherever they are deployed. Most countries involved in OEF/OIF are buying into them at the moment.

AAI
(www.aaicorp.com)

The U.S. Army’s LSAT (Lightweight Small Arms Technology) demonstrator program continues with further success with both its Cased Telescoped (CT) and Caseless Telescoped (CL) ammunition types. AAI reps reported that to date 6,000 rounds of CT ammunition have been fired in the LSAT LMG prototype 001 with prototype 002 testing to begin shortly. Various successful live-fire demonstrations had been conducted for U.S. Army officials at Fort Benning and elsewhere. The caseless ammunition firing weapon is further behind and is challenging the designers to solve the tough-nut chamber sealing issue that haunts all auto-loading caseless ammunition firing small arms. Reportedly, the firing mechanism is in final development with a two-part expanding chamber design similar to that of the ill-fated H&K G11 Rifle.

Thus far, 100 rounds of the rectangular DNAG G11-style ammunition, the basis for the LSAT caseless ammunition, have been fired on test fixtures only. The first cylindrical LSAT caseless ammunition was expected to be completed by end of CY07.

While still clearly in the early R&D stages of development, the LSAT program offers scalable technology that can be applied to other types of small arms such as 7.62mm rifles and machine guns. LSAT offers 35-50% system (weapon, links, ammo) weight savings, but only if system durability and soldier ruggedness can be assured. Watch this program carefully. Put your money on the CT ammo.

Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc.
(www.barrettrifles.com)

The big news at the Barrett booth this year was their 240LW, an in-house development to reduce the overall weight of the U.S. M240 GPMG. The Barrett 240LW (LW for Light Weight) employs a fluted barrel and one-piece CNC machined steel receiver. Offering a weight reduction of 5.5 pounds, this brings the outstanding reliability of the otherwise heavy M240 machine gun into a more portable, maneuverable weight range of 21.5 pounds, and along the lines of lighter GPMGs like the M60 and HK21E, without the need to employ more exotic materials with questionable durability. While there is no official program for this Barrett-funded creation, one can only wonder, “Why not?” Barrett also announced at AUSA that the “BORS” (Barrett Optical Ranging System) is now available for commercial sale at $1,500 each with mount; $2,700 with the L&S MKIV telescopic sight.

Beretta Law Enforcement and Defense Group
(www.BerettaLE.com)

Beretta Firearms Company may be the longest running small arms exhibitor at the AUSA event, continuously supporting the U.S. Army Annual Meeting for more than 23 years. The newest product on display at the Beretta booth this year was the new Px4 Storm Subcompact Pistol. Available in calibers 9x19mm Luger and .40 S&W, the Px4 Subcompact, with 3-inch barrel, weighs only 26 ounces and holds an impressive number of cartridges (thirteen 9mm rounds or ten .40 S&W rounds) for such adiminutive pistol.

Colt Defense, LLC
(www.colt.com)

This year Colt came to the AUSA Show to impress the attendees with new and long awaited developments in the M4 family of weapons. This includes the open public display (and even disassembly) of thehighly secretive M5 Advanced Military Carbine with piston operated gas system, Colt’s new patented aluminum rail system offering 100% return to zero capability and redesigned front sight assembly. Other unique features include barrel heat sink and airflow grooves to help cool a hot barrel and reduce the occurrence of cook off. Colt claims the new op rod M4 has fired over 12,000 rounds without cleaning or stoppages. It is even fitted with proprietary drain system to allow for over-thebeach use wherein the operator can safely fire the weapon without the need to first fully drain water from the interior of the weapon.

In addition to the Colt LE1020 Law Enforcement Carbine with piston operated gas system, Colt representatives were also showing SLA models of various prototype folding stocks for use with the M4 and M5 Carbines to reduce the overall length of the weapon to compact PDW size. The Colt 5.56mm PDW, as it was being referred to, sports a 10.3-inch barrel, new buffer and spring built into the back of the bolt carrier, 3-position QD sling attachment points and LaserMax vertical foregrip with green aiming laser. Firing at 700-900 rounds per minute, the Colt 5.56mm PDW stands ready for the release of the long rumored requirement from the U.S. Army for a rifle-caliber Personal Defense Weapon. At the time of writing, little additional information was available on any such release by the U.S. Army for such a weapon. However, according to sources within PEO Soldier, this requirement is still being written by the user proponent.

FNH U.S.A, LLC
(www.fnhusa.com)

The big news at the FN booth was, of course, SCAR. If reports from both company representatives and from U.S. officials are correct, the SCAR Light and Heavy models and the 40mm EGLM grenade launcher could enter series production as early as March 2008. Reportedly production, fielding and logistical funds have been programmed for full SCAR (12-16 thousand units) and EGLM fielding within USSOCOM once the full production Milestone C decision is made. This is expected to come after the final Operational Test (OT) report is completed and reviewed. At the time of writing, the USSOCOM was finishing up the last of the OT phases with U.S. Army Rangers and Special Forces, U.S. Navy SEALs and U.S. Marine Corps MARSOC personnel. One interesting note was that the BOI (Basis of Issue), which was originally heavy on the SCAR-L (5.56x45mm NATO) side, has now been revamped and it shifted to the SCAR-H (7.62x51mm NATO) variants at the request of the user community. Maybe someone in the SOF world knows something we don’t? An 85% commonality of parts between the SCAR-L and SCAR-H certainly will help to reduce the logistical burden on the organization, especially when one considers just how many different weapons the SCAR family will eventually replace.

The SCAR-L was also involved in the congressionally mandated Extreme Sand/Dust Tests at Aberdeen in 2007 wherein it competed against its potential rivals in the U.S. DoD rifle market. This included the XM8, HK416 and Colt M4. Reportedly, the SCAR-L completed the test with good results but not before a change in the lubrication cycle was required to insure reliable function and test completion. The op rod SCAR-L did reportedly finish ahead of the direct gas operated M4 along with the other two operating rod carbines tested.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products
(www.gdatp.com)

(GD) announced that the .50 caliber XM312 is now a separate effort split from the Army’s Future Combat System program and has received some close attention from the U.S. Army and USSOCOM recently for potential replacement of the venerable M2HB heavy machine gun. The XM312 has been modified to accept the standard U.S. M9 disintegrating metal link belt common to the U.S. M2HB. Due to the light weight and reduced recoil of the XM312, it can be mounted and employed anywhere a 7.62x51mm M240 GPMG can be used. Under the current schedule, Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) of the XM312 is anticipated to begin in 2010 with full production to begin in 2011.

GD representatives also stated that M2HB and MK19 production is “maxed out” at the moment with series production ramped up to meet U.S. and foreign friendly requirements. Approximately 1,800 to over 2,000 of each will have been procured during CY07.

NAMMO
(www.nammo.com)

If you want to witness ammunition and ordnance perfection and innovation, the NAMMO booth at AUSA is the one to visit. Makers of some of the finest high performance small arms ammunition in the world, to include the armor piercing M995 (5.56x45mm NATO) and M993 (7.62x51mm NATO) rounds, they also have an IR Tracer round now in final U.S. Navy qualification testing for use with passive night vision devices. Most notably the progress of the preprogrammed air bursting 40x53mm HV ammunition for the U.S. MK47 Striker ALGL (Advanced Lightweight Grenade Launder) is now in final type classification in the U.S. 90,000 rounds will have been delivered to the USSOCOM by December 2007 for combat evaluations by USSOCOM and other U.S. Army units.

Night Vision Systems
(www.nightvisionsystems.com)

NVS had on display the clip-on Knight’s Armament Company Universal Night Scope Thermal (UNST), or model M890. The maker claims this small 23-ounce device, mounted forward of a variety of optical and reflex sights, can provide human target detection up to 1,000 meters. The UNST can be quickly detached via the throw lever mount, fits on most any rifle or scope and can even be used in a hand held mode when detached.

ST Kinetics
(www.stengg.com)

Singapore based ST Kinetics had on display in their booth a series production sample of their new Air Bursting Modular System (ABMS) for any 40x53mm grenade machine guns. This bolt-on system can be added to the weapon in minutes by the operator and allows for the use of preprogrammed air bursting ammunition to attack targets hidden behind cover, in the defilade, using their quick attach Fire Control System. Using time-of-flight technology, the ABMS ammunition contains 300 tungsten balls within its warhead and costs approximately $350-400 each. Each round has a self-destruct feature and when programmed for air burst will detonate 2 meters above the target and at any location before or after a barrier as determined by the gunner. The ammunition programming “coil” attaches to the muzzle of the grenade launcher and therefore requires no permanent modification to the host weapon. The entire system costs $50,000 at this time. ST Kinetics is also currently working on a 40x46mm LV air burst system as well.

Part 2 of the 2007 AU.S.A Show Report appears in the next issue of SAR and covers current U.S. Army small arms programs and the results of the recent U.S. Army Extreme Carbine Sand/Dust Tests.