“As a matter of course, we put all our developmental weapons through their paces before putting them in the hands of Soldiers. We test using thousands of rounds of ammunition in all kinds of environments. They undergo stress tests, drop tests, and extreme environment tests to include, arctic, jungle, desert and more before they get the green light. These weapons are durable, reliable and effective when we put them in the field. With regards to the punch of the 25mm round, we’re confident in the lethality the XM25 can deliver.” – Colonel Douglas Tamilio, PM Soldier Weapons

By the time you read this, the XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System with its uncannily accurate airburst ammo will undoubtedly have drawn its first blood in Afghanistan.

This sci-fi looking individual armament, initially the “grenade gun” upper half of the ill-fated Objective Individual Combat Weapon, has been in combat operational test mode for several months now with selected elements of US Special Operations Command.

It’s the hottest new man portable grenade launcher anywhere, boasting indirect fire capabilities with “smart” ammo that can kill enemies smugly squatting behind walls and boulders, until now unreachable by squad level weapons.

At their recent press briefing and live fire event at historic Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, top officials of PM Soldier Weapons told Small Arms Review and reporters for other military and defense industry publications how the XM25’s unique capabilities would have been of particular value to defenders in the now-famous “Keating” firefight.

Among many lessons learned in the near-annihilation of this small, fortified camp in what’s formally known as the Battle of Kamdesh, Afghanistan, they said, is the need for unit level indirect fire capability that is highly flexible and immediately available.

Combat Outpost Keating

More than 300 Taliban fighters launched a surprise attack on Keating in the predawn darkness of October 3, 2009, saturating the small base with mortar rounds, RPGs and heavy small arms fire.

They quickly breached the perimeter, routed the panicked Afghan Army detachment and nearly overran the American soldiers of Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment.

Bad weather and slow response from artillery and air support assets combined to give the enemy special advantages in their initial assault from the high ground “bowl” around the camp, leaving the defenders below with little more than basic individual and crew-served weapons to fight back with.

Their direct fire arms and single shot M203 grenade launchers were of limited value against battle-seasoned attackers who skillfully used abundant cover from boulders and depressions in the surrounding rough terrain and defensive positions inside the wire.

Relief came slowly but soon built to a decisive level as artillery, helicopter gunships, jet fighters and bombers combined to rout the enemy.

When the smoke cleared an estimated 150 Taliban were dead at the cost of 30 U.S. troopers killed or wounded.

Cost/Benefit Ratio

Richard Audette, Deputy PMSW, responding during the press conference at Aberdeen, to implied criticism in a reporter’s question noting the projected $25,000 cost per XM25, called it a bargain compared to far more expensive weaponry wielded by external support elements like those that turned the tide at Keating.

“They were hitting the attackers with Apache gunships, Hellfire missiles and Excaliber artillery rounds,” he said, “far more costly, cumbersome, and slow to arrive.”

“The XM25,” he emphasized, “is an immediately available, squad level weapon that pays for itself, but more importantly it saves solders’ lives because it can take out those defilade (behind cover) targets.”

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Lehner, Product Manager Individual Weapons, underscored the XM25’s remarkably fast target engagement capability against fleetingly-glimpsed targets.

“In under five seconds I can lase for range, get my adjusted reticle on target and pull the trigger,” he said. “At four hundred meters it takes another two seconds to get there and explode. Seven hundred meters another second or so. It really doesn’t give the Taliban a lot of time to reposition himself.”

Then, adding his perspective on the XM25’s $25,000 price tag, Lehner invited a comparison to the total cost of the current, less capable combination of weapon and accessories.

“Add up the cost of an M4 carbine with M203 grenade launcher, STORM laser rangefinder, plus night vision and aiming modules,” he said, noting that the XM25 fully integrates these components with the added benefit of a ballistic computer and airbursting ammunition.

SAR has been closely following the sixteen year saga of this 100 million dollar engineering marvel and we are pleased to know that it has finally made its way into the hands of the snake-eating fraternity. If all goes well, we’re told, it will be available in limited quantities for muddy-boots grunts in the 2013-14 time frame.

Lehner explained that the plan for fielding this exotic grenade launcher was under development but not to expect it to become a standard squad weapon.

“It’s potentially an arms room weapon,” he said, “like a shotgun or other specialized weapon that you’d draw for certain missions where you need the (XM25’s) unique capability.”

While the wizardry embodied in the XM25 is spectacular, there are several other developments from the dedicated team at Program Manager Soldier Weapons that also deserve special recognition.

Mulberry Point Range

PM Soldier Weapons had wisely set aside several consecutive days for hands-on demos for congressional and military VIPs, efficiently utilizing the considerable time and expense required for such things. These focused opportunities gave a wide variety of purse-keepers and decision-makers the chance to see for themselves what was in the weapons development pipeline.

Press day was a continuation of the process, with PMSW hoping that knowledgeable reporters would convey to the public how America’s defenders were armed. More than a dozen reps turned up, from outlets ranging in credibility and seriousness from USA Today to Army Times, with Small Arms Review in there on the right side of the scale.

After the obligatory meet, greet and ground rules briefing, Aberdeen Test Center’s Mulberry Point Small Arms Range went hot with a HE (high explosive) demo shot from the XM25. Safety concerns kept us inside the ballistic glass windowed observation building.

We could see the gunner just outside the thick glass window and his actions were explained in real time by Lieutenant Colonel Lehner. Using the weapon’s highly sophisticated fire control system with on-board laser rangefinder, he said, the shooter gets exact distance to the front wall of a simulated building with an open window.

With the simple push of a button he adds a meter to the range and the chambered “smart” round is electronically programmed with the precise distance from launch to detonation point. In this case right through the window and inside the room.

The fire control’s ballistic computer calculates angle of elevation based on range and displays a red dot in the electro-optical sight with the correct aiming point. Windage can be programmed as well.

When the round was fired, a computer chip in the 40mm HE warhead counted revolutions in flight and initiated detonation at approximately the center of the “room,” showering it with lethal fragments. A remote video camera linked to a large screen in the observation building provided dramatic evidence of the effectiveness of this programmable airburst weapon’s precision lethality.

Then, we were herded outside to observe a series of live fire demonstrations of selected current weaponry, starting with the lock-busting 12 gauge M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System and moving down the firing line to see grenade launchers, machine guns, sniper rifles and the new “dazzling” laser on a hulking armored vehicle.

M240 Light

While highly reliable and very accurate, a standard 7.62mm M240B medium machine gun weighs a hefty 27 pounds, making it a burden for dismounted troops on the move.

PM Crew Served Weapons has responded with the M240L (Light), incorporating a titanium receiver and other refinements to drop 5.7 pounds without sacrificing combat performance.

Further weight reduction is realized when pairing it with the new M192 Lightweight Ground Mount tripod, boasting better stability and an improved traversing and elevating mechanism at a weight saving of six pounds.

Old Warhorse Returns

Soldiers and Marines of a certain age (including a few of us at SADJ) should take special pleasure in seeing the honored return of the post-WW2 generation’s venerable M14 rifles.

This hard-hitting, long reaching 7.62x51mm NATO caliber battle rifle was pushed aside by the pipsqueak 5.56mm M16 in the Vietnam War when it was deemed that an “assault rifle,” characterized by light weight and high volume of fire, was better for jungle fighting.

But now that the battlefields are in Iraq and Afghanistan – mostly treeless, arid plains and mountains – the M16 and its little brother M4 are noticeably lacking in necessary range (maximum approximately 500 meters) and knockdown power.

Spurred by urgent Operational Need Statements from combat units, the Army started pulling mothballed M14s out of storage, adding day scopes, and rushing them off to CENTCOM’s AO for use by “Squad Designated Marksmen.”

This eminently practical solution has since been kicked up a notch at PM Soldier Weapons by creation of the Enhanced Battle Rifle, a classic M14 retro-fitted at the Army’s Rock Island Arsenal with a modern chassis stock and capable of mounting a full range of day and night sights. More than 5,000 have been fielded so far and 1,700 more are in the pipeline.

LTC Lehner says that the EBR’s dramatically increased effective range, as much as 800 meters in capable hands, has forced the Taliban to “change its tactics,” backing way off when initiating an attack.

More Sniper Stuff

The 7.62mm M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) from Knight’s Armament – apparently just about everything it needs to be already – will be outfitted with a collapsible buttstock, deemed better for close quarter engagements.

The awesomely powerful .50 caliber Barrett M107 Semi-Automatic Long Range Sniper Rifle is going to lose a little weight, get a specially designed suppressor and a new protective exterior coating.

Optics enhancements are in the works, starting with dumping complicated Mil-Dot reticles in favor of with a modern stadia type offering rapid estimation by fitting targets within graduated ranging overlays.

New sniper scopes are on the way, incorporating sophisticated laser rangefinders with electronic DOPE (Data On Previous Engagement) databases.

Two whiz-bang fire control systems are being conjured up by techno-spooks at DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), pushing cutting-edge technologies to increase operational range and hit probability for sniper-spotter teams:

* “One Shot” program seeks a technically advanced spotting scope capable of calculating cumulative wind effects to target and providing a near-instantaneous, accurate, adjusted ballistic aimpoint to the shooter.

* The EXACTO program takes One Shot to the “smart munitions” level; maybe like a laser guided bomb for snipers. It’s said to be a spotting scope-based target acquisition and guidance system that steers maneuverable .50 caliber projectiles directly to a target.

While SAR doesn’t shy away from wondering if EXACTO will be a ballistic breakthrough or an expensive, dead-end boondoggle, PEO Soldier documentation predicts maturity of these technologies and transition to the field over the next four years.

XM2010

Long range precision shooters should take particular note of an exciting development unveiled by PMSW just before this article was completed.

It’s a significant upgrade to the tried and true M24 Sniper Weapon System, that classic Remington 700 bolt action rifle, optimized for .308 cal. Winchester M118 Special Ball ammo.

The new “M24 Reconfigured Sniper Weapon System” carries the designation XM2010, now chambered for hot .300 Winchester Magnum rounds and wrapped in a modernistic skeletonized chassis.

• 5-round box magazine to make the system easier to load and reload with the additional option to change out ammunition quickly
• Rail endowed chassis and free floating barrel that allow for easier mounting of weapon accessories and greater accuracy
• Folding and adjustable stock that includes comb and length-of-pull adjustments
• Leupold Mark 4 6.5-20×50mm Extended Range/Tactical riflescope with advanced scalable ranging and targeting reticle; fielded with the AN/PVS-29 Clip-on Sniper Night Sight
• Quick attach/detach Advanced Armament Corp. suppressor to reduce audible and visible signature with an available thermal sleeve that reduces mirage effect on heated suppressors

The upgrade is said to have received high marks from skilled shooters involved in testing and evaluation.

“The XM2010 had pinpoint precision,” said SFC Robert Roof, NCOIC/Chief Instructor, United States Army Sniper School. “We were able to achieve shots well within the weapon’s capabilities both during limited visibility and during the day. The optics were clear and easy to use and the ergonomics of the weapon made it very comfortable to shoot.”

Remington won the contract following competitive trials and is well positioned to supply as many as 3,600 of these upgraded M24s with the first to be fielded in 2011.

Better M4 and a Brand-New Carbine?

While bravely defending against decades of criticism over reliability and durability of the 1.1 million M16/M4 weapon systems currently fielded, PMSW acknowledges the desirability of even more “product improvements.”

PEO Soldier is currently pursuing a “dual path” strategy; continuously improving the half million M4 Carbines in the field while simultaneously conducting a search for a replacement.

M4 Gets More

The first path is the three phase improvement plan for the M4, adding to more than 60 refinements since its introduction:

1. The Army will purchase 25,000 improved M4A1 Carbines with a heavier barrel for greater sustained rate of fire and fully automatic function in an ambidextrous fire control assembly (FCA). A solicitation will be issued for kits to convert up to 65,000 in-service M4s to A1 configuration.
2. Incorporate improvements in forward rail assemblies to increase accessory integration and more durable bolts and bolt carrier assemblies.
3. Evaluate commercially available operating systems against the performance of the M4’s current gas impingement system. It might even be an off-the-shelf piston kit.

Carbine Competition

At the same time that M4A1 upgrades are underway, Secretary of the Army has ordered a “full and open competition” for a possible replacement.

There’s a new requirements document and money is in hand to search for a new carbine that can outperform the current M16 and M4 series weapon systems.

It’s supposed to have improved features such as fully ambidextrous controls, semi- and full-automatic fire, and accurate and reliable firepower. In addition, integrated rails will accept accessories that currently attach to Mil-Std 1913 rails.

The new carbine will be capable of firing the family of U.S. Standard Type Classified rounds or nonstandard ammunition “with the same capabilities as the current 5.56mm family of ammunition.” We hope that’s actually supposed to read “better” capabilities.

Bye-bye Beretta?

Although combat use of handguns by conventional forces is said to be “statistically insignificant,” the intensely personal preferences of those who pack standard issue pistols is not kind to those designs handicapped by 9mm FMJ ammo, decidedly lacking in lethality.

And in the U.S. Army since 1989, that’s the Beretta M9, an eminently serviceable semiautomatic that has been unfairly maligned as unreliable due to stingy bureaucrats buying crappy magazines.

Credit Air Force Security for getting the latest handgun battle moving with the necessary validation from the Joint Requirements Oversight Council.

But it’s the Army taking the lead with what’s called the Modular Handgun System (MHS); a “non-caliber specific weapon” finished in a non-reflective neutral color with modular features to allow for adapting different fire control options, aiming aids on Mil-Std 1913 rails, alternate magazine choices, take a sound and flash suppressor and will fit various hand sizes.

Plenty of commercial firms have been working on all this for many, many years so there should be no lack of contenders. The timeline calls for trials and selection in FY11-12, completion of testing in FY13 and Type Classification expected in FY14.

Crew Served Weapons Future Initiatives

The American GI is a clever fellow and his natural admiration for the capabilities of vehicle mounted CROWS has led to urgent requests for a way to put these remote control rigs on top of guard towers.

The idea is to increase effectiveness by enabling them to conduct surveillance and engage threats from inside. That’s right – from up in the CROWS nest.

Armament, Research Development & Engineering Center (ARDEC) engineers are on it, working to retrofit an earlier CROWS variant into The Protector Lite Static Platform System.

Video and thermal surveillance cameras allow threat detection in all light and weather conditions and assist in accurate aiming of on-board M240B or M249 machine guns from elevated positions out to a range of 500-1,000 meters.

Ma Deuce on a Diet

The 90 year old “Ma Deuce” M2HB machine gun is getting a bit of modernization in the form of a Quick Change Barrel kit that speeds the process of swapping overheated barrels and eliminates the need for setting headspace and timing. And she’s getting a serious new rival.

The XM806 Lightweight .50 Caliber Machine Gun is intended to deliver heavy machine gun punch at about half the weight of the M2HB, making it particularly attractive to special operations, as well as airborne, airmobile, mountain, and light infantry forces.

Other important advantages claimed for the gun include 60 percent reduced recoil, improved reliability, manual safety, and a quick-change barrel with no adjustment needed for headspace and timing.

Development has reached the point where initial fielding is projected for sometime in 2011.

Grunt Gear and Guns from the “Big Green Machine”

Program Executive Office (PEO) Soldier was created by the Army (informally known as the “Big Green Machine” by soldiers and others) with one primary purpose: To develop the best equipment and field it as quickly as possible so that our Soldiers remain second to none in missions that span the full spectrum of military operations.

As recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan have vividly demonstrated, getting the right equipment to our military men and women is absolutely critical.

By viewing the Soldier as part of an integrated system, PEO Soldier ensures that the Soldier and everything he or she wears or carries works together as an integrated system.

The result is an overall systematic design that benefits Soldiers by enhancing their ability to accomplish individual and collective tasks, improving quality of life, building confidence, and saving lives.

By employing innovative concepts and technologies, PEO Soldier has made great strides in quickly getting improved equipment into the hands of Soldiers when and where they need it.

Headquartered at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, PEO Soldier designs, develops, procures, fields, and sustains virtually everything the Soldier wears or carries.

Projects and Products

This big and complex mission is somewhat simplified through the contributions of four distinct Project Managers under overall command of PEO Soldier. All of these PMs have specialized Product Managers, responsible for nearly 500 items ranging from the Advanced Bomb Suit to the XM806 Lightweight .50 cal. Machine Gun.

Project Manager Soldier Protection and Individual Equipment

PM SPIE develops and fields advanced Soldier protection products, comfortable uniforms to enhance mission effectiveness, and improved parachute systems. These products are designed to protect Soldiers and allow them to be effective in any operating environment.

Project Manager Soldier Sensors and Lasers

PM SSL provides Soldiers with improved lethality, mobility, and survivability in all weather and visibility conditions. Soldier-borne sensors and lasers enhance the Soldier’s ability to see in all battlefield and lighting conditions, to acquire objects of military significance before the Soldier is detected, and to target threat objects accurately for engagement by Soldiers or guided munitions. These systems provide critical, on-the-ground direct support to U.S. forces.

Project Manager Soldier Warrior

PM SWAR supports Soldiers through the acquisition of an integrated Soldier system. Current systems include Land Warrior, Ground Soldier, Mounted Soldier, and Air Warrior. Project Manager Soldier Warrior develops and integrates components into complete systems designed to increase combat effectiveness, decrease combat load, and improve mission flexibility.

Project Manager Soldier Weapons

“All the Services have agreed upon the following definition of Small Arms Systems: Man portable, individual and crew served weapons systems used principally against personnel and lightly armored targets. Included are both ballistic and non-ballistic systems and associated ordnance, munitions, aiming, powering, storage, training, specialized maintenance equipment, logistic support and other ancillary items.” (PM Soldier Weapons)

PMSW is the centralized manager for all activities related to the development, systems integration, test, evaluation, acquisition, production, configuration management, fielding, and all other Life-Cycle management requirements for Small Arms Systems including weapons, fire-control, optics and associated equipment, e.g., mounts, and the development of Small Arms ammunition, for the U.S. Army.

PMSW ensures that Soldiers on the battlefield have overmatch capabilities in individual and crew served weapons. Continuous improvement programs enhance both survivability and lethality.

Two product managers under PMSW drive the mission to provide Soldiers battlefield superiority:

* Product Manager Crew Served Weapons (PMCSW) is responsible for research and development of current and future light to heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, small arms ammunition, remote weapons stations, and related target acquisition/fire control products.

* Product Manager Individual Weapons (PMIW) is responsible for research and development of current and future rifles, carbines, pistols, shotguns, grenade launchers, small arms ammunition, and related target acquisition/fire control products.

PM SW’s Current Small Arms Lineup

Weapons:

9mm M9 Pistol
5.56mm M16A2 and A4 Rifles
5.56mm M4 Carbine
5.56mm M349 Squad Automatic Weapon
7.62mm M24 Sniper Weapon System
7.62mm M14 Enhanced Battle Rifle
7.62mm M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System
7.62mm M240B, H, L Medium Machine Guns
7.62mm Mk48 Mod0 Machine Gun
.300 Win Mag caliber XM24E1 (now XM2010) Enhanced Sniper Rifle
12 gauge M500 Shotgun
12 gauge M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System
.50 caliber M2 and M2E2 Heavy Machine Guns
.50 caliber M107 Long Range Sniper Rifle
.50 caliber XM806 Light .50 caliber Machine Gun
25mm XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System
40mm M203 and M203A2 Grenade Launchers
40mm M320 Grenade Launcher
40mm Mk19 Grenade Machine Gun
XM153 Common Remotely Operated Weapon System

Weapon Accessories:

Improved M16 Magazine
M68 Close Combat Optic
M150 Rifle Combat Optic
M145 Machine Gun Optic
M24 Mini Binoculars
M25 Stabilized Binoculars
Close Quarters Battle Kit
M2E2 Quick Change barrel Kit
M192 Light Weight Ground Mount for Machine Guns
XM205 Light Weight Tripod for Heavy Machine Guns
Close Combat Mission Capability Kit

Ammunition:

XM1037 5.56mm Short-Range Training Round
XM1022 .50 Caliber Sniper Cartridge
XM116 12-Gauge Extended Range Less-Than-Lethal Cartridge
XM1140 40mm Extended Range Less-Than-Lethal Cartridge
XM1110 40mm Day/Night TP Cartridge
XM1112 40mm Airburst Less-Than-Lethal Cartridge
40mm Close-In Anti-Personnel Cartridge
Micro Electro-Mechanical Safe and Arming Mechanisms
Lightweight Ammunition

Learn More

Program Executive Officer Soldier: www.peosoldier.army.mil
U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center: www.atc.army.mil

“Today’s soldiers are equipped with the best weapons that industry has to offer, resulting in decisive overmatch capability through increased lethality and range, as well as decreased weight.” PEO Soldier

Program Executive Officer Soldier was created by the Army in 2002 with the primary purpose of developing the best equipment and then fielding it as quickly as possible. Prominent among these are the best protective clothing, the best communications systems and the finest individual and crew served weaponry. Equipped and armed on the cutting edge of technology, the American fighter will remain second to none in missions that span the full spectrum of military operations.

PEO Soldier oversees several specialized Program Manager (PM) groups, most notably PM Soldier Warrior, PM Soldier Equipment, and PM Soldier Weapons, the focus of this report.

PM Soldier Weapons supports soldiers through the development, production and procurement of future and current weapons systems, ammunition and associated target acquisition/fire control products. Two Product Managers drive this mission – one each for Individual Weapons and Crew Served Weapons.

These offices have been turning out plenty of good stuff for the good guys and some notable items have recently been profiled in depth for SAR’s readers. Status reports on Knight’s Armament’s 7.62mm XM110 Semiautomatic Sniper System and C-More’s 12 gauge XM26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System have provided exciting previews of weapons planned for fielding in the near future.

Unfortunately, the good news about these and other combat multipliers doesn’t seem to be getting out to the American public and to others worldwide. So the Army decided it was time to call in some reporters and put on a show.

Nearly a dozen media representatives were treated to exciting live fire demonstrations of six systems, plus the opportunity to speak directly with program officials and then a chance to personally send some metal downrange.

Colonel Carl Lipsit, PM Soldier Weapons, introduced key officers of his staff, who provided introductory briefings on the role and capability of each weapon, setting the stage for the live fire portion of the event.

CROWS on the Fly

Instead of sticking your head out the top of a vehicle to shoot its heavy armament, why not sit comfortably inside and do the job with a video screen, joystick and all weather sensors? That’s just what the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) does for Hummvee gun trucks and other vehicles on patrol and in convoys.

Designed to mount on a variety of vehicle platforms, CROWS supports the 40mm MK19 and MK46 grenade chunkers as well as belt fed machine guns from 5.56mm to .50 caliber. Cradling and moving the weapon on a three-axis stabilized mount that also carries the ultra-sophisticated sensor suite, it allows on-the-move target detection and first burst hits at extreme range.

A daytime video camera, thermal imaging camera, laser rangefinder, and programmable ballistic computer combine to give gunners super powers in all weather conditions day and night.

Safety restrictions limited the CROWS demonstration at Aberdeen to short runs downrange and engagement on the move of marker panels on each side of the road. But this didn’t diminish the impressive sight and sound of the Hummvee’s .50 M2HB swinging around and locking down on its targets, punching thumb sized holes with burst after burst.

A “victory run” followed, with an unloaded and cleared weapon station spinning 360 degrees in each direction while elevating and dropping the muzzle with uncanny smoothness and stability. Little imagination is required to understand how this capability translates to fast and accurate fire as a speeding vehicle moves through an urban ambush or a rural firefight.

.50 Caliber Sniping

The .50 caliber M107 Semiautomatic Long Range Sniper Rifle has been in service for several years now, but its awesome launch signature with extreme reach and target penetration commanded a place on the stage at Aberdeen. Cover your ears tightly, open your mouth to equalize overpressure, and stand way back when Sergeant Nathaniel Cianno cuts loose with this shoulder cannon.

Independently developed by Barrett Rifles and quickly finding favor in various special operations units, it is now proudly serving throughout the US Army as an anti-materiel/counter sniper, precision engagement weapon.

The weapon’s standard issue variable power Leupold day scope was mounted on top for the demonstration, allowing highly accurate shooting out to 2,000 meters. Optional thermal or image intensifier night scopes give the sniper dominance over hundreds of meters of the battlefield in low light situations.

Semiautomatic operation allows fast follow-up shots when needed and detachable 10-round box magazines facilitate switching ammo types for efficient neutralization of different types of targets.

7.62mm Semiauto Sniping

It has taken the Army several years to get around to fielding a modern semiautomatic rifle that is chambered for the efficient .308 caliber/7.62mm NATO standard rifle and machine gun cartridge.

Responding to the tactical realities of multiple targets at long range that have arisen in Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, the first response was to pull Vietnam War era M14 rifles out of storage. Meanwhile, special operations units were having much better success with MK11 semiautomatic sniper rifles from Knight’s Armament.

PM Soldier Weapons got the message and sponsored further development of the MK11, resulting in the new M110 Semiautomatic Sniper System (SASS). Similar in configuration and operation to the M16 family of rifles, these fast-firing, hardy and highly accurate new 7.62mm rifles are used for anti-personnel and light anti-materiel applications out to 800 meters.

The apparent decision by Major Mark Meeker, Assistant Product Manager for Soldier Weapons, to demonstrate this weapon with its sausage-like sound and flash suppressor in place proved to be highly impressive. It reduced the perceived firing noise to levels easily tolerable without hearing protection when Sergeant First Class Reginald Freeman started firing. This quick mount standard accessory, we were told, helps to hide the sniper from enemy detection day and night.

Long runs of Mil-Std 1913 rails on top, sides and underneath allow attachment of various day and night scopes, laser aiming devices, and other accessories in any number of combinations. Detachable box magazines loaded with different types of cartridges may be instantly swapped to suit specialized targets.

Stubby Shotgun

Venerable 12 gauge pump action shotguns, unchanged in form and function for more than a century, are still in Army service for urban combat use by “breachers” who specialize in blowing locks off doors and clearing the rooms behind them. This will soon change, M26 Product Manager Thomas Vass told reporters, with fielding of the new M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System (MASS).

“Modular” means that it is equally at home clamped under an M4 carbine or rigged as a stand-alone weapon with a special buttstock. Its straight pull bolt contributes to high reliability under all conditions and allows fast manual cycling of the action after each shot. It handily feeds and fires any variety of 12 gauge cartridge, so it is well suited for use with less-lethal riot control loads. A detachable polymer box magazine means fast reloads and flexibility in ammo type.

Sergeant First Class William Kone showed how light and handy the new scattergun is by firing both underslung and stand alone versions of the M26.

A Better “Bloop Tube”

40mm grenade launchers, nicknamed “bloop tubes” for their distinctive noise on firing, were introduced in the Vietnam War and the Army’s current M203 dates back to the latter years of that conflict. Clamped underneath an M16 rifle or M4 carbine, this single shot weapon is slow to reload and unable to handle the newest long case munitions.

Many 203s are slated for replacement soon by another single shooter, but one with more efficient side loading, a double action trigger and integral day/night sighting system. This is the M320 Grenade Launcher Module, independently developed by the German firm of Heckler & Koch and further refined in a PM Soldier Weapons program.

The M320 will also ride nicely under M16s and M4s, but can also be configured as a stand-alone weapon with a skeletonized buttstock. The weapon’s integral electronic day/night sighting system, developed by Insight Technology, has a backup ladder sight and is located on the side of the launcher to avoid interference with the host weapon’s sights.

The Aberdeen demonstration was done only with the stand alone version, but Sergeant First Class James Edington proved to be quite proficient with this handy little rig.

Buzz SAW

The 5.56mm belt fed M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) has also been around for quite awhile, providing infantry squads with high volume firepower at close to medium range. This Belgian designed gun, now made in the US by FN Manufacturing, is relatively light and acceptably reliable when properly maintained.

Plenty of 249s are in the thick of fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan and many of the GIs who carry them have asked for some modifications to increase combat efficiency. A length of Mil-Std 1913 rail is now standard atop the SAW’s receiver, allowing attachment of a variety of day and night sights. This point was emphasized by designated gunner Staff Sergeant Eric Hines, who showed how the demonstration 249 could be quickly fitted with either a 4 power ACOG or a zero magnification M68 red dot sight.

He also pointed out that PM Soldier Weapons has fielded several new accessories including a short barrel, improved bipod, beefy M4 style telescoping buttstock, and a soft side 200 round magazine.

With the puzzling omission of the soft pouch, these weapon enhancements were readily apparent and appreciated during the live fire that followed. Hines, aided by an electronic red dot M68 Close Combat Optic (Aimpoint Comp M) clamped on top, hammered belt after belt downrange, ruthlessly knocking down sets of silhouettes at various ranges.

CROWS Technical Specifications

Weapons capability: 40mm to 5.56mm
Traverse: Continuous 360 degrees
Elevation: -20 to +60 degrees
Fire control: Three axis vector stabilization with auto tracker, auto lead and auto scan
Weight: 305 pounds w/o weapon and ammunition
Status: Operational now

M107 Technical Specifications

Caliber: .50 caliber BMG cartridge
Operation: Short recoil operated, semiautomatic
Weight: 35 pounds combat ready
Length: 57 inches
Status: Operational now

M110 Technical Specifications

Caliber: 7.62mm NATO (.308 caliber)
Operation: Direct gas operated, semiautomatic
Weight: 17.3 pounds combat ready
Length: 46.5 inches with suppressor in place
Status: Initial fielding has begun

M26 Technical Specifications

Caliber: 12 gauge
Operation: Manual straight pull, single shot
Weight: 3 pounds in underbarrel configuration
Length: 16.5 inches
Status: Ready for fielding

M320 Technical Specifications

Caliber: 40mm
Operation: Manual, single shot
Weight: 3.3 pounds stand alone
Length: 13.7 inches
Status: Ready for fielding

M249 Technical Specifications

Caliber: 5.56mm
Operation: Gas piston, full automatic
Weight: 22 pounds combat ready
Length: 31 inches with short barrel
Status: Operational now

“The purpose of an under barrel shotgun is to reduce transition time from your primary weapon to your under barrel shotgun and vice versa. That’s what it’s doing now and we’re refining it to make it an even better product. The fact that it can also be used as a stand-alone, two or so pounds lighter than a Mossberg or a Remington, more advantageous to the soldier than carrying (those) around. Also the fact that … the XM26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System …is more portable and enables the soldier to move through tighter areas than carrying (a standard pump shotgun) along with an M4.” Thomas Vass, XM26 Product Director, US Army Program Manager Small Arms

SAR has been following development of the XM26 MASS (Modular Accessory Shotgun System) for several years, dating back to when it was still called LSS (Lightweight Shotgun System) in military documentation.

The first working prototype was created early in 1999 by C-More Competition’s Ira Kay based on his proposal that had been submitted in response to an Advanced Concept and Technology (ACT II) Program solicitation issued by the US Army. It has remained essentially the same in form and function through the years as small quantities have been acquired by cutting-edge military organizations for purposes ranging from formal testing to urgent combat fielding.

Now, a bit shy of a decade later, Kay’s compact, light, magazine fed, manual straight-pull 12 gauge is slated to be the US Army’s first really new standard-issue shotgun in more than 100 years since John Moses Browning’s iconic pump-action Winchester Model 1897 entered the inventory during the Philippine Insurrection.

Key words here are “really new + standard- issue.” Yes, SAR knows that plenty of other pump shotguns, bearing familiar names like Savage, Stevens and Ithaca, have been in widespread Army issue with the most current notables being Remington 870s and Mossberg 500s. Not “really new” because they’re all based on Browning’s slide action.

Various scatterguns in semi and even full auto have been acquired by the Army for testing and sometimes limited issue during the 20th century. The selective-fire HK/Olin Close Assault Weapon System and its radical flechette ammo almost made it to the finish line back in the 1980s. More recently, the semiauto HK/Benelli M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun, developed by the Marine Corps with the goal of standardization throughout Department of Defense, is in Army use only with 75th Ranger Regiment.

But, if things stay on track for type classification and full rate production, Remingtons and Mossbergs will give way to the M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System beginning in 2008. Readily convertible at individual soldier level as under barrel or stand alone weapons for a full range of shotgun applications, the basis for issue is currently set at two per squad, for a total currently set at 22,000 guns.

So, what’s the gun like now in its pre-production configuration?

SAR asked for it and the Army delivered big time.

Public Affairs Officer Debi Dawson of Program Executive Officer Soldier has laid on an extraordinary opportunity for our readers to be the first outsiders to get a close look at the latest version of a weapon that is on track to be the Army’s first really new standard issue shotgun in over a century.

It’s a frosty but sunny winter morning at the historic home of the Ordnance Corps, where the energetic and personable Ms. Dawson has more than a dozen military and contractor personnel standing by, including the weapon’s stalwart inventor and the director of the Army’s program to perfect and field it.

That is pretty impressive VIP treatment for such a relatively small magazine and definitely not taken for granted.

It might be because SAR is closely tuned to the “muddy boots military;” the grunts doing the tough, dangerous and grinding combat missions 24-7 in the Global War on Terror. Infantry weapons are our specialty and we take pride in recognizing the good people who are responsible for developing and fielding the world’s best and most effective battlefield hardware.

Behind The Fence

So one lone reporter, personally escorted by Dan Terek, Aberdeen Test Center’s (ATC) earnest young Test Director, joined a convoy of government vehicles cleared to pass through a high-security gatehouse and venture into the secret land “Behind The Fence.” This deceptively bland phrase describes miles of forbidding, barbed-wire topped barrier separating main post from ATC’s vast domain of ranges, impact areas and hushhush facilities.

The trip to Soldier Systems Test Facility Outdoor Range covers several miles, revealing an amazing variety of activities that, of course, Terek is not at liberty to comment on. But we’re allowed to look and over on a manmade mountain they’re doing rough terrain testing of an unusual armored gun platform. Then, there appear to be preparations for some live fire engineering measurements of a large caliber gun system not recognized from current inventory. And who knows what’s going on inside the many cavernous buildings set in neat rows or others conspicuously apart and surrounded by multiple rolls of razor tape…

Range Control

Arriving at our destination, we climbed stairs to the second floor of what appears to be a new blockhouse, efficiently configured as Range Control. Enormous windows of thick double glass provide the Rangemaster and visitors a commanding view of a wide and seemingly limitless distance for extreme small arms shooting. The spacious and blessedly warm observation area easily accommodates this relatively large group with plenty of room to spare.

Tables and comfortable chairs, used in numerous on-site meetings of program and contractor personnel during year-round testingoperations, complete the arrangements for a near perfect venue to conduct the planned demonstration and related activities.

As the range would not be cleared to go hot for about an hour or so, the first order of business was to get some detailed photos of the weapon itself, normally a no-sweat task. However, security requirements prohibit visitors from bringing their own cameras so Susan Hagen, APG’s friendly and efficient Public Affairs Specialist, arranged for an official staff photographer.

Luckily for SAR, Jim Aguiar drew the assignment. This former Navy lensman proved to be interested, enthusiastic, proficient, and proactive, quickly picking up on what needed to be done despite this correspondent’s very poor attempts at direction.

How It Works

Army Sergeant First Class Donald Moore, NCOIC (Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge) of ATC’s Small Arms Systems Division, was the day’s designated XM26 shooter. He graciously agreed to assist with the routine photos as well by assuming the role of an instructor, teaching us the basics of the weapon’s mechanical characteristics and operation. By mutual agreement this was conducted inside, much to the relief of those participants who had neglected to wear long johns.

About this time we were joined by Ira Kay, the weapon’s outspoken, iconoclastic inventor and head of C-More Competition/C-More Systems. As Moore went through field stripping, Kay provided essential details on the design of various components in a rapid-fire delivery that commanded close attention. A case in point is the rotating elevation adjustment assembly on the shotgun’s forward mounting bracket, allowing precise zero to the host weapon’s sights.

As may be seen in the accompanying photos, this collaboration worked very well with Aguiar snapping away as Moore went step by step through field stripping, reassembly, then safe handling and firing preparations. Kay’s insights cued the all-important closeups that provide SAR’s technically minded readers with engineering details that words inadequately convey.

Ballistic Breaching

But there was precious little time for photographic niceties. With the range scheduled to go hot in just a few minutes we were invited outside to the concrete surfaced firing line where an elaborate doorway mockup had been positioned. There we met Nathan Beavers, one of ATC’s contract “shooters,” who was formidably armed with the stand-alone version of the XM26 and soon to be clad in ballistic protective gear from head to toe.

Beavers showed us how he was going to extend the cage-like standoff muzzle device and insert the barrel of the stubby, stocked shotgun through saucer sized holes in clear Plexiglas (protects against splash back of lead and debris) to blow the door’s locks and hinges. Safety rules required all others – photographer included – to be inside, so we were shepherded upstairs to view this dramatic demonstration through the observation room’s picture windows.

Special M1030 Breaching Rounds weren’t needed. The door fell on cue after single rounds of OO Buckshot were unleashed in each of the designated spots. We dutifully filed outside once again for a close look at the damage that nine pellets per cartridge at point blank range are capable of inflicting on wood and steel.

By this time in late morning the sun was flooding the firing line with thin but welcome warmth and the cutting wind had died down. Who could ask for more in February?

25 Meter Demo

We all gathered around on the hardstand at a safe distance as SFC Moore prepared an M4A1 Carbine with under barrel XM26 for the second demonstration. This, he explained, would be multiple rapid shots from standing position at a pair of standard E type silhouettes, a representation in size and shape of an adult male torso and head. As with the breaching demo, ammunition would be standard OO Buckshot, 2-3/4 inch loads, followed by a few finned non-lethal rounds.

The targets were placed 25 meters downrange on servo-motored carriers that automatically react to hits by sensing vibration and dropping the target backward. Depending on the scenario programmed into the Rangemaster’s control console, these will stay down until the exercise is completed, or quickly return the target to standing for multiple engagements in variable sequences. Such immediate feedback is very satisfying to competent shooters and a computer counts hits and misses for accurate scorekeeping.

XM26 accuracy test standards for this load at this distance call for a minimum of two of the nine pellets from each round to hit the target when “shoulder fired, using a bench rest….” Moore was shooting offhand but neither of the pair stood a chance against his rapid but methodical marksmanship.

After the last of several five-round magazines had been emptied and the weapon was confirmed clear, a few of us slopped downrange through the mud from recently melted snow. We were gratified to note multiple perforations, comfortably totaling in excess of the two per shot standard. Good shooting!

Hands-On Reporting

Philosophers caution us to “be careful of what we wish for because it might come true.” Well, this correspondent’s insistence on having the opportunity to shoot the XM26 had been officially blessed and now it was showtime – in front of the whole crowd.

The stand-alone version was selected, based on reasoning that its tubular buttstock and pistol grip make it closer in configuration and handling characteristics to semi-familiar riot guns of recent experience. Its MIL-STD 1913 accessory top rail sported a prominent front sight post to go with the large rear sight, cleverly consisting of a white dot inset on each wing of the rear attachment collar, somewhat more user-friendly than much smaller ones on the M4 carbine/shotgun combo.

Having paid some attention during the photo-session “lesson” and then observing several iterations of Moore’s loading and aiming drills, these essential make-ready functions had smoothed the way to a semblance of preparedness.

First, poke a finger into the action lock plunger under the receiver so the charging handle can be pulled rearward and the crossbolt safety engaged. SAFE comes with thumb pressure pushing through left to right so that the red ring is hidden. Next, insert the magazine AK style by locking in the forward lip and rocking the mag back and up until it snaps securely in place. Then, firmly push the charging handle forward to chamber a round and lock the action. The shotgun’s beefy mag serves perfectly as a foregrip with finger grooves molded in, and is properly spaced from the rear pistol grip for comfort and control.

Settling into a semi-crouch the index finger easily finds and pushes the safety through to FIRE (red warning ring now visible) and a passably good sight picture was attained on the left of the two silhouettes. Uh oh, it looked oddly smaller from an across the top of the weapon perspective. No fault of the sights, just the stressed shooter.

Breathe, sight, squeeze, boom, ouch! A sweatshirt and thin photo vest are no substitute for a flak vest or padded shooting jacket. Also, lacking the 7.5 pounds of recoil-absorbing mass that comes with an attached M4 carbine, the stubby little four pound standalone kicks like a mule. Yes, even with the relatively wimpy 2-3/4 inch Buck loads. Slugs? 3-inch Magnums? Uh, no thanks.

Fortunately, the first silhouette dropped immediately, drawing attention away from the grimacing shooter. Tighten up and drive on.

Resisting the natural tendency to grasp the charging handle to cycle the action, it’s time to try the demonstrated technique calling for knocking it back with the top edge of a flat palm and a fast flip of the wrist. This works as advertised, allowing immediate repositioning of the forward hand in grasping the magazine.

OK, we settle in again, this time on the right side target. Pulling the gun tighter into the shoulder proved useful, of course, and the second shot did less damage to the shoulder while managing to drop the target. Or maybe the Rangemaster did it manually from the control console….

Thankful that the weapon’s five round magazine had been loaded one short, there remained only two shots to endure. Get it over with quickly. Let’s see how fast two shots can be fired and hope that nine pellets per round will spread out enough over 25 meters to get a hit.

First target down, a flat palm bolt cycle done with clumsy inexperience, and a hasty final shot. As the smoke wafts away the second one is arrogantly standing there, testifying mutely but eloquently to the consequences of faulty aiming and trigger-jerk flinching.

Everyone was polite enough to pretend not to notice and, as most of the participants gathered at the splintered door frame for the obligatory group shot, there was time for a bit of reflection on some of the morning’s lessons:

• Any new weapon requires a lot of practice to attain proficiency.
• Shotguns are not magic blasters. Principles of marksmanship must be employed.
• Mass dampens recoil. Light weapons deliver more kick. Body armor negates the problem, but the planned addition of a highly effective new recoil buffer is welcome.
• Ira Kay’s invention will be a handy new addition to the US Army’s arsenal, particularly appreciated by breachers when attached as intended to their M16/M4 family of weapons.

New and Improved

The weapons shown and shot at the ATC press preview are close to, but not quite, what will be standardized/type classified and go into full rate production. Both Kay and Thomas Vass, the Army’s XM26 Product Manager, were careful to note a number of planned improvements based on soldier input and formal testing.

Seems this correspondent has a bit of company in being recoil-averse to the stand alone configuration, which, Vass said, garnered negative comment from one GI in formal review following testing. This was apparently enough and Kay told us that he has contracted with Enidine to include a version of their new ShotShock buffer in a redesigned telescoping buttstock that will also be fitted with a soft recoil pad.

Kay explained that, while liking the quick and easily manipulated crossbolt safety, some soldiers were inadvertently jamming the mechanism by putting the weapon on SAFE when uncocked, then retracting the bolt. Now, same as the M16/M4, the safety can only be engaged when the shotgun is cocked.

Similarly, the somewhat clunky add-on iron sights for the stand alone gun will be replaced with clever pop-ups positioned on the MIL-STD 1913 rail. Folded down and stowed out of the way when attached to a host weapon, they will be immediately available for use when reconfiguring for stand alone applications.

Vass told us that environmental testing – particularly in simulations of arctic cold and desert heat – revealed some problems with the polymer components. Production shotguns will feature tougher and more temperature- stable magazines, pistol grips and other nonmetallic parts.

So, the Army says to all you breachers, CQB specialists, sentries, MPs, and other practitioners of pump shotgunning – hang on a little while longer. A smaller, lighter, simpler, faster firing, faster reloading, more versatile tool is on the way.

Find Out More

C-More Competition and C-More Systems are best known for competition gun sights – www.cmore.com

Program Executive Soldier oversees an extraordinary range of weapons, ammunition and equipment in support of America’s Armed Forces. Visit their website at www.peosoldier.army.mil with a link to Program Manager Small Arms, directly responsible for the XM26 MASS and other exciting weaponry.