Corps to get new squad weapon?

[dukesix]

Corps Seeks SAW Replacement:

Well...I suppose this was inevitable. I'm sure some of you 'have already seen' or 'already know' about this...but I thought I would post it nonetheless.
-Dukesix-

Corps seeks to replace SAW.


I've been working on this for a few weeks and haven't been able to eke out enough gouge from the other participants for a fuller story, but I figured I'd share with you what I know before it dies on the vine.

An industry source told me that the Marine Corps is close to deciding who will replace its M249 Squad Automatic Weapon with a new gun so-far called the "Infantry Automatic Rifle." Basically, the Corps wants something that looks more like a standard assault rifle, fires from an open breech (and closed breech) in both full and semi-auto modes and "shall demonstrate improved portability, reliability, and maneuverability through constricted terrain and conditions over the current M249 SAW," SysCom told me.

The Corps plans to purchase 4,476 IARs and I'm told the decision on who wins the competition will be coming very soon. The industry source told me that about six companies entered the competition, including Land Warfare Resources Corp., Colt, H&K, FN-USA and a team of General Dynamics and the Singapore company called Ultimax.

Future Weapons has a good video on the LWRC version of the IAR and I'm told the FN-USA version is a play on the SCAR that fires in both open and closed bolt configuration.


The one thing I'm a bit concerned about is the amount of rounds in the mag -- 30 rounds is going to go awfully quick in a suppression or cover fire situation. I'm sure there's a drum being developed for each, but then it's going to be obvious who the automatic rifleman is.

But as long as it's lighter and more portable than the SAW, I guess I can see why they want to make the switch. If anyone has any insight on this competition, please chime in.

-Christian-

Military.com

[Woody]

British Forces ditched its beltfed automatic weapons from section level when it converted to 5.56mm .Even when it fixed sa80 .The light support weapon LSW ( aka the crow cannon or the long silly weapon) was and is loathed .It is very accurate but 30rd magazines are no good in surpressing the enemy .Didn't work in ww2 with the bren gun .When gulf war 2 broke up we brought minimi .Para version short barrell folding stock very popular weapon.
I wonder how long before cries for belt fed weapons at squad level begin ?

[dukesix]

Good observation Tim. Some of us still pine for the Stoner...as well as the BAR. Heck, I didn't even mind the 'pig' (M-60) all that much...unless the barrels got too hot...and the damned thing would then 'run away' from you.....of course a matter of simply twisting the belt to stop that...but still irritating to say the least....asbestos gloves or not. Bean counters are at it again.

Dukesix

[Javelin66]

I had heard some about this as well, but couldn't find much info. The last I saw in any sort of official traffic the XM8 was going to have an automatic rifleman or LMG variant. Having said that, I noticed that all the XM8 info had been taken off the PM Soldier Weapons site.

The acquisitions process is pretty strict by law. Generally, the Army and USMC do joint acquisitions for small arms. To do a their own program the USMC would have to demonsrate a unique need that could not be met by the Army's program. All of the services have Program Managers (PMs) that do this sort of thing, so I looked on their websites. There was nothing on either the USMC acquisitions site (http://www.marcorsyscom.usmc.mil/syscomorg/default.aspx?PG=5) or the Army Site(http://peosoldier.army.mil/pmsw/index.asp).

The one official document I did find (http://hqinet001.hqmc.usmc.mil/p&r/concepts/2007/PDF/Chapter%203/Part%202/C&P2007Chap3%20Part2%20Ground%20Combat%20Element%20P g159%20Infantry%20Automatic%20Rifl%20e.pdf) said that this was expected to be Milestone B in 2007, which means that it should be in System Development and Demonstration at this point. Basically they would be out looking at different prototypes, which is why we are hearing so much from different manufacturers on why their weapon is the best option.

The fact that there is nothing on these websites makes me wonder if the services cut or postponed the programs due to budget cuts or other considerations. Both services are under some scrutiny for FCS, EFV, and other systems that aren't as sexy as the Joint Strike Fighter or the Navy's latest ship.

BTW, The SAW is belt fed. Generally, dismounted patrols use 100 or 200 round pounches or drums (it was designed to use standard M16 magazines as well).

It's had fairly favorable reviews from the guys that use it. The problem is that it fires from an open bolt, which adds to maintenance and can slow down reload in close quarters and/or on the move. It also heats up pretty fast and barrel changing is a problem (I've never been a SAW gunner, but some of my best freinds are).

Similar situation with the M4, which consistantly loses in competition to other carbines but the troops seem to like it anyway. It may be that we are so used to it that we don't want to change, or maybe we just don't know any better. Remember that most young Soldiers and Marines don't have much experience with firearms before they enlist, so the M4/SAW is all they know.