Unregistered
Mon July 7, 2003 4:41pm
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Bob's BIG King of the day
Bob's BIG King of the day at 27 lbs.
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Unregistered
Mon July 7, 2003 4:41pm
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Chris took the Durby with
Chris took the Durby with 30 lbs. 2 oz.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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M24 Sniper Rifle
Function: Primary U.S. Army sniper rifle
History: Introduced in 1988 as the Army's designated sniper weapon system, the M24 SWS the first bolt action rifle to see dedicated service with the US Army since the .30-06 caliber Springfield Model 1903. With the withdrawl of the Springfield 03 during the Second World War, all army sniping activities have been carried out, more or less, with either scoped regular-issue rifles (in the case of the M1C and M1D) or match-grade variants of issue rifles (as in the case of the M21 sniper rifle.)
While the use of issue rifles has eased the logistical demands on the army supply system, the use of semi-automatic rifles for sniping applications is not with out serious drawbacks. Although the M21 is a very accurate weapon, it is not designed to stand up to battlefield abuse. The wood stock was subject to warping, the gas operating system was subject to fouling and contamination, and because the weapon was semi-automatic there was no way to ensure every round was chambered in exactly the same way. All of these conditions could grossly affect the accuracy of the rifle beyond 500 yards.
In light for these limitations, the Army initiated a program in the 70's to re-introduce a bolt-action sniper rifle to its inventory. Eventually, the weapon the Army settled on was the M24 bolt-action rifle. Chambered for 7.62mm NATO (.308 Winchester) the M24 is based on the Remington Arms 700 action and is very similar to the civilian 40X target rifle and the Marine Corp's M40 series rifle.
As with the M40, the M24 utilizes a custom-built fiberglass stock but with an adjustable cheek pad as well as an adjustable pad on the butt stock to adjust length of pull. Both utilize an internal 5 round magazine, are scoped, and are adaptable to the use of night vision devices and weapon scopes. The greatest difference between the two is the fact that the M40 is a "short" action and the M24 is a "long" action. The reason for this difference is the Army ultimately wanted to adopt a more powerful .30 caliber cartridge (such as the .300 Winchester Magnum) which would require the "long" action to extract the larger cartridges in its re-chambered sniper rifles.
Description: The M24 Sniper Weapon System is a bolt-action rifle chambered to fire 7.62mm NATO (currently either the M118 Special Ball Cartridge or the M852 Match Cartridge, though it can fire any standard NATO 7.62mm cartridge.) The Kevlar-reinforced fiberglass stock is custom built by HS Precision and incorporates an adjustable cheek pad and as well as an adjustable pad on the butt stock to adjust length of pull. The 24" barrel is bolted to the full-length aluminum bedding block in the stock to reduce vibration and loss of zero. The scope is a Leupold & Stevens Mk. IV M3A day telescope and is mounted on the rifle using Mk. IV rings and base.
General Characteristics, M24 Sniper Rifle
Manufacturer:
Remington Arms Company
Length:
43 inches (109.2 cm)
Barrel Length:
24 inches (61 cm.)
Weight:
12.1 lb (5.49 kg) empty, without scope
Bore Diameter:
7.62mm (.308 in.)
Maximum Effective Range:
800 meters (3250 feet)
Optics:
10x42mm Leupold Ultra M3A telescope sight (Mil-Dot), plus detachable emergency iron sights.
Magazine Capacity:
Five rounds
Unit Replacement Cost:
$3,500
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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M25 Sniper Rifle
Function: Special Operations semi-automatic sniper rifle
Background: Originally developed by the 10th Special Forces Group at Ft. Devens, the M25 was built as a joint services system, meeting the needs of both Army SF and Navy SEAL sniper teams for a semi-automatic sniper rifle built on the same lines as the match grade M14 and M21 semi-automatic rifles. The M25 is not a replacement for existing bolt-action rifles, such as the Army's M24 and the Marine Corps' M40A3, but rather the M25 is intended to serve as a sniper support weapon for the sniper team observer. The M25 will provide the sniper observer with a more effective support weapon than the M16/M203, capable of delivering very accurate fire out to 500 meters. In addition, the M25 will fill a mission specific role as an urban area sniper rifle, where ranges are limited and high rate of fire is the primary concern. Chambered for 7.62mm NATO (.308 Winchester) the M25 is capable of firing any 7.62mm ammunition, though it was designed to fire the same ammunition (M118 and M852 Match and Special Ball ammunition) that the M40A3 and the M24 currently fire.
Description: Physically, the M25 is very similar in appearance to the M14/M21 semi-automatic rifle. The M25 uses National Match grade components, to include barrel, receiver, trigger assembly and spring guide, and a custom built gas cylinder. The barrel is glass bedded to a synthetic McMillan stock and the Advanced Scope Mounting System is manufactured by Brookfield Precision Tool. The M25 has been equipped with a number of scopes, to include the Bausch & Lomb10x Tactical scope, the Leupold Ultra MK4 series (M1 and M3)as well as the Leupold VariX-III LR M3.
General Characteristics, M25 Sniper Rifle
Manufacturer:
Springfield Armory
Length:
44.3 inches (112.5cm)
Barrel Length:
22 inches (56.4 cm)
Weight:
10.8 lbs (4.9kg)
Bore Diameter:
7.62mm (.308 inches)
Maximum Effective Range:
800 meters (3250 feet)
Optics:
10x42mm Leupold Ultra M3A telescope sight (Mil-Dot), plus detachable emergency iron sights.
Magazine Capacity:
20 or 5 round detachable box magazine
Mechanism:
National Match M-14 rotating bolt, gas operated, semi-automatic.
Unit Replacement Cost:
$3,500
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:19pm
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M4 Carbine
Function: Deter, and if necessary, compel adversaries by enabling individuals and small units to engage targets with accurate, lethal, direct fire.
Description: A compact version of the M16A2 rifle, with a collapsible stock, a flat-top upper receiver accessory rail and a detachable handle/rear aperture site assembly. The M4 enables a soldier operating in close quarters to engage targets at extended range with accurate, lethal fire. It achieves more than 85 percent commonality with the M16A2 rifle and will replace all .45 caliber M3 submachine guns, selected M9 pistols, and M16 series rifles.
Entered Army Service: 1997
General Characteristics, M4 Carbine
Manufacturer:
Colt Manufacturing (Hartford, CT)
Weight:
7.5 lbs (loaded weight with sling & one magazine)
Ammunition:
5.56 mm
Maximum Effective Range:
600 m (area target) 500 m (point target)
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 8:51pm
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Torpedoes: Mark 46, Mark
Function: Self-propelled guided projectile that operates underwater and is designed to detonate on contact or in proximity to a target.
Description: Torpedoes may be launched from submarines, surface ships, helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. They are also used as parts of other weapons; the Mark 46 torpedo becomes the warhead section of the ASROC (Anti-Submarine ROCket) and the Captor mine uses a submerged sensor platform that releases a torpedo when a hostile contact is detected. The three major torpedoes in the Navy inventory are the Mark 48 heavyweight torpedo, the Mark 46 lightweight and the Mark 50 advanced lightweight.
The MK-48 is designed to combat fast, deep-diving nuclear submarines and high performance surface ships. It is carried by all Navy submarines. The improved version, MK-48 ADCAP, is carried by attack submarines, the Ohio class ballistic missile submarines and will be carried by the Seawolf class attack submarines. The MK-48 replaced both the MK-37 and MK-14 torpedoes. The MK-48 has been operational in the U.S. Navy since 1972. MK-48 ADCAP became operational in 1988 and was approved for full production in 1989.
The MK-46 torpedo is designed to attack high performance submarines, and is presently identified as the NATO standard. The MK-46 Mod 5 torpedo is the backbone of the Navy's lightweight ASW torpedo inventory and is expected to remain in service until the year 2015.
The MK-50 is an advanced lightweight torpedo for use against the faster, deeper-diving and more sophisticated submarines. The MK-50 can be launched from all ASW aircraft, and from torpedo tubes aboard surface combatant ships. The MK-50 will eventually replace the MK-46 as the fleet's lightweight torpedo.
MK-48 and MK-48 ADCAP torpedoes can operate with or without wire guidance and use active and/or passive homing. When launched they execute programmed target search, acquisition and attack procedures. Both can conduct multiple reattacks if they miss the target. The MK-46 torpedo is designed to be launched from surface combatant torpedo tubes, ASROC missiles and fixed and rotary wing aircraft. In 1989, a major upgrade program began to enhance the performance of the MK-46 Mod 5 in shallow water. Weapons incorporating these improvements are identified as Mod 5A and Mod 5A(S).
General Characteristics, MK-48, MK-48 (ADCAP)
Primary Function:
Heavyweight torpedo for submarines
Contractor:
Gould
Power Plant:
Piston engine; pump jet
Length:
19 feet (5.79 meters)
Weight:
MK-48: 3,434 pounds (1545.3 kilograms)
MK-48 ADCAP: 3,695 pounds (1662.75 kilograms)
Diameter:
21 inches (53.34 centimeters)
Range:
Greater than 5 miles (8 km)
Depth:
Greater than 1,200 feet (365.76 meters)
Speed:
Greater than 28 knots (32.2 mph, 51.52 kph)
Guidance System:
Wire guided and passive/active acoustic homing
Warhead:
650 lbs (292.5 kg) high explosive
Date Deployed:
1972
General Characteristics, MK-46 MOD 5
Primary Function:
Air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo
Contractor:
Alliant TechSystems
Power Plant:
Two-speed, reciprocating external combustion; Mono-propellant (Otto fuel II) fueled
Length:
102.36 in. tube launch configuration (from ship)
Weight:
517.65 lbs (warshot configuration)
Diameter:
12.75 inches
Range:
8,000 yards
Depth:
Greater than 1,200 feet (365.76 meters)
Speed:
Greater than 28 knots (32.2 mph, 51.52 kph)
Guidance System:
Homing mode: Active or passive/active acoustic homing
Launch/Search Mode:
Snake or circle search
Warhead:
98 lbs. of PBXN-103 high explosive (bulk charge)
Date Deployed:
1966 (Mod 0)
1979 (Mod 5)
General Characteristics, MK-50
Primary Function:
Air and ship-launched lightweight torpedo
Contractor:
Alliant Techsystems, Westinghouse
Power Plant:
Stored Chemical Energy Propulsion System
Length:
112 inches
Weight:
750 pounds
Diameter:
12.75 inches
Speed:
40+ knots
Guidance System:
Active/passive acoustic homing
Warhead:
Approximately 100 pounds high explosive (shaped charge)
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:09pm
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AN/PSS-12 Metallic Mine D
Function: Mine Detection.
Description: The AN/PSS-12 Mine Detector is a light weight, hand held, metallic mine detector. It is capable of detecting very small metallic objects such as small firing pins in plastic and wooden mines. The AN/PSS-12 Mine Detector is capable of detecting mines in fresh or salt water, and objects buried up to 20 inches in the ground.
History: The AN/PSS-12 mine detector replaces the PSS-11 Metallic Mine Detector. The PSS-11 had reached its end of service life, and needed to be replaced with state-of-the-art technology. The AN/PSS-12 represents a world-class mine detector capable of detecting small amounts of metal found in modern land mines.
General Characteristics, AN/PSS-12 Metallic Mine Detector
Manufacturer:
Schiebel Instruments, Inc.
Power Supply:
Four 1.5 V batteries
Weight:
Mine Detector in transport case: 13.7 lbs. (6.2 kilograms) Mine Detector: 8.5 lbs. (3.8 kg.)
Operating Time:
70 hours
Deployment Method:
Hand Held
Materials:
Telescopic pole consists of an inner plastic tube and outer aluminum tube
Inventory:
547: approximately 300 are currently fielded to FMF units and training commands; the majority of these assets are held in the Combat Engineer Battalions, Engineer Support Battalions and Marine Wing Support Squadrons
Unit Replacement Cost:
$1,196
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:23pm
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SPEAR Body Armor/Load Car
Function: Special Operations Forces Equipment Advanced Requirements (SPEAR) is the United States Special Operations Command's modernization effort for the joint Special Operations Forces. SPEAR will focus on four areas of improvement in personal equipment from 1996-2005, including body armor and load carriage. SPEAR's Body Armor/Load Carriage System (BALCS) consists of body armor, an equipment load carrying subsystem, and a backpack subsystem.
Description: The BALCS maximizes ballistic protection, buoyancy compensation, and load carrying capacity, while minimizing the burdens of weight, bulk and heat stress.
The BALCS components are:
Body Armor: Provides protection against fragmentation, handgun, and rifle threats. The armor system contains a soft armor vest; front and back interchangeable upgrade plates, and modular neck and groin protection. The neutrally buoyant soft vest is available in four sizes (S-XL); plates are sized with the vest. Approximate weight of a Medium vest is 6.5 lbs.; the Medium plates are approximately 6 lbs. each.
Equipment Load Carrying Subsystem (ELCS): The modular pocketing and harness system (H-Harness or Vest) allows mission tailoring of load and system configuration. The ELCS is compatible with the SPEAR Body Armor and Backpack Subsystem, and provides optimum compatibility with individual equipment and weapons. The positive buoyant ELCS comes in one size, and features easy adjustments for shoulder, waist, and chest.
Backpack Subsystem: The modified commercial Backpack Subsystem contains a backpack, patrol pack, and butt pack. The backpack's state-of-the-art internal frame affords a stable platform sufficient to carry 120 pounds effectively. The backpack transfers load efficiently from the shoulders to the waist and provides adjustments to fit the 5th-95th percentile male SOF operator. The butt pack attaches to ELCS or the backpack; the patrol pack attaches to the backpack, and is compatible with the other SPEAR BALCS components. The one size subsystem weighs 17 pounds.
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 9:38pm
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Su-47 (S-37) Berkut
Function: The Su-47 (initially known as the S-37) Berkut (Golden Eagle) is a testbed for developing technologies for the next generation of aircraft.
Description: The basic dimensions and weight of the Su-47 "Berkut" are similar to those of Su-37, although they are different aircraft, and the tail, nose and canopy are similar to those of the Su-35. The first two prototypes of this aircraft were evidently designated the S-32, and the S-37 designation was previously applied to an unrelated fighter project for a smaller delta wing single aircraft that was cancelled due to lack of funding.
The Su-47 features forward-swept wings, which promises a range of benefits in aerodynamics at subsonic speeds and at high angles of attack. The forward-swept wing, which enables the aircraft to increase its range and its manoeuvrability at high altitude, makes extensive use of composite materials. The aircraft has large canards mounted on the intake side, close to the leading edge of the wing. The vertical stabilizers are canted slightly outward [not inward, as previously believed], and two large auxiliary intake doors are visible on the center fuselage section. It is unclear which engines are used on this aircraft. The two powerplants are at the moment D-30F6 turbojets which are normaly used at the MiG-31M, while the second prototype uses the Ljulka AL-37FU turbojet with thrust vectoring. The Su-47 is an experimental program for developing fifth-generation technologies.
The Su-47 is a better performer at high angles of attack in post-stall manoeuvring much needed in close-in dogfight. Having the edge in manoeuvring, the Su-47 is clearly catching up in stealth with US and European new-generation fighters. However even with its internal weapon bay and RAM coating, the new Sukhoi is a very different concept than F-22. The heavy accent on RAM rather than radar absorbing structures (RAS) is obvious. The major components of radar stealth -- RAM coatings and surface quality -- are subject to the production and maintenance tolerance as it was shown by USAF F-117 and B-2 operational experience. Untightened screws, scratches or unfastened access panels were known to greatly deteriorate the RCS of the aircraft, reducing the engineering efforts put into aircraft design. It remains to be seen how Sukhoi will overcome the looser production standards of the Russian aircraft plans.
General Characteristics, Su-47 (S-37) Berkut
Designer:
Sukhoi Design Bureau
Power Plant:
* 2 Perm Aviadvigatel D-30F6 (34,170 lbst), or
* 2 Saturn/Lyul'ka AL-37FU afterburning 142.2 kN (31,966 lb st) with afterburning thrust-vectoring in pitch -20o to 20o at 30o per second
Length:
22.2 m - 22.6 m (72.83 ft - 74.15 ft)
Height:
6.36 m - 6.40 m (20.87 ft - 21.00 ft)
Wingspan:
15.16 m - 16.7 m (49.74 ft - 54.8 ft)
Max Speed:
2,500km/h (1,350 knots)
Ceiling:
18,000 meters (59,055 feet)
Weight:
* Empty: 24,000 kg (52,910 lb)
* Equipped: 26,000 kg (57,320 lb)
Maximum Takeoff Weight:
34,000 kg (74,960 lb)
Range:
1,782 nm (3,300 km/2,050 miles)
Crew:
One
Hardpoints:
14: 2 wingtip, 6-8 underwing, 6-4 conformal underfuselage
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David
Sat January 3, 2004 11:34pm
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USS Constitution - "
History: Wooden hull, three-masted frigate is the oldest commissioned ship in the U.S. Navy. One of six frigates authorized to form the Navy for use against the Barbary pirates.
Description: Built to be powerful enough to defeat an enemy of equivalent strength and fast enough to outsail a stronger opponent.
General Characteristics, Constitution Class
Cost:
$302,718 (1797 dollars)
Builders:
Col. George Claghorn, Edmond Hart's Shipyard, Boston, MA
Power Plant:
42,710 sq. ft. of sail on three masts
Date Deployed:
October 21, 1797
Length:
204 feet (62.16 meters) (billet head to taffrail); 175 feet at waterline (53.32 meters)
Beam:
43.5 feet (13.25 meters)
Mast Height:
Foremast, 198 feet (60.33 meters); Mainmast, 220 feet (67.03 meters); Mizzenmast, 172.5 feet (52.56 meters)
Displacement:
2,200 tons
Speed:
13+ knots (approx. 14.95 miles per hour, 24 km. per hour)
Crew:
450, including 55 Marines and 30 boys (1797)
Armament:
32 24-pounder long guns
20 32-pounder carronades; and
Two 24-pounder bow chasers
Boats:
One 36-ft. long boat
Two 30-ft. cutters
Two 28-ft. whaleboats
One 28-ft. gig
One 22-ft. jolly boat
One 14-ft. punt
Anchors:
Two main bowers (5300 lbs.)
One sheet anchor (5400 lbs.)
One stream anchor (1100 lbs.)
Two kedge anchors (400 to 700 lbs.)
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David
Sun January 4, 2004 12:31am
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Deep Submergence Rescue V
Function: Deep submergence rescue vehicle.
History: DSRVs were developed as a result of the USS Thresher submarine accident in 1963, when all hands were lost. At the time, submarine operating depths greatly exceeded the capabilities of rescue vessels. The Deep Submergence Systems Project contracted with Lockheed Missiles and Space, Co. to produce a deep diving rescue submarine, the first of which was launched in 1970.
Description: The primary mission of the DSRV is to provide a quick reaction, worldwide, all-weather capability to rescue personnel from submerged, disabled submarines (DISSUB) of the U.S. Navy or foreign navies at depths up to 2000 feet. The maximum operating depth is approximately 5000 feet. Mystic can be transported by truck, aircraft, surface ship, or on a mother submarine. For a rescue operation, it can dive, locate the DISSUB, and attach itself to the DISSUB's rescue seat. After the DSRV is properly attached to the submarine, the DISSUB's access hatches are opened and submarine personnel can directly the DSRV. The DSRV then detaches from the submarine and transfers the rescued personnel to the support ship.
General Characteristics, DSRV
Builders:
Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, Sunnyvale, CA
Power Plant:
Electric motors, silver/zinc batteries,
1 shaft, 15 shaft horsepower, 4 thrusters, 7.5 horsepower
Length, Overall:
49 feet (14.94 meters)
Beam:
8 feet (2.44 meters)
Displacement:
38 long tons (38.61 metric tons)
Speed:
4 kts (4.6 mph, 7.40 kph)
Maximum Operating Depth:
5,000 feet (1524 meters)
Crew:
2 pilots, 2 rescue personnel and capacity for 24 passengers
Sonar:
Deep submergence obstacle avoidance sonar (DSOAS): 27 kHz, (8,000 yard range)
Downward looking sonar (DLS): Sonar for hatch mating 500 kHz (600 ft. range)
Altitude/depth sonar(A/D): 24 kHz SONAR 0-5,000 ft. range)
UQC, 8 kHz, Voice and CW (ATM 504)
Directional listening hydrophone tuned to 3.5 kHz
Side looking sonar (installed for alternate mission), 1 ft. resolution, 183 kHz; maximum range 1200 ft. either side (2400 ft. total)
Equipment:
One gripper/cutter designed to clear debris from hatch; capable of cutting steel cable and lifting 1000 lbs.
Ships:
Mystic (DSRV-1) deployed 1970
Avalon (DSRV-2) deployed 1971
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David
Mon September 13, 2004 6:50am
Rating: 10
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XM8
The XM8 Future Combat Rifle is intended to replace existing M4 Carbines and select 5.56mm x45 weapons in the US Army arsenal beginning as early as the fourth quarter of FY05.
In October 2002 ATK (Alliant Techsystems) was awarded a $5 million contract modification from the U.S. Army Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center (ARDEC), Picatinny, N.J., to develop the new XM8 Lightweight Assault Rifle. ATK Integrated Defense, Plymouth, Minn., and teammate Heckler and Koch, Oberndorf, Germany, will support the rapid development program, which will investigate the potential of the XM8 as the lightweight assault rifle for the Army's Objective Force.
The XM8 will be based on the kinetic energy weapon that is part of the XM29 next-generation infantry weapon system (formerly the Objective Individual Combat Weapon) currently under development by ATK Integrated Defense. The kinetic energy weapon, which fires 5.56mm ammunition, will provide maximum commonality in components and logistics with the XM29 system.
The XM8 will provide lethality performance comparable to the currently fielded M4 carbine rifle, while weighing 20 percent less than the M4 because of advanced technologies developed for the XM29 program.
The XM8 Lightweight Assault Rifle will reduce the 21st century soldier's load and increase his mobility - two very important aims of the Army's Objective Force Warrior and Land Warrior initiatives. The progress made to reduce weight and improve performance on the XM29 program is key to the decision on accelerating the development of the XM8, which is integrated with the Army's efforts to transform to a more lethal and rapidly deployed fighting force as part of its Objective Force.
ATK Integrated Defense is the system integrator on the XM29 program. Teammates on the program are Heckler and Koch, weapon development; ATK Ammunition Systems, Arden Hills, Minn., ammunition development; Brashear LP, Pittsburgh, Pa., integrated full solution fire control; and Omega, Columbus, Ga., training systems.
The XM8 is a true family of weapons with different barrel lengths designed to address all the needs of an infantry squad. The standard model is expected to be lighter than the M4 carbine and no larger in size. There?s also a sharpshooter version for increased range; a compact version for cramped quarters; and an auto-rifle version for a squad-automatic weapon. The XM8 family has a 9-inch compact, 12.5-inch carbine and a 20-inch sharpshooter and automatic rifle. The 12.5-inch carbine is 6.4 pounds with an objective of 5.7 pounds and is 33 inches with its adjustable stock extended. The M-16 A2 is 39.63 inches long and 8.79 pounds with a 30-round magazine.
Internally, the XM8 uses a rotary locking bolt system that functions and fieldstrips like those used in the M-16 rifle and M-4 carbine, according to the XM8 manufacturer?s ? Heckler & Koch ? Website. The bolt is powered by a unique gas operating system with a user-removable gas piston and pusher rod to operate the mechanism. Unlike the current M-4 and M-16 direct gas system with gas tube, the XM8 gas system does not introduce propellant gases and carbon back into the weapon?s receiver during firing.
While the XM8 was not exposed to battlefield conditions, it?s still a feat the current service rifle hasn?t come close to rivaling, said Rich Audette, deputy project manager for PM Soldier Weapons. During their Oct. 20-23 2003 trip to Germany, the weapons experts said they were impressed after watching Heckler & Koch engineers fire four high-capacity magazines, with 100 rounds a piece, in less than five minutes.
This improved reliability can be credited to differences in the XM8?s operating system from the one in the M16. For instance, a thin gas tube runs almost the entire length of the barrel in all of the M16 variants. When the weapon is fired, the gases travel back down the tube into the chamber and push the bolt back to eject the shell casing and chamber a new round. The XM8?s gas system instead is connected to a mechanical operating rod, which pushes back the bolt to eject the casing and chamber the new round each time the weapon is fired. So there?s no carbon residue constantly being blown back into the chamber, reducing the need to clean the weapon as often. You don?t get gases blowing back into the chamber that have contaminates in them. The XM8 also has a much tighter seal between the bolt and the ejection port, which should cut down on the amount of debris that can blow into the weapon when the ejection port?s dust cover is open.
The XM8 is part of the Army?s effort to perfect an over-and-under style weapon, known as the XM29, developed by Alliant Techsystems and H&K. It fires special air-bursting projectiles and standard 5.56mm ammunition. But the XM29 still is too heavy and unwieldy for Army requirements. Instead of scrapping the XM29, the Army decided to perfect each of XM29?s components separately, so soldiers can take advantage of new technology sooner. The parts would be brought back together when lighter materials become available. The XM8 is one of those components.
From December 2003 through late May 2004, soldiers got a chance to fire the prototypes in desert, tropical and arctic environments. A limited-user test then was conducted, possibly at Fort Campbell, Ky., where soldiers test the prototypes for about three weeks while training in offensive and defensive scenarios. Improvements will be made based on soldier and test feedback before the final three-months of operational tests, which are scheduled to begin in fall 2004. The final decision will be up to the Army?s senior leadership, but weapons officials said they were confident the XM8 weapon system will be adopted. If all goes well, the XM8 could be ready for fielding by late summer 2005.
Beginning life as the 5.56mm KE (kinetic energy) component of the 20mm air-bursting XM29 Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW), the XM8 Lightweight Modular Carbine System represents the state-of-the-art in 5.56x45mm NATO assault rifles. Developed by the US Army?s office of Project Manager for Soldier Weapons located at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey in close conjunction with the US Army Infantry Center, the XM8 Future Combat Rifle is intended to replace existing M4 Carbines and select 5.56mm x45 weapons in the US Army arsenal beginning as early as the fourth quarter of FY05. Once adopted, the M8 Carbine will replace the aging M16/M4 family of weapons, which have been in service for nearly four decades, longer than any previous US service rifle. The M8 Carbine will be up to 20% lighter than a comparably equipped M4 Carbine MWS and yet offer additional features and performance unavailable currently in any assault rifle in the world.
As a direct development of the separable OICW (XM29) KE or Kinetic Energy module, the M8 Carbine will share a high degree of common parts and training and maintenance procedures to lessen the required support for the ?family? of XM8 weapons. Being developed are four XM8 variants, which include a baseline carbine, a sharpshooter variant, an automatic rifle variant, and the ultra-compact carbine variant. A unique feature of the XM8 modular weapon system is the ability to easily and quickly reconfigure the weapon from one variant to the other to meet changing mission requirements, to include caliber conversion.
This modularity includes the exchange of interchangeable assembly groups such as the barrel, handguard, lower receiver, buttstock modules and sighting system with removable carrying handle. In addition and in parallel, the new XM320 quick detachable single-shot 40mm grenade launcher with side-opening breech and LSS lightweight 12 gauge shotgun module can be easily added to the XM8 by the user in the field without tools. The unique buttstock system allows the operator exchange buttstocks without tools from the standard collapsible multi-position version, to an optional buttcap for maximum portability or an optional folding or sniper buttstock with adjustable cheekpiece for special applications. Internally the XM8 employs a combat-proven robust rotary locking bolt system that functions and fieldstrips like that used in the current M16 rifle and M4 carbine. However this bolt is powered by a unique gas operating system that employs a user removable gas piston and pusher rod to operate the mechanism. Unlike the current M4/M16 direct gas system with gas tube, the XM8 gas system does not introduce propellant gases and the associated carbon fouling back into the weapon?s receiver during firing. This greatly increases the reliability of the XM8 while at same time reducing operator cleaning time by as much as 70%. This system also allows the weapon to fire more than 15,000 rounds without lubrication or cleaning in even the worst operational environments. A cold hammer forged barrel will guarantee a minimum of 20,000 rounds service life and ultimate operator safety in the event of an obstructed bore occurrence.
The XM8 has fully ambidextrous operating controls to include a centrally located charging handle that doubles as an ambidextrous forward assist when required, ambidextrous magazine release, bolt catch, safety/selector lever with semi and full automatic modes of fire and release lever for the multiple position collapsible buttstock. The operating controls allow the operator to keep the firing hand on the pistol grip and the weapon in the firing position at all times while the non-firing hand actuates the charging handle and magazine during loading and clearing. Major components of the weapon are produced from high-strength fiber reinforced polymer materials that can be molded in almost any color to include OD green, desert tan, arctic white, urban blue, brown and basic black. Surfaces on the XM8 that interface with the operator are fitted with non-slip materials to increase comfort and operator retention. The XM8 uses 10 or 30-round semi-transparent box magazines and high-reliability 100-round drum magazines for sustained fire applications.
Special integral flush mounted attachment points are located on the handguard and receiver to allow the quick attachment of targeting devices. Unlike MIL-STD-1913 rails, the XM8 attachment points do not add additional weight, bulk and cost to the host weapon, and will accept MIL-STD-1913 adapters to allow for the use of current in-service accessories. The attachment points for the standard multi-function integrated red-dot sight allow multiple mounting positions and insure 100% zero retention even after the sight is removed and remounted. The battery powered XM8 sight includes the latest technology in a red dot close combat optic, IR laser aimer and laser illuminator with back-up etched reticle with capability exceeding that of the current M68-CCO, AN/PEQ-2 and AN/PAQ-4. This sight will be factory zeroed on the weapon when it is delivered and does not require constant rezeroing in the field like current rail-mounted targeting devices. The XM8 will be fully compatible with future Land Warrior technology and components.
The US XM8 Carbine is being designed at the HK Defense design center in Sterling, Virginia and will be produced and assembled in the United States at the new Heckler & Koch manufacturing plant located in Columbus, Georgia, adjacent to Fort Benning. The unit cost of the XM8 will be less than that of the current M4 Carbine and will guarantee the American war fighter uncompromising performance far exceeding that of current in-service M4 Carbines.
XM-8 Prototype Specifications
Caliber:
5.56 x 45mm NATO
Builder:
Heckler & Koch
Weight:
6.4 lbs (prototype),
5.7 lbs objective
Overall Length:
33.3 inches (carbine stock extended)
Barrel Length:
Assault: 12.5"
Sharpshooter: 20.0"
Compact: 9.0"
Automatic Rifle: 20.0"
Rate of Fire:
Cyclic - 750 rpm
Sustained - 85 rpm up to 210 rounds
Rate of Twist:
1 in 7 inches
Barrel Life:
20,000 rounds mininum
Muzzle Velocity:
3005 feet/second (M855 Ball) with 20" barrel
2675 feet/second with 12.5" barrel
2365 feet/second with 9.0" barrel
Magazine Capacity:
10 or 30 rounds (magazines can be nested together); 100 round drum available
Stock:
5 position adjustable for length
Bayonet Lug:
Yes (12.5 & 20" barrels)
Bipod Interface:
Yes (20" only)
Sighting System:
Fully integrated red dot with laser illuminator and pointer
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Keith_Hixson
Tue September 12, 2006 1:34pm
Rating: 10
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Just Starting
Keith with pack
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Keith_Hixson
Tue September 12, 2006 2:32pm
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Loaded Back Pack
Loaded Back Pack
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Keith_Hixson
Tue September 12, 2006 9:07pm
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Climbing Partner Lennard
Lennard is also a veteran. 11B20 Infantry. He's 6'6" 240 lbs. I'm keeping him away from Bob K. because they both have sick humor. He's also my fly fishing partner. He now has his master degree in enviromental planning and is a enviromental planner for Yakima County. A great young man except for his disgust humor like Bob K.'s
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