Klein kaliber vuurwapens

[Sparkplug]

Check. Maar 20 patronen lijken me ook daarvoor erg weinig.

Kaliber 6,8 x 51 mm maakt gebruik van hetzelfde magazijn als kaliber 7,62 x 51 mm. De lower (deel met de kolf en de pistoolgreep) is ook hetzelfde.

De grootte van de patroon met deze kalibers maakt het niet echt praktisch voor doosmagazijnen met een grotere capaciteit.

[Huzaar1]

Heb het over het XM5 geweer en niet over de bandgevoede XM250 LMG.

Check. Maar 20 patronen lijken me ook daarvoor erg weinig.

[Sparkplug]

Dit gaat om een groepswapen. Die gaat echt geen magazijn van 20 patronen krijgen.

Heb het over het XM5 geweer en niet over de bandgevoede XM250 LMG.

[Huzaar1]

Dit zijn denk ik de meest conservatieve ontwerpen, maar sluit wel het beste aan op de bestaande types.

Met kaliber 6,8 x 51 mm is het wel een terugkeer naar het 20-schots magazijn.

Dit gaat om een groepswapen. Die gaat echt geen magazijn van 20 patronen krijgen.

[Sparkplug]

SIG Sauer Wins US Army Next Generation Squad Weapon Contract

.../...

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2022/04/19/sig-sauer-wins-ngsw/

.../...

Dit zijn denk ik de meest conservatieve ontwerpen, maar sluit wel het beste aan op de bestaande types.

Met kaliber 6,8 x 51 mm is het wel een terugkeer naar het 20-schots magazijn.

[pz]

SIG Sauer Wins US Army Next Generation Squad Weapon Contract

We, here at TFB, have been closely following the US Army's Next Generation Squad Weapon program since it began back in 2018. Today, it has been announced that SIG Sauer have won the contract to provide both the NGSW-Rifle and NGSW-Automatic Rifle. An initial delivery order contract worth $20.4 million has been awarded. SIG's MCX 6.8 Spear will be designated the XM5 Rifle and the LMG-6.8 belt-fed will be designated the XM250 – designations directly following on from the M4/M4A1 Carbine and M249 SAW which the new weapons will replace. SIG's selection means that the US Army's new 6.8mm round will be based on a hybrid metallic case, not the polymer-based design developed by True Velocity.

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2022/04/19/sig-sauer-wins-ngsw/

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Army announced today the award of a 10-year firm-fixed-price follow-on production contract to Sig Sauer for the manufacture and delivery of two Next Generation Squad Weapon variations (the XM5 Rifle and the XM250 Automatic Rifle) and the 6.8 Common Cartridge Family of Ammunition.

This award was made following a rigorous 27-month prototyping and evaluation effort that included numerous technical tests and Soldier touch points of three competing prototype systems. The value of the initial delivery order on the contract is $20.4 million for weapons and ammunition that will undergo testing. The contract includes accessories, spares and contractor support. It also provides the other Department of Defense services and, potentially, Foreign Military Sales countries the opportunity to purchase the NGSW weapons.

The XM5 Rifle will replace the M4/M4A1 carbine within the close combat force, and the XM250 Automatic Rifle is the planned replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon Both weapons provide significant capability improvements in accuracy, range and overall lethality. They are lightweight, fire more lethal ammunition, mitigate recoil, provide improved barrel performance, and include integrated muzzle sound and flash reduction.

Both weapons fire common 6.8 millimeter ammunition utilizing government provided projectiles and vendor-designed cartridges. The new ammunition includes multiple types of tactical and training rounds that increase accuracy and are more lethal against emerging threats than both the 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunition.

The XM5 and XM250 will be paired with the XM157 Fire Control, a ruggedized advanced fire control system that increases accuracy and lethality for the close combat force. The XM157 integrates a number of advanced technologies, including a variable magnification optic (1X8), backup etched reticle, laser rangefinder, ballistic calculator, atmospheric sensor suite, compass, Intra-Soldier Wireless, visible and infrared aiming lasers, and a digital display overlay. It is produced by Sheltered Wings Inc. d/b/a Vortex Optics, Barneveld, Wisconsin.

[Sparkplug]

US Army seeks 6.8 mm conversion kits for the M240 (Zweden had ooit de 6,5 x 55 mm kaliber versie)

22 MARCH 2022

by Amael Kotlarski

The US Army is seeking industry feedback on 6.8 mm calibre conversion kits for its M240B and M240L general purpose machine guns, according to a 15 March market survey.

Conversion kits should include a new barrel assembly and possibly other mechanical changes to the weapon including the gas regulator and drive spring to ensure reliable function with the new calibre, according to the notice. Barrel lengths can be provided as either the standard length M240B barrel (550 mm), or the shorter M240L profile (450 mm).

Industry has until the end of the month to respond to the army and is asked to provide information about the lead times to produce and deliver up to 10 kits and a maximum of 15,000 rounds of ammunition for evaluation.

"It is preferable that all items be available within two to three months of request," the army wrote but noted that this is not a request for proposal.

The M240 series are licence-produced versions of the Belgiandesigned FN MAG 58 general purpose machine guns, chambered for the 7.62×51 mm NATO cartridge. The weapon was introduced in the late 1970s as a co-axial machine gun and gradually replaced the M60 in US military service. The M240B is the army's infantry variant of the weapon, with the M240L being an improved and lightened version of the B model.

Already a Janes subscriber? Read the full article via the Client Login

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/us-army-seeks-68-mm-conversion-kits-for-the-m240

[Harald]

Was deze al bekend ?

Speciale eenheden krijgen een nieuw wapensysteem: een 40mm-meerschots-granaatwerper. Met hogere trefkans levert dit nieuwe systeem ook minder gevaar voor omstanders.
#TechTuesday #InnovatieBijDefensie
https://defensie.nl/onderwerpen/innovatie/lees-over-innovatieprojecten/40mm-meerschots-granaatwerper

https://twitter.com/Defensie/status/1447861602863157254?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1447861602863157254%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

[pz]

Russian reconnaissance units receive upgraded ASM Val silent assault rifles

https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_december_2021_global_security_army_industry/russian_reconnaissance_units_receive_upgraded_asm_val_silent_assault_rifles.html

Reconnaissance units of the Russian Central Military District deployed in the Samara region for the first time received upgraded silent firearms, the district said: "The scouts and snipers of the 2nd combined arms army received over 40 silent Val assault rifles and Vintorez VSSM sniper rifles".



The ASM Val (Special Automatic; code name "Shaft", GRAU designation: 6P30) is a Soviet-designed assault rifle featuring an integrated sound suppressor. The Val was developed alongside the VSS Vintorez to replace modified general-purpose firearms, such as the AKS-74UB, BS-1, APB, and PB, for clandestine operations. Development of the Val began in 1985 following the VSS Vintorez in 1983 by TsNIITochMash based on the prototype RG-036 completed in 1981. Manufacturing began at the Tula Arms Plant after its adoption by the Soviet Army and KGB in 1987.

The Val is integrally suppressed and chambered in 9×39mm, a subsonic cartridge, in order to reduce its report and was designed alongside the VSS Vintorez, a similar rifle designed for precision shooting. Four rows of nine holes are drilled in the barrel near which follows the rifling and allows gas to escape the barrel behind the projectile into the suppressor. The suppressor effectively hides muzzle flash and reduces the muzzle report of the firearm to 130 dB. There are no design features that reduce the noise of the action.

Manipulation of the Val is similar to many other AK-type rifles: charging handle on the right side, tangent rear sight, magazine release button behind the magazine well, and safety lever above the trigger guard. The fire selector is, however, located behind the trigger within the trigger guard. The rifle also has an "AK-type" Warsaw Pact rail for various optical sights, namely the PSO-1-1, PSO-1M2-1, and 1-PN-51 calibrated for use with the 9×39mm cartridge. The 9x39mm, or more specifically, the 9x39mm SP-6 cartridge, is a centerfire rifle-caliber 7.62x39mm case with a special "widened" neck designed to accept a 9mm bullet (9x19mm Parabellum) which is common in many semi-automatic pistols and submachine guns. This modified Soviet/Russian cartridge has continued to find growing use throughout other specialized weapon families of the Russian military since its inception in 1987. The standard open sights are graduated from 100 to 400 m in 25 m increments.

The action is also similar to that of AK-type rifles with a similar long-stroke gas system with the piston located above the barrel. The Val design characteristically uses a rotating bolt with six locking lugs and a milled steel receiver. It accepts the same standard 10 or 20-round double-stack detachable box magazines as the Vintorez, as well as the 30-round magazine of the SR-3M. Many of its components are shared with the Vintorez with the main discrepancy being the tubular metal buttstock which folds to the left. The firearm is functional with the stock folded, although the mounting of an optic will not allow the buttstock to close completely. The handguard, pistol grip, and magazines are made of a synthetic polymer.

For transportation, the Val can be quickly disassembled to fit into a special case, much like the Vintorez.

[Sparkplug]

Ouder artikel maar nmm de moeite waard.

The Case for a New Military Caliber

.../...

Whatever is finally selected, let's hope it finally give infantry soldiers what they need, at least until a phased plasma weapon in the 40-watt range is available.

Wavellroom

Phased Plasma FTW 

[A.J.]

Ouder artikel maar nmm de moeite waard.

The Case for a New Military Caliber

The case for a new military caliber is a popular but controversial topic that arouses interest and emotion out of all proportion to the importance of small arms within the Army's overall portfolio of weapons.

But, as the US Army begins to formulate a requirement for its Next Generation Small Arms (NGSA) Program and re-adopts 7.62 mm weapons more widely as an interim measure, it may be relevant to revisit this topic, not least because the UK may decide to adopt whatever new system America chooses.

Perhaps the best place to start any discussion about a new military capability is with the requirement. The focus here is platoon and section-level small arms and the key performance criteria are range and target effect. Prior to the UK adoption of 5.56 mm, British Army small arms doctrine required riflemen to engage targets individually to a range of 300 metres; sections firing collectively to 600 metres; and light machine guns to 800 metres. Target effect or lethality was defined by the ability to penetrate a steel helmet at the above ranges. Between 1888 and 1986, these requirements were comfortably exceeded by Britain's .303 No.4 Rifle and Bren Light Machine Gun; and later, by the L1A1 Self-Loading Rifle and L7A2 General-Purpose Machine Gun, when 7.62×51 mm ammunition became the first NATO standard caliber.

In 1963, only a few years after 7.62 mm NATO was adopted, the US Army fielded a new rifle, the Armalite M-16, that fired a radically smaller ammunition type: 5.56×45 mm. The decision to adopt it was driven by a belief that 7.62 mm was much more powerful than really necessary. Inspired by two small arms studies, the Hall and Hitchman reports, published in 1952, the Small Caliber High Velocity (SCHV) concept was based on two assumptions: first, that 90{4dab693c107f7b6d4058a0febcf4eed43717abc6a37e80004208d6080fd302b5} of all infantry small arms engagements took place at ranges of less than 300 metres; second, that a smaller caliber projectile in a lighter cartridge case would allow a soldier to carry more ammunition for a given weight. The benefit of more rounds carried was the ability to deliver more rounds on target increasing the probability of a hit.

Besides ammunition weight reduction, the other benefits of a smaller caliber were reduced recoil and reduced weapon weight. These made a rifle easier to control helping soldiers to shoot more accurately. Compared to 7.62 mm, a 5.56 mm cartridge weighs half as much, 12 grams instead of 24 grams. Bullet weight is 4 grams for 5.56 mm versus 9.5 grams for 7.62 mm. Recoil energy for 5.56 mm ammunition is 4.7 Joules, whereas with 7.62 mm it is a whopping 16.8 Joules.

The potential downside of a small bullet is insufficient lethality. However, ballistic research shows that projectile velocity and energy are important determinants of terminal effectiveness. Even very small artillery fragments can kill when they hit a vulnerable part of the body at high enough velocities. Moreover, SCHV projectiles are designed to yaw or upset in soft tissue, which means that the bullet tumbles forward upon penetration to inflict a more serious wound than a bullet that travels straight through. The proponents of small calibers further emphasised that, regardless of caliber, shot placement is the key factor that ensures target effect. This depends on training as much as the weapon or ammunition.

Despite early teething problems, overall feedback from usage in Vietnam suggested that the US Army's new M193 5.56 mm cartridge was a promising development. Although the small bullet did not always behave consistently and could be deflected by thick foliage, the SCHV concept proved popular with US troops because of the weight savings it provided. Over a ten-year period, weapons and ammunition were refined to unlock further potential. In 1979, NATO held a second caliber competition to select a SCHV round. The winning Belgian 5.56 mm SS109 / M855 design was able to penetrate a NATO steel helmet at 500 metres. It was also optimised for use in light machine guns. Notwithstanding the improved performance on offer, it was still necessary to retain 7.62 mm for long-range machine guns, sniper applications and company-level weapons.

Apart from a few brief skirmishes, the new 5.56 mm NATO caliber was not widely used in combat until 2002. However, soon after US troops began to deploy in force to Iraq, reports began to surface of inconsistent lethality, plus range and accuracy problems. An investigation showed that the primary cause was the US Army's adoption of the M-4 carbine. This had a 14.5" barrel instead of the longer 20" length of the previous M-16 rifle. The shorter barrel reduced the velocity and striking energy of the bullet.

In Afghanistan, units frequently found themselves overmatched by Taliban insurgents using full-power 7.62×54 mm Russian and 7.62×51 mm NATO weapons and ammunition. Typically, the enemy would open fire at ranges above 600 metres. While such fire lacked precision, it was used to canalise troops into IED kill zones. Any squad equipped with only 5.56 mm weapons would not be able to return effective fire. In some instances, 5.56 mm was not effective beyond 200 metres. In particular, troops equipped with the FN 5.56 mm Minimi Para LMG, which also had a short barrel, found it to be inadequate.

Such problems led to the widespread re-adoption of 7.62 mm machine guns and the acquisition of 7.62 mm designated marksman or sharpshooter rifles.  The USA, UK, Germany and other NATO Alliance members also decided to develop improved 5.56 mm loadings. With increased range and lethality, 5.56 mm is now considered to be effective to 400 metres, or 300 metres from short barrel weapons.

In 2009, UK analysis of combat engagements in Afghanistan showed that more than 50{4dab693c107f7b6d4058a0febcf4eed43717abc6a37e80004208d6080fd302b5} took place at ranges above 300 metres. Although a great many occurred at less than 75 metres, the need to engage enemies beyond 500-600 metres seemed to question the earlier findings of Hall and Hitchman. Those who advocated the adoption of a smaller caliber also failed to consider the importance of suppression. With a reduced signature and striking effect, 5.56 mm simply did not suppress as well as larger calibers, especially at longer ranges.

Another factor that feeds the discussion is that optical gun sights are now fitted almost universally to infantry weapons. Shooting accurately beyond 500 metres has become less difficult than it used to be. UK soldiers in Afghanistan equipped the 7.62 mm L129A1 Sharpshooter rifle found that they could routinely hit targets at 800 metres. As optical sights gain fire control systems with integral laser range finders and ballistic computers, the ability to neutralise targets at longer ranges will improve.

After more than a decade of continued combat use in Iraq and Afghanistan, the small arms inventories of most NATO armies are now worn-out and need replacing. The key question is what is the future requirement, and whether it encompasses the need for infantry squads to engage targets at 600 metres and beyond? With the future operating environment characterised by urban, littoral and other complex terrains, perhaps 300 metres is sufficient?

Germany, France, Australia, and New Zealand have already begun the process of adopting new small arms. Most nations are adopting a mix of 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm weapons with the smaller caliber used in rifles for short-range work and the larger caliber used in machine guns and sharpshooter rifles for long-range work. However, another important consideration is the need to reduce the infantry soldier's combat load. While 7.62 mm weapons overcome range issues, re-adopting 7.62 mm weapons has increased the weight of ammunition that needs to be carried. It also imposes a greater logistical burden. For these reasons, the USA is going down a different path. It is evaluating alternate calibers to see whether a single intermediate cartridge, between 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm, can replace both at platoon and section-level.

Over the years, many armies have conducted caliber studies. Almost all have concluded that the ideal military caliber to deliver 600-800 metre performance lies between 6 mm and 7 mm. Some countries have gone a stage further and developed intermediate caliber prototype ammunition including the following:

-.276 (6.8 mm) Pedersen (USA)
-6.5 mm Arisaka (Japan)
-6.5 mm Carcano (Italy)
-.270 (6.8 mm) Enfield (UK)
-.280 (7 mm) Enfield (UK)
-6.25 mm Enfield (UK)
-6 mm SAW (USA)
-6.5 mm Grendel (USA)
-6.5 mm HVAP (USA)

Modern intermediate caliber options deliver increased range in a smaller package by having bullets that are more aerodynamically efficient. Such projectiles lose energy less quickly than legacy ammunition types. Whatever is adopted, the challenge is to increase range and target effect without substantially increasing ammunition size, weight and recoil.

If a new caliber is too close to 7.62 mm in size, shape and performance, it may be simpler to stick with 7.62 mm. If, on the other hand, it is not significantly more capable than existing 5.56 mm ammunition, then it will not be able to substitute 7.62 mm as well.

As the debate continues, a new requirement has emerged. This is the need to defeat advanced Level IV ceramic body armours. It may well drive NATO armies to re-adopt 7.62 mm or to acquire a new caliber that is more powerful than 5.56 mm. Tungsten bullets could solve the problem, but are expensive.

As cased-telescoped cartridge technology matures and steel, polymer and other lightweight versions of legacy brass cases emerge, a larger caliber cartridge could be made to weigh only marginally more than an existing 5.56 mm brass cartridge.

To validate the many assumptions about intermediate cartridges, the US Army and US SOCOM are evaluating several 6.5 mm cartridges. It would certainly be worth the UK developing alternate caliber prototypes if only to build a robust fact-base that informs future choices. Whatever is finally selected, let's hope it finally give infantry soldiers what they need, at least until a phased plasma weapon in the 40-watt range is available.

Wavellroom

[Sparkplug]

The Norwegian Armed Forces trust the FN MINIMI® Light Machine Gun again

FN Herstal, the world's leading designer and manufacturer of small calibre weapons and weapon systems, has recently been awarded by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence a multi-year contract for, firstly, the production and provision of up to 4,000 FN MINIMI® Mk3 (3rd generation) light machine guns in 7.62x51mm NATO calibre and associated initial spare parts over a 7-year period, and secondly, maintenance and support equipment over a 20-year period.

This decision concludes a program that was initiated by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence more than two years ago and included a series of technical evaluations and commercial negotiations in which FN Herstal competed against three American suppliers. Norway thus becomes the 37th country to select and standardise the FN MINIMI® 7.62 for its armed forces.

The Norwegian decision is yet more proof of the trust placed in FN Herstal by the Norwegian Ministry of Defence which, already in 2010, awarded a first sizeable contract for the supply of first-generation FN MINIMI® light machine guns, at that time in 5.56x45mm NATO calibre. It also marks a new major success for FN Herstal on several levels. Not only due to its size, but also because it confirms FN Herstal's leadership as the partner of choice for European and NATO armed forces.

More information on FN MINIMI® light machine guns can be found on www.fnherstal.com.

Issued on September 3, 2021



https://www.fnherstal.com/en/news/norwegian-armed-forces-fn-minimi-light-machine-gun-contract

[Sparkplug]

Een twitterdraadje van Nicholas Drummond over het NGSW programma. Bestaat uit 20 delen.

https://twitter.com/nicholadrummond/status/1407350792617611264

[pz]

KCT stapt binnenkort over op de SIG Sauer MCX, net als de rest van de speciale eenheden

Reclamefilm MCX Sig Sauer

https://www.sigsauer.com/sig-mcx-virtus-patrol.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn3ivGLsN3w&t=166s&ab_channel=SIGSAUER%2CInc

[delarey]

Nee, over 10-15 jaar zijn er genoeg nieuwe platformen op de markt, wie zegt dat het KCT dan nog met de HK416 loopt?

KCT stapt binnenkort over op de SIG Sauer MCX, net als de rest van de speciale eenheden