Compendium April May 2012

7/30/2019 Compendium April May 2012

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01CompendiumSpecialOperations 2/2012

LETHALITY IS one ofthe majorissuesand is a combination of situationalawareness, firepower, ammunitionterminal effectand accurate sighting.

So lets start with the infantrymans bestfriend,the assault rifle.

Urban warfare has heavily impacted thebasic infantryman tool in terms ofdimensions, compactnessbeingthe choice asevidenced in America when the GreenArmy shifted from the M16 rifle to the M4

carbine. Reducing dimensions of a non-bullpup riflemeans reducing barrel length,which in turn generates a drop in the V0,usually with dire consequences on lethality.

Among western armies the M4 with its356-mm-long barrel remainsthebenchmarktype, although reports from the field haveshown somecriticismregarding itsreliabilityin sand and dusty environments due to thedirect impingement or gas-tube systemthattends to bring carbon blow-back into thechamber, while the very hot gases used tocycle theweapongenerateheat problems.

The idea of replacing the M4 was

cancelled in 2006 but has surfaced again,although a mild approach hasbeen adoptedknown as Dual Path Strategy. In otherwords the US Army intends to continuewith theM4 upgradein a phased approach,but in the mean time carry on with theIndividual Carbine (IC) competition service requirements having been approvedin August 2010. The open competitionoutcome will see the three best performersbeing awarded indefinite delivery/indefinitequantity contracts before limited userexperiments by the Army. The winner willthen fight against the upgraded M4 for the

Fittedona sniperrifletheMerlinLR sightoffersa

two-kilometredetectionrangeunderquartermoonlight.

PaoloValpolini

Assault RiflesLooking at a soldier from a platform perspective, key factors are firepower, mobility,

protection and C4I. Mobility is affected by the other three elements though weight alsoplays its distorting role in this department. Firepower is the kinetic winner of theengagement with the enemy while C4I provides the situational awareness andthereby an edge over the enemy. Protection is now being extended from the torso toother parts of the body, particularly as a result of the wounds inflicted by new threatssuch as roadside bombs. For ease of use, this survey is divided into four sections,namely Assault Rifles, Weapon Sights, Indirect Fire and Vital Peripherals.


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final contract. Whether the new weapon orupgraded M4 will completely replace the

current carbine is still open to questions asindeed limited funding might call for amixed solution. What is sure is that theArmy intends to buy the Technical DataPackage rights in order to run a productioncompetition to obtain the best possiblemanufacturing price.

The M4 improvement phased approachincludes the acquisition of 25,000 M4A1carbines featuring the ambidextrous firecontrolassemblies and that of 65,000kits toconvert M4s into M4A1s, those numbersdepending on budgets. The A1 adopts aheavier barrel and is fully automatic while

the original M4 fires in semi-auto andthree-round-burst modes. Phase II will see

the adoption of a new forward rail, boltsand bolt carrier assemblies, aiming at

improving durability and increasingaccessory integration. Phase III will lookinto an alternative to the current gasimpingement system.

Under Socom pressure Heckler & Koch(HK) developed an M4 derivative, theHK416,fitted with a proprietary gassystemderived from that used in the G36 assaultrifle. Here a short-stroke piston drives theoperating rod that controls the bolt, firstsuppressing propellant gases and carbonfouling from coming in contact with thebolt, andsecondly reducing heat transfer tothebolt andbolt carrier.

Availablewith fourdifferentbarrellengths(264mm, 368 mm, 419 mmand 505 mm), a

firstbatch of500 HK416swas acquired bytheSpecial Operations Command for its

Operational Detachment Delta. Numerousspecial forces units worldwide have adoptedthe HK weapon, which obtained its firstsuccess in a greenarmy in Norway where afirstorderfor8200rifleswasfiledin2007.HKalso providesthe upperreceivermoduleto beinstalled on lower receivers for upgradingexisting M4/M16.

The HK416 is amongst the competitorsrunning for the Army IC. No details wereprovided by HK USA, which only refers toconsiderable improvements (the onlypicture released shows an M4 type stockanda different pistolgrip). TheHK416 was

selected by the US Marine Corps for atotally different role. Equipped with the16.5-inch barrel cum M16-style flash hiderand a series of accessories it won the M27Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) bid thatlooked for a magazine-fed weapon toreplace theM249 Saw light machine gun, aderivative of the Minimi.

The IAR includes Knights Armament600-metre micro/backup iron sights andTrijicons Acog 3.5 x 35 Squad AutomaticWeapon Day Optic. A low-rate initialproduction order for 500 r ifles was signedin early 2010, with deliveries completed byNovember that same year. Followingoperational trials in the first half of 2011,September that year sawthe M27IAR beinggiven the green light for full-rateproduction. Each Marine squad will fieldthree M27s, one per four-man team, for atotal of over 4000 such rifles which, fullyloaded, weigh less than half a Saw.

Back to the US Army carbine, Colt itselfdeveloped an upgraded version of the M4

02 CompendiumSpecialOperations 2/2012

A picture of theIndividualCarbine versionof Heckler &Kochs HK416.No furtherdetails weregiven on thatversion of theweapon.

(Heckler & Koch)

A US Army soldier shooting with his M4 carbine. The shortbarrel of that weapon has commanded the development ofnew rounds to compensate for the poor penetration capacityof the original M855. (USArmy)

Themalfunctions dueto the M4 directimpingement systemstarted a dualpathprocess that might lead to the acquisition of new weapons and to the upgrade ofcurrent ones. (USArmy)

Heckler & Koch M27IARadoptedby the US Marine

Corps as a replacement fortheM249 Saw. (Heckler Koch)


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known as P0923 or Advanced PistonCarbine, which adoptsthe Articulating Link

Piston operating system that reducesstresses in the piston strike. The weaponfires in semi-auto andautomatic modes andmaintains the same metricsas theM4 with aweightincreaseof about 400grams.

Remington is following bothpaths of theUS Army approach, providing an upgradeto the existing M16/M4 type weapons aswell as a newly developed weapon. Theupgrade comes in the form of the RGP, forRemington Gas Piston, which can beprovided either as a new weapon or as adrop-in kit for existing carbines.

The new upper receiver is built around a

mid-length gas-piston operating system thatallows firing in unsuppressed andsuppressedmodes without the need for a gas regulator.Thekit comeswithcoldhammer-forged10.5-inchor 14.5-inchbarrels in medium or heavyprofile,which can be changedin less than fiveminutes. The free-floating handguard isprovided with cable routing guides andremovable Picatinny rails. The RGP isproposed by the company as the upgradesolutionfor Phase IIIof theM4 upgrade.

A differentsolution is proposedin the ICbid, theAdaptive CombatRifle (ACR)beinga new weapon based on a developmentcarried out by Magpul Industries thatentered a licensing agreement withBushmaster, a sister company to RemingtonArms part of theFreedomgroup.

The ACR is a fully modular system thatcan be quickly converted from 5.56 mm to6.8 mm calibre in less than two minutes;barrel, stocks and accessories being alsointerchangeable allowing to tailor theweapon to the mission.Fully ambidextrous,

it adopts a gas piston operating system, anon-reciprocating bolt handle and a free-

floating handguardrail system.Three barrels are available for both

calibres, respectively 10.5, 14.5 and 16.5incheslong. Accordingto recent information,Remington developed an advanced andlighter version of its ACR and this is themodel proposedfor theArmyIC bid.

With experience gleaned with theSocoms 7.62-mm Scar, FN Herstal is facingtheICbidwithitsScarMk165.56mm.Thestandard version seems bestin line with theIC requirements, with its 14-inch barrel,

with a ten-inch barrel available for closequarter combat while the LB version

features an 18-inch barrel thatconsiderablyincreases accuracy. Also based on a short-stroke gas piston system, its gas regulatorallows maintaining a constant rate of firewhen using a soundsuppressor.

Adcor Defense proposes another M4based weapon, the Brown EnhancedAutomatic Rifle. Also known as the Bear, itfeatures a gas-driven piston that is locatedin theupper half oftheforwardrail system. Itthus never touches the barrel, making it afree-floating barrel, which increasesaccuracy. To further avoidthe entry of sandand dust in the weapon a dust shield is

mounted directly on the bolt carrier.Many other American producers of AR-

type weapons were to have submitted theirproposals before the 27 October 2011deadline. Knights Armament,Land WarfareResources, Stag Arms, Ruger, all have intheircatalogues upgraded versions of AR15rifles and carbines. Not many details haveemerged about the internationalparticipation to that bid.

According to the latest informationprovided bythe US Armytestfiring will runthrough 2012 and lead to shortlisting inearly 2013, followed by an evaluationphasewith soldier feedback. The winner willemerge aftera best-value assessment, whilethe decision to go for an M-4A1replacement will be based on cost-benefitanalysis, which does not exclude a hybridsolution keeping in service the currentweaponwhile fielding thenew carbine.

I ELSEWHERE

The US Army is not the only service that is

A Remington Adaptive Combat Rifle equippedwith suppressor.Fullyambidextrous, it can beequipped with barrels of three differentlengths. (Remington)

ASSAULT RIFLES/CARBINESIN5.56X 45MM

Manufacturer Colt Colt Colt Heckler & Koch Heckler & Koch Remington Remington

Model M16A4 M-4 APC / P0923 HK416 (14.5) M27 IAR ACR (14.5) RGP (14.5)

Mode 3 rds burst 3 rds burst Semi-auto/Auto Semi-auto/Auto Semi-auto/Auto

Length extended 1000.3 mm 838 mm 838 mm 900 mm 953 mm 829-902 mm 863 mm

Length stockfolded/retracted

n.a. 757 mm 757 mm 804 mm 851 mm 654 mm 777 mm

Barrel length 508 mm 356 mm 356 mm 368 mm 420 mm 368 mm 368 mm

Barrel twist 1 in 7 1 in 7 1 in 7 1 in 7 1 in 7 1 in 7

Rate of fire 700-950 rpm 700-950 rpm 700-950 rpm 850 rpm 700-900 rpm 650-700 rpm

Magazine 30 rounds 30 rounds 30 rounds 20/30 rounds 30 rounds 30 rounds 30 rounds

Weight 3.26 kg 2.77 kg 3.18 kg 3.49 kg 3.70 kg ** 3.57 kg * 3.15 kg *

* Without magazine; ** Weapon only, without magazine and accessories


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looking atnew weapons. Italyis fielding theBeretta ARX160, France should soonlaunch a competition for a new assault riflefor its troops, although timing is stillunclear. Czech units started receiving thenewCZ805BrenA1inlate2011.

Theproduction contract for80005.56x 45mm rifles wasassignedto Ceska Zbrojovkainearly 2010. A typicalmodular weapon, it canbe quickly transformed into a 7.62 x 39 mmriflebychangingthebarrel,boltandgastube,thedevelopmentofa6.8x43mmRemington

version being alsopossible.Gas operated witha rotating bolt, the new Czech rifle can be

transformed into a carbineadoptingthe 277-mm-long barrel, while a longer barrel mightsoon be available to transform it into adesignatedmarksmanrifle.

It might well be among the manycompetitors for the Indian bid, the DelhiMinistry of Defence having issued on 18November an RfP to 43 weapon

manufacturers,with proposal deadlineset atmid-February 2012.At stakeare 66,000 riflesin 5.56 mm calibre that must be able toquickly convert in 7.62 x 39 mm, to replacethe Indian-made Insas 5.56 mm rifle.

In late 2010 the army already issued atender fornearly45,000 CQBcarbines. Thisshould lead to massive acquisitions, theoverall need being for around 400,000carbines and over two million assault rifles.The requestsinclude a transferof technologyto allow local production of the weapons.The Indian bid will be platform-centric (therifle being a the heart of the system) to

guarantee maximum efficiency in themechanical coupling between the weaponand the accessories in all operationalconditions. Weapon manufacturersare thusasked to provide a whole package that willinclude ammunition, sighting systems andaccessories.

It is worth remembering here that in the

early 2000 India acquired over 3000 Tavor21 assault rifles from Israel WeaponIndustries. These are in service with itsArmy special forces units, and a furthercontract for 10,000 such rifles has beenplacedfor paramilitaryspecialforces units.

Beretta Defence Technologies, with

ARX-160 research and development effortunder itsbelt, is proposing the modularrifleto manycountries.It wasdesigned based onfive functional sub-assemblies, namely lowreceiver, barrel, bolt assembly, case andmagazine. Beretta does not wish to expandon customisation for the US IndividualCarbine bid but confirms its participation.

The Italian company also developed acustomised version aimed at the Frenchcontract, and is working on the package tobe proposed to India, the 7.62 x 39-mmbeing ready. Beretta is also working hard onthe 7.62 x 51-mm calibre weapon, which

will be even more modular and quicklytransformable into a marksman rifle, anassault rifle or a carbine. It will be fullymulti-calibre, andthe firstprototypes in thebase calibre are soon expected. To be able toanswer complex requirements involvingcomplete packages Beretta is heavilyinvesting in the acquisition of companiesoperating in collateralfields.

The Indian bid is not the only onerequiring thecapability to fire 7.62 x 39 mmrounds. Many manufacturers are thusincluding in their portfolios new riflescapable to fulfil that requirement.

One year ago, Sig Sauer introduced itsSIG556 Russian, based on the provenSIG556 design but able to fire AK-47rounds. Itfeaturesa 16-inch barrel withfourgrooves and a 1 in 9.5 inches rifling andaccepts AK magazines. Based on a gaspiston mechanism with two-position valveandrotating bolt adjustment, it weighs3.17

Knights Armaments M110 Semi-Automatic SniperSystemwasselectedby theUS Army as itsnew designatedmarksmanweapon. (US Army)


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kg without magazine and is 911 mm long(660 mm with thepolymer stock folded).

Besides thewell known 550 series whichbuilds on the proven Swiss Army rifleadopted in 1990 and known as theSturmgewehr 90, Sig Sauer markets the516/716 AR rifles respectively in 5.56 x 45

mmand 7.62x 51mm calibres.One company not tanking part in the

American bid is Steyr Mannlicher, whoseAug assault rifle evolved considerably. TheA3 model answers the needs formodularity,with a long Picatinny rail at 12 oclock andtwo more on the barrel sleeve and one moreon the receiver. A bolt-catch system wasimplemented while an AR15-like magazinerelease was developed for those used to that

system,which is retrofittable toexistingrifles.In late January Thales and Steyr

Mannlicher signed an agreement, the twocompanies having decided to offer theimprovements introduced in the AustralianArmy F88A2rifleto the restof the world.

I AMMUNITION

Waiting fordevelopments in new calibresortypes of rounds, producersremain linked tomass production of current standardisedammo.The US Army uses yearly1.6 million5.56-mm rounds for training and combatand owns some 1.1 million rifles between

M16 and M4 models. It is understandablewhy the first move was thus to develop a

more effective round in that calibre.The Soldier Battlefield Effectiveness

paper published in August 2011 by the USArmy PEO Soldier contains some

interesting statements about the newM855A1 Enhanced Performance Round(EPR). According to Lt.Col. JefferyWoods,PEO Ammo, Picatinny Arsenal, Aftertesting and measuring combatperformance, the Army concluded that onlyone general-purpose round was moreeffective than thecurrent 5.56 mm M855 todefeat the wide range of targets faced bysoldiers and thats the new the M855A1Enhanced Performance Round.

Produced by ATK, the new roundmaintains thesamemetrics as theM855 witha 62-grain bullet weight but with

considerable changes in configuration. Thepenetrator is now made in a hardersteelwithanarrowhead,is twice as heavy as theformerand is fully exposed as it extends beyond thecopper jacket, the latter being now reversedrawn and formed from the back of the

Originally partof theItalian Soldato Futuroprogramme, the Beretta ARX-160 rifle is nowbeing acquired off-programmeand is

already distributed to other units operatinginAfghanistan. (Armada/PV)

A Beretta ARX-160assault rifle equippedwiththeGLX-160 40-mmunderbarrelgrenadelauncher. Beretta is answeringnumerous bidsfor new riflessuchas the ICin theUnitedStates, and in India.(Armada/PV)


ASSAULT RIFLES/CARBINESIN5.56X 45MM

Manufacturer LWRC Int. CZ ADCOR FN Herstal Sig Sauer Steyr Mannlicher

Model M6A1-S (14.7) CZ 805 BREN A1 B.E.A.R. (14.5) SCAR Mk16 SIG516 AUG A3

Mode Semi-auto/Auto Semi-auto/2 rds burst/auto Semi-auto/Auto Semi-auto/Auto Semi-auto/Auto

Length extended 856-932 mm 915 mm 883 mm 826-889 mm 885 mm 745 mm

Length stockfolded/retracted

n.a. 670 mm 787 mm 635 mm 805 mm n.a.

Barrel length 373 mm 360 mm 368 mm 356 mm 368 mm 455 mm

Barrel twist 1 in 7 1 in 7 1 in 7

Rate of fire 700-900 rpm 625 rpm 750-800 rpm 680-750 rpm

Magazine 30 rounds 20/30 rounds 30 rounds 30-42 rounds

Weight 3.27 kg * 3.58 kg 3.11 kg 3.27 * 3.15 kg * 3.9 kg

* Without magazine


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bullet up to the penetrator; the original leadslug wasreplaced bya copper slug.

The WC-844 propellant powder wasreplaced by the SMP-842; this provides areduced flash and contains a de-copperingagent for longer barrel life. However themostimportant effectis the muzzle velocity

increase, although the difference from the949 metre/sec of the M855 remainsclassified as well as the increased chamberpressure. This affects significantly theterminal ballistic performances, the newround delivering improved hard-targetpenetration, more consistent performanceagainst soft targets and a significantlyextended range of these desired effects along

its trajectory, accordingto Lt.Col. Woods.

The M855A1 canpenetrate a 9.5-mmmild steel plate at over

350 metres, comparedto 160 metres with theM855. Army ResearchLaboratory tests againsthard targets within theeffective range of theM4/M16 weapon

systems demonstrated that the M855A1outperformed the7.62-mm M80 ballround,which doesnot have a steel penetrator. Thismeans that the new 5.56 mm roundpenetrates some types of body armourdesigned to stop the7.62 mm ball.

Although not participating intheUS ICbid, SteyrMannlicheris continuingwith thedevelopment of itsAug,here in the A3 Special Forcesconfiguration.

(SteyrMannlicher)

I BRITAIN: WEAPONS ON DIET

With weight being an ever-critical issue, Cranfield University wasasked by the Ministry of Defence to carry out an aggressive studyto reduce the current 70-kg soldier load to a mere 25. A firsttarget was to reduce the weight of weapon and ammunition by50 % without losing effectiveness. The final report was handedover to the Ministry in March 2011. Stellite barrels for general-purpose machine guns should allow weight cutting, better heatdissipation, wear and degradation reduction at high temperaturesand therefore allow to removal of the second barrel. Britain isalso looking at the Lsat programme (see picture). GeneralDynamics OTS corrosion-resistant steel cases allow saving aboutfour grams per 7.62-mm round and an estimated two grams per5.56-mm round, while plastic links developed by Ares save 2.25grams per 7.62-mm link. As for the SA80 assault rifle, weightsaving could come from alternative materials for the rifle skinwhile finite element analysis has identified possible weight savingareas. Titanium steel rods save 90 grams per rod, while carbon

nylon for upper receiver and trigger mechanism housing alsoreduce weight. A new underbarrel grenade launcher interfacesaves another 430 grams. Two weapons were completed inearly 2011, the Mk 1 and the Mk 1A and were submitted to athree-day testing at the Infantry Trials and Development Unit.The Mk 1 prototype is 461 grams lighter than the 5.29-kgSA80A2 with Picatinny, downgrip and Elcan, while the Mk 1Aweighs 872 grams less than the 5.5-kg SA80A2 in theatreentry configuration with HK AG36 UBGL.


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Performances obviously depend on thekinetic energy, which, in turn, is influenced

by the barrel length. The above-mentionedfiguresagainst themild steel plate arefor theM4,the M16providingrespectively 385 and240 metres, while against a concretemasonry unit, an obstacle that the M855wont penetrate, the EPR overcomes it at 41metres when fired from an M4 and at 97metres when an M16 is used. The M855A1provides consistent performance againstsoft targets too, regardless of yaw angle or

I LOWWEIGHTANDNEWAMMOFOR

USSMALL ARMS

Launched inFY04theUS ArmysLightweight Small Arms Technologies(Lsat)programmeaimedatdeliveringa newfamilyof lightweight, scalableandaffordable weapons andammunition. AAIwaschosen to lead theprogramme,with Textronputting together a team that includesAres,ATK,Battelle,Cubic,MSC Software,St.MarksPowderand VeritayTechnology. Thefirst target was toreducetheweightoftheM249Saw from17.4kg to10.8kg.Twotypesof ammunition were considered, thecasedtelescoped (CT)andcaseless telescoped (CL) seen here inbeltedform.The CTadopts a fullpolymer cartridge andensures up to40%weightandtwelveper centvolumesavingsover standard5.56 rounds. TheCL hasthe advantageofnocaseejection, weightbeing reduced byhalfand volume by40%(seebargraph). The AAIteamdevelopedCT and CLammobasedon theM855bullet. A gas-operated lightmachine gunusingCT roundswith a rotatingchamber thatimprovesreliability thanksto thein-line feed andejectionmechanism;a long-stroke,soft-recoil system improves controllabilityenhancingaccuracy.Threedesignsweighing 4.52,4.45 and4.18kg wereproduced and tested. Thelatter, featuring semi-automatic and automaticfiringmodes,was fired at theManoeuvreBattleLaboratoryin Fort Benningina three-weekMilitary UtilityAssessment in September2011.Eight weaponswere used to spendover 25,000 rounds.The LMGwas also submittedwithsuccess to TRL7testing. In2008an Lsat Caseless LMGwas testedusingSpiral2 ammunition(an effort is underway to reducethe propellantmaterial cost andto improve thefabricationprocess).Further CLweapontests arependingcompletionof a revised Spiral3 ammunitiondesign. Thecarbine,whichwasfirst test-fired inmid2010,hasan M4 lookalthough it is100mmshorter, thenew ammunition designallowing fora 42-roundmagazine.A second operatingmechanismwasdemonstrated inmid-2011,

but due tothe ICprogrammethe armyis focusingon the LMG.A firstequipped unitwiththe new LMG isforeseenfor FY16.As for the ammo,integration tests ofM855A1bullets in theCT cartridge arecomplete andTRL7testing is pending. CT technologymightsoon beapplied to7.62mmand12.7mm calibres,AAI havingconductedpreliminary packagingstudiesfor those calibres aswellas for the .338LM.

TheLsatmachine gun(seeboxherewith)beingtested. Thelatest version of theweaponweighsonly 4.18 kgwithout ammunition. (USArmy)


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whether in close quarters or longer-rangeengagements.

Asfor accuracy at600 metres, 95% oftherounds fall into a 20 x 20 cm square.M855A1 good points are not only limited tothe terminal effects and precision; theeliminationof thelead slug also reduced theenvironmental impact,the new round beingadvertised by ATK as the Green Bullet.The M855A1 has also been cleared for usewith the M100 Grenade Rifle EntryMunition andwith theM249 Saw.

The first shipment to Afghanistan wasmade in June 2010, and in October thatsame year the US Army ordered nearly 300million EPRs from ATK. The tracer round,

the M856A1, based on the same bulletsolution, has recently passed all designreviews and is currently undergoing

validation tests. Low-rate productionshould start in mid-2012.

The M855A1 nearly cancelledperformance differences between the 5.56

mm and the 7.62 mm rounds, the formersometimes exceeding the latter. Accordingto Lt. Col. Henthorn, small arms divisionchief, U.S. Army Manoeuvre Center ofExcellence, Fort Benning, Once the EPRupdates get incorporated into the 7.62-mmround there will be anothersignificant jumpin performance that we will be able to putinto the soldiers hands. The bigger calibreround completed preliminary designreviews and, upon design completion ATKlooks an initial production start in late 2012.

M855 criticism did not come only fromthe Army. The US Marine Corps was also

unsatisfied with its performance inAfghanistan,especiallywhen fired fromtheM4.Insteadof following theArmypath, theCorps decided to adopt a round developedfor the Socomto be used in theScarcarbine,

I HANDGUNS:

LAST-DITCHDEFENCE

In the military, with the exception of specialforces, handguns are considered last-ditchdefence weapons. However, growinginvolvement in urban combat is givingsemi-automatic pistols greater importancethan in Cold War days. While in the USdiscussions about the replacement of thecurrent M9 pistol, the Beretta 92F in 9 x 19mm calibre, are a never-ending story, theonly major handgun replacement bid isunderway in Britain, where a requirementfor a substitute of the venerable BrowningHP was issued in 2010 with some generalconstraints such as weight and calibre, theoften criticised 9 x 19 mm Nato calibrebeing that of choice. A series of steps havealready been fulfilled, such as technologyand functionality evaluation and companyqualification, the major world handgunproducers having submitted their proposals

as well as specimens of their pistols thatare currently being tested in the harshestconditions, from Greenland to Australia. Atstake are 27,000 handguns and 35,000holsters, the latter being required to be amultiple platform that can be worn on thebelt, chest, shoulder and can be detachedto be placed i.e. in a vehicle. Handgunchoice is awaited within 2012.

DMRS IN 5.56MMCALIBRE

Manufacturer Sig Sauer Sig Sauer Remington

Model SIG516 Precision Marksman SIG556 DMR ACR (16.5)Mode Semi-auto Semi-auto Auto/Semi-autoLength extended 915 mm 1,041 mm 879-953 mm

Length stock folded n.a. n.a. 705 mmBarrel length 457 mm 533 mm 419 mmBarrel twist 1 in 7 1 in 10 1 in 7

Grooves 6 6Flutes No No NoTrigger pull 24 N 25 N 28 N

Muzzle brake Yes No YesEffective rangeMagazine 10 20 30 rounds 10 rounds

Weight 3.65 kg * 5.44 kg * ?? kg

* without magazine; ** loaded with optics

The M855A1 Enhanced Performance Round was developed to improve the performance of theM4, the short barrel of which had reduced the effectiveness of the standard M855 round. (ATK)

Produced by ATK, these M855A1 rounds haveconsiderably increased 5.56 mm weaponeffectiveness. They have recently been clearedfor use in the M249 Saw. (ATK)


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which was capable of defeating a threatbehind a barrier such as a windshield or acar door.

Developed by FederalCartridge, an ATKcompany, from law enforcementprojectiles,the front part that defeats the barrier is

made of lead and has an open tip while therear penetrator is solid copper. Themunition was developed in 5.56 x 45 mm,the Mk 318 Mod 0 with a 62-grain bullet,andin7.62x51mm,theMk319Mod0witha 130-grain bullet, optimised respectively

for the 14-inch barrelof the Scar Mk16 andfor the 16-inch one ofthe Mk17.

The 892-metre/sec muzzle velocity isidentical for the two calibres fired in therespective weapons and remains constanteven when fired in weapons with longer

DMRS IN7.62MMCALIBRE

Manufacturer Sig Sauer Sig Sauer McMillan McMillan LMT Heckler & Koch ArmaLite

Model SIG716 Precision SIG751 M1A M3A MWS G28 AR-10 DMC

Marksman

Mode Semi-auto Auto/Semi-auto Semi-auto Semi-auto Semi-auto Semi-auto Semi-auto

Length extended 1,000 mm 960/870 mm n.a. n.a. 883-959 mm 913-993 mm 927-1,010 mm

Length stock folded n.a. 921/831 mm n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a.

Barrel length 508 mm 570/455 mm 457 mm 457 mm 406 mm 419 mm 457 mm

Barrel twist 1 in 11 1 in 11 1 in 11 1 in 11 1 in 11.25 1 in 12 1 in 10

Grooves 4 6 6 6 6

Flutes Yes No No No No No No

Trigger pull 24 N 35 N 22.3-26.7 N 22.3-26.7 N 20 N 28 N 17.8-22.2 N

Muzzle brake Yes Yes Yes Y Yes Yes

Effective range 800 m 600-800 m

Magazine 10 20 rounds 20 rounds 10 rounds 10 rounds 20 rounds 10-20 rounds 6-15 rounds

Weight 4.8 kg * 3.63 kg * n.a. n.a. 4.49 kg 7.89 kg *** 4.42 kg

* without magazine; ** complete; *** fully loaded with optics


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barrels, while the Mk 319 V0 is reduced to828 metre/sec when fired from the 13-inchbarrel of the Mk 17 CQC. Propellant wasdesigned for short-barrel use, ensuringminimal muzzle flash and barrel wear.Accuracy is under 2 MOA at 600 metres.The US Marine Corps filed a first contractfor a couple million rounds in S eptember2009, around 200,000 rounds havingreached Afghanistan in January 2010. Thedecision to acquire the Mk 318 fully

matching M855 external ballistics does notmean thatthe Corps will not join the Armyinadoptingthe M855A1EPR indue time,adecision that will take into count not onlyperformance but also environmental andcost considerations.

In Europ e the driver for new ammunition in 5.56 x 45 mm was therequirement by a Nato country foran LMGround with better penetration capabilitythan theSS109 but with a lessercost than anarmour piercing (AP) round. RuagAmmotec of Switzerland thus developed theLF HC+ SXHorizon, which was in the veryfinal testing phase in late December 2011.

While maintaining a 62-grainbullet,twothirds of its weight is due to the hardenedsteel core that is backed with a brass shoe.The round maintains the tumblingcharacteristics of the SS109. The effect inwax is similar, but has much betterpenetration in hard targets. Tests provedthat thenew round couldpenetratea seven-mm-thick 350Hb steel plate at 300 metres

and a ten-mmmildsteel plate at600.Designed for barrels with a 1 in 7 inches

twist, the HC+ also showed considerableaccuracy, with standard deviation of 25 to 35mm at 300 metres compared with 45 to 55mm for an SS109 fired from a 480-mm-longbarrel. Ruag Ammotec uses a proprietarypowder thatensures a stable muzzle velocityof930 metre/sec: less than five per cent spreadwas measuredovermore than7000 rounds.

The new powder ensures minimal

muzzle flash, additives reduce barrel wearand smoke residue build-up while the

adoption of a Ruag Sintox non-corrosiveprimer increases barrel life and reduce lifecycle cost. Ruag Ammotec aims at selling itsLFHC+ SXHorizonat a price betweenhalfand one third of that of an AP round androughly 60 % more than standardammunition. The new round, which istotally green and thus also considerablyreduces environmental issues, should beavailablein thefirst quarter 2012.

I DESIGNATEDMARKSMANRIFLES

While the sniper role remains a dedicated

M855A1PERFORMANCEVS.M855

M855A1 M855

SOFT TARGET Consistent Effects

BARRIERS Car Window

Car Door

9.5 mm mild steel

Concrete Masonry Unit

Soft Body Armour(24 layer Kevlar)

ACCURACY Wind Drift

Ranging Error

MOA

Dispersion

Trajectory Matchwith M856 (Tracer)

PROPELLANT Velocity

Temperature Coefficient

Flash Suppression

YES MEDIUM NO

The 5.56-mm Horizonround developed byRuag ensures goodpenetration at long

distances with less thanhalf the cost of an AP

round. (Ruag)

The Heckler & Koch G28 adopted by the Bundeswehr is the militarised version of the MR308.(Heckler & Koch)


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business carried out by specifically trainedsoldiers using mostly bolt action weapons,the designated marksman (DM) is called into engage targets at short-to-mediumranges,usually with a semi-automaticweaponderived froma standardriflesportinga 14.5 to 16.5-inch

barrel and an optical sight oflimited magnification ensuringa good accuracy (usually 1.5minute of angle at 800 or 1000metres). Some DM weaponsmaintain, however, a full auto firingcapability while others have longerbarrels.

In September 2011, the GermanBundeswehr chose as its new DM rifle theHeckler & Koch G28. This semi-automatic7.62x 51-mmrifleis themilitarisedversion ofthe MR308 sport weapon, heavily derivedfrom the HK416/417 series (it maintainsaround 75 % commonalitywiththe 7.62-mm

versionof the assaultrifle/carbine family).Gas-operated with short-stroke piston

and pusher rod, it is fitted with a 16.5-inchheavy barrel that provides 1.5 MOAaccuracy at 600 metres. The stock can be

adjusted over a lengthof 80mm, while10-or20-roundmagazines are available. The free-floating HK rail system allows the

installation of multiple accessories on fourPicatinny rails.

The Schmidt & Bender PMII 3-20 x 50telescopic sightcan be complemented by animage intensifier such as the QioptiqMerlin-LR or by a thermalsightlike theL-3Insight CNVD-T3 uncooled clip-onsystem. A Rheinmetall LLM01 lasermodule is alsoinstalled. If themission doesnot require shooting at ranges over 600meters, a lighter telescope is proposed asoption in theform of theSchmidt & BenderPMII 1-8x24 sight.

TheG28 is alsoavailablein patrolversion

with a shorter receiver, a simpler stock,andwithout forward handle and bipod, cuttingweightby 1.6kg.

FN Herstal introduced the Scar-H PR(the last two letters standing for PrecisionRifle), which can be considered an export

version of the 20-inch barrel Scar Mk 20Mod 0 Sniper Support Rifle adopted by USSocom and for which production wasapproved in late 2010 with first deliveriesachieved in early 2011.

Compared to the Scar-H 7.62 x 51 mmrifle it features a 20-inch heavy floatingbarrel, a 120 mm longer receiver and a

different two-stage with a 2.5 to 3-kg pulltrigger. A foldable stock was adopted foreasier carrying and vehicle access/egress.The Scar-H PR flash hider is designed toallow the adoption of a suppressor. Thesightof choice is the Schmidt& Bender3-12x 50 PM II telescope with FN stating thatwith this sight the rifle achieves 1.5 MOAaccuracy. In late 2011, FN said that a firstcontract for its new DM rifle, which hasbeen tested by numerous potential users,was imminent.

While the British Army adopted theAccuracy International AWM .338 LM as

its new sniper rifle or L115A3 in BritishService the service also decided toreplace its Accuracy International L967.62-mm bolt action rifle for thesharpshooter role. In Afghanistan the needemerged for infantry squads and platoonsto have a semi-automatic 7.62-mmweapon to engage enemy machine gu ns.The idea was to deploy one such weaponper infantry section.

In December 2009 the British chose the

Equippedwith theSchmidt &BenderPMII 3-20x 50sight

the G28 isthe perfectweaponfora designated

marksman. (Heckler & Koch)

The HKG28 fires insemi-automaticmode only and

features a tunable buttstocksimilar to those adopted on

sniper rifles. (Heckler & Koch)

With a 20-inch barrelthe Scar H PR,for PrecisionRifle, is FNHerstalsproposalin the7.62-mmdesignatedmarksman rifle niche. (FNH)


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.308 Modular Weapon System developedand produced by America-based LMTDefense (Lewis Machine and Tool). TheUORcontractwas worthover $ 2.5 millionand included 440 rifles,withan overall need

exceeding 1000 weapons.TheBritishArmy L129A1 Sharpshooter

is an AR15 derivative with a direct gasimpingement equipped with a 16-inch, 1 in11.25 inches rifling stainless steel f lat matte

blackened barrel. Fully ambidextrous, itfeatures a two-position selector and two-stage trigger group,whilethe MonolithicRailPlatform hosts the upper receiver andsurrounds the free-floating barrel. This

DMRS IN7.62MMCALIBRE

Manufacturer NSWC Crane Div. USMC Knights Armament FN Herstal Remington

Model Mk14 EBR M39 EMR M110 SCAR-H PR R11 RSASS

Mode Semi-auto Semi-auto Semi-auto Semi-auto Semi-auto

Length extended 889 mm 1,120 mm 1,190-1,200 mm 1,011-1,070 mm 1,003 mm

Length stock folded n.a. n.a. n.a. 816 mm n.a.

Barrel length 457 mm 560 mm 508 mm 508 mm 457 559 mm

Barrel twist 1 in 10

Grooves

Flutes Yes

Trigger pull 15.7-22.6 N

Muzzle brake

Effective range > 800 m 800-1,000 m

Magazine 10 20 rounds 19 rounds

Weight 5.1 kg 7.5 kg ** 7.0 kg 4.5 kg * 7.14 kg **

* without magazine; ** complete; *** fully loaded with optics


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solution allows theoptics to remain in place

whilethe barrel is being replaced.The British Army adopted the Trijicon

Acog 6 x 48 already in service on machineguns of the same calibre, a Trijicon RMR(Ruggedized Miniature Reflex) being oftenadded over the optical sight for close-quarter battle. The L129A1 stock, grip andrail covers are all in coyote tan. The LMTweaponalso wonthe bidfor NewZealandsdesignated marksman rifle requirement,butfeatures a 20-inch barrel while the sightis a Leupold Mark 4 4.5-14 x 50 LR/T M1.For close combat, Dueck Defense Rapid

Transition Sight iron sights angled at 45have been adopted. A number of these havealreadybeen deployed to Afghanistan.

In America the addition of a marksmanto a squad or platoon has been underdiscussion for years. At the turn of thecentury the Marine Corps decided tointroduce the Squad Advanced Marksman(Sam) with the Army 3rd Infantry Divisionlooking in the same direction shortly after.Modified versions of the M16A4 rifle wereadopted as well as derivatives of the 7.62 x

51 mm M14, theM39 EnhancedMarksmanRifle for the Marines and the Mk 14Enhanced BattleRifle for theArmy.

The M14EBR-RI is issued to unitsdeployed in Afghanistan, eachsquad havingtwo in its armoury. Initially developed for

US Navy special forces with an 18-inchbarrel, the EBR-RIproduced by Tacom has a22-inch (560 mm) barrel with a new flashhider, a lightweight stock and is equippedwith a Leupold Mk 4 3.5-10 scope,ammunition being hosted in 20-roundmagazines. The M39 EMR also features a22-inch barrel and is equipped with the M-8541 Scout-Sniper Day Scope (Schmidt &Bender 3-12x 50PMIILP).

In the Us Marine Corps it will soon bereplaced by a new semi-automatic rifle of

similar calibre, the M110 Sass (Semi-AutomaticSniper System)developedby theArmy to be used as the spotters weapon ofchoice in the two-man sniper team. Aderivative of the SR-25 7.62 x 51 mm semi-automatic weapon manufactured by KnightArmaments, it is fully ambidextrous andfires M118LR 118-grain rounds at 784metre/sec from10- or 20-round magazines.

Army M110s are equipped with aLeupold Mk 4 3.5-10 x 40 mm scopemounted on the Upper Receiver Extending(URX) fore end (which features an integralfolding front sight), to achieve an under-one-MOA accuracy at a range of over 800metres. TheMarine Corps, which acquiredover 800 M110s, went for another scope inthe form of PremierReticles Heritage 3-15x50 (another difference being that theMarines use only 20-rounds magazines).The M110 is currently in service anddeployed downrange by the Army, whichstarted fielding it in Iraq in 2008.

Remington and JP Entreprises joined

TheBritishArmy L129A17.62mmnewdesignatedmarksman rifle is a derivative of theLMT

.308 ModularWeaponSystem. (Armada/PV)

DueckDefensedeveloped theRapidTransition Sight, anM4/M16-lineback-upsight mounted at 45offset that allows toquickly shift froma long rangescope to ashort range iron sight. (Dueck)


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their efforts to develop the R11 Rsass(Remington Semi-Automatic SniperSystem)with theaim of producinga sub-MOA semi-auto rifle in 7.62 mm calibre. Based on JPEntreprises LPR07 receiver, it can beequipped with 18- or 22-inch barrels. Therifle features a fully adjustable Magpul PSR

stockand a Leupold Mark 4 6.5-20 x 50 mm.The R11Rsassis equipped with a Harris LM-S bipod. The base rifle weighs 5.44 kg,ancillariesadding 1.7kg to theweapon.

Beside the various versions of the M14numerous other DM rifles have beendeveloped in the United States in the recentpast. Armalite is proposing its AR-10 DMC(Designated Marksman Carbine) in 7.62mm calibre from fittedwith a Broughton 18-inch 5C Custom stainless steel free-floatingbarrel. A Smith Vortex flash suppressor isadded together with a Magpul CTRcollapsible stock that allows an 83-mm

travel.The two-stagetrigger andan adequatescope (Armalite does notprovide optics andmounts), ensure an accuracyof 1 MOA.

Using experience gained with the MFS-14 folding stock developed for specialforces units that wanted to be able toshorten their M14s during transport,McMillan developed a modernised versionof the M1A Springfield semi-automaticrifle (a civilian version of the M14) whichis now equipped with a short upperPicatinny rail. Another version, theM3A ishowever equipped with a fixed McMillanstock and features a much longerPicatinnythat canhost various types of scopes.Thoseweapons might well be used as DM riflesconsidering their accuracy and calibre. SigSauer is proposing variousDMR versions ofits rifles both in 5.56 and 7.62 mm calibres.The Sig516 with the 18-inch heavy free-floating barrel, two-stage trigger and fixedbuttstock is known as PrecisionMarksman.An AR rifle based on an advanced short-stroke pushrod gas system, it works only in

semi-automatic mode and its long upperPicatinny can host a series of scopes andnight attachments while flip-up back-upironsights are installed.

The threadedbarrel cap allows installingmuzzle brakes/flash hiders or suppressors.Its limited weight is among its advantages

over more dedicated weapons in the samecalibre, such as the Sig556 DMR. The lattercan be equipped with two different coldhammer forged heavy contour barrels, 21-or 18-inch barrels respectively with 1 in 10and 1 in8 inchesrifling.

Built around a full-length gas pistonoperating rod system with a two-positionadjustable gas valve, the Sig556 DMRfeatures a rotating boltand is equippedwitha two-stage trigger and a fully adjustableMagpul PRS buttstock. The short barrel

version has a weight of 4.31 kg without its20-round magazine and is 46 mm shorter

overall, and is thus better suited for DMduty, especially in urban terrain.

In the larger-calibre range the Sig Sauercatalogue features the Sig716 Precision

Marksman. This is the 7.62-mm version ofthe AR series with a 20-inch free-floatingbarrel, but otherwise pretty similar to theSig516 PM. Thesame appliesto theSig751,a 550 series on steroids, the standard

version of which works in automatic, burst

and semi-automatic modes (but which canbe supplied withonly semi-auto function).Therifle is available with 18- and20.5-inchbarrels, other options including anadjustable buttstock and a handguard withaccessory quad rail. Thedemand for DMRsstarted to appear in 2009 and Sig Sauer hasalready provided its 7.62-mm rifles to twocustomers.

TheM14 EnhancedBattleRiflehas been issued to theunits deployed to Afghanistan, eachsquad having two of them. (US Army)

Thanksto its longupper Picatinny rail theMcMillan M3A can accept most scopes andnight vision attachments. (McMillan)

TheRemingtonSemi-Automatic SniperSystem,orRsass,was proposed fortheUSArmyEBRreplacementprogramme. (Remington)



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19CompendiumSpecialOperations 2/2012

FOR EXAMPLE, Dueck Defense hasdeveloped the Rapid Transition Sight(RTS), which replicates the standardM4/M16 iron sight design while

adopting a 45 offset. The RTS is made inaluminium and is mounted directly on thePicatinny rail, rising only five mm over therail thanksto its low profile.The sights canbemounted either on the right or left andfeature _ MOA elevation and windageadjustments. The RTS adds a mere 129grams to the rifle, and according to Dueck

Defense theshooter can learnto usethenewsights within minutes. Besides ensuring fullavailability ofa back-up in any condition, theRTS is well suited for short-range shootingeven if a magnifying scope is fitted. It wasadopted by New Zealand for its newdesignated marksman rifle and is in servicewithother undisclosed countries.

In early 2012, Carl Zeiss Optronicsintroduced a number of new and upgradedsights formarksmanand sniper use. TheZO6 x 36is compact andlightweight (174 mm in

length for 697 grams) and its 5.3 field ofview enables the shooter to survey an ampleportion of terrain without moving the rifle.

Being short it allows the addition of a clip-on night attachment, even on standardPicatinny rails. It features an illuminatedreticle with six daytime and three nighttimebrightness levels,and canbe providedwithacustomer-chosen reticle.

Lessonslearnedin the field ledCarlZeissOptronics to modify its ZF 4-16 x 56telescope and the new ZF 4-16 x 56 TLfeatures locking elevation and azimuthturrets, settings being adjustable only afterlifting turret caps to avoid unintentionalmodifications. Anentirely newsight is theZF3.5-26 x 56 FF; its minimum magnificationprovides for short-to-medium-range use,thoughat x26magnification thetarget can beidentified with maximum reliability. With alength of 370 mm and a weight of 1300grams, it features a red illuminated reticlepoweredby a CR123A battery. CarlZeiss alsodevelopedthe1.77-kg Spotter 45 with a 15 to45 magnification range offering a FoVbetween49 and19 metresat 1000metres.

Three new products have entered the

TheMeprolightM5 isaperfectoptionfor close-quarterbattlesituations.

Weapon SightsWith the widespread adoption of optical sights forstandard assault rifles and carbines, the trend is to fitthose weapons with various forms of back-up ironsights. Some are fixed while others are of the flip-uptype and the resultant compatibility betweenoptical and iron sights is often matter for conjecture,but solutions have been found.


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Leupold military line in early 2012. Two ofthem belong to an entirely new family, inwhich the Mark 6 is built around a rugged,

dependable six-times erector system. TheMark6 1-6 x 20mm has a 35.3to 6.4-metrefield of view at 100 metres, is 262 mm longand weights 482 grams. It features most ofthe typical Leupold scopes characteristics(low profile, Mil-based Zerolock windageand elevation adjustments with availablebullet drop compensation options) and anew selection of calibre-specific, front focalplane reticles to complement the time-proven tactical military reticles.

ThesecondproductistheMark63-18x44mm M5B2, which at only 305 mm and 669grams, is some 20%smallerand lighter than

similar rifle scopes. The sight is similar butadds an auto-locking adjustment thatprovides 20 Mils of elevation travel in tworevolutions of thedial,allowingengagementsbeyond 1500 metres with no inadvertent

zeroing alteration.

The sameauto-lockingadjustments,takenfrom thecompanys Mark 8 1.1-8x 24CQBSS,have also been transferred onto the Mark 83.5-25 x 56 mm M5B2. Its field of view is of10.8 to 1.6 metres at 100 metres, higher thanmost scopes of similar magnification,providing quick target acquisition and hightarget discretion at long range. A 3rdgeneration, seven-position illuminationcontrol allows operators to match the reticleillumination to the ambient light conditionsornight visiondevices.

The most recent addition to the Trijiconcatalogue is the SRS (Sealed Reflex Sight).

This x1 sightadopts a newoptical designandits aluminium casing, only 97 mm long,eliminates the typical tube effect ofstandard red-dotsights, ensuring maximumsituational awareness at short distances.

It has a field of view of 23 metres at 100metreswith a 100-mmeye reliefand featuresa 1.75 MOA dotwithten brightness settings(three for NVG, six for daylight use and onesuper bright for extremely sunny days). Indaylight use a photovoltaiccell helps save thebattery (a single AA ensuring continuous

TheZF 4-16x 56 sight, here mountedonanassault rifle, is a good compromiseformedium- to long-rangeshooting.(Carl Zeiss Optronics)

A light x6 sight, the new ZO6 x 36 from CarlZeissOptronics ensures good accuracy atmedium range. (Carl ZeissOptronics)

A perfectly well suited sight for designatedmarksmen, this Carl ZeissOptronics ZF 3.5 - 26 x 56FF is here seenmounted onanassault rifle.(CarlZeiss Optronics)

The Carl Zeiss Optronics Spotter 45 isthelatest additionto theSpotter family;its magnification varies from x15 to x45.(Carl ZeissOptronics)

13


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operation for more than three years). TheSTS is waterproof to 50 metres, weighs 310grams with battery, or 390 grams withbattery andmount.

Trijicon also added a new member to itsAdvancedCombat Optical Gunsight (Acog)

family, the4 x 32BatteryAcog. Itprovides thesoldier with six levels of reticle intensity, butobviously comes with a weightpenaltyat 514grams withthe singleAAbattery(over12,000hourson setting n.4) andthe TA51mount.

Aimpoint of Sweden, whose sights are in

usein most Nato countries, hasintroduced a2 MOA red dotversion ofits Micro T-1. The 4

MOA version of this miniaturisedsight wasintroduced in 2009, but the development ofthenew version waslaunchedthat same yearfollowing the requirements voiced by somespecial forces requiring a smaller red dotreticule.

Aimpoint invested heavily in newtechnologies to introducea 2 MOA emitterinthe existing sight and managed to maintainthe characteristics of the existing Micro T-1witha lengthof 62mm and a weightof only84 grams (105 grams with the integratedmount). The company system-of-systemsphilosophy proved again successful in late

2011 when Norway placed two majorcontracts. In October a first order for 2000CompM4 sights, an equivalent number of3xMag magnifiers and 10,000 Micro T-1 4MOA was signed, followed in January 2012by a second orderfor 12,000CompM4sand3000 3xMags, adding to the approximately

TheAimpointsystem of systems approachshowed again its appeal in recent contractsfor theNorwegianArmy. (Aimpoint)


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22 CompendiumSpecialOperations 2/2012 15

40,000 sights already delivered to theNorwegian Army.

Following its customers lessonslearned, Meprolightof Israel (partof the SKgroup) has introduced three new sights.TheM5 is a 280-gram red-dot sight with a rapidtarget acquisition display. Powered by asingle AA battery providing over 8000operating hours, theM5 2 MOA red-dot hasfour settings, one for NVGs and three fordaylight,plus the off position.

Users of the Meprolight NOA x7uncooled thermal sniper sight had voicedthe need for a dual magnification sight thatwould maintain the same maximummagnification, but that offered a wider field

of viewfor bettersituationalawareness in thesurveillance phase. This led to the NOADual-Field sniper sight that provides 10.2and 3.4FoVsat x3and x7positions (withx2or x4 electronic zoom). Another recentaddition is the NOA Nyx, a x2 optic with a15.6 field of view that also features a x4digital zoom. With itsopticalmagnification itensures detection at 900 metres and

identificationat 350.The NOA Nyx uses the samecomputer as

the thermal sniper sights, but hosts threeinstead of fiveballistic tables.Picturescan becaptured and transferred via serial output.The Nyxhas the samecontinuousoperationtime as theother NOA seriessights but withonly four AA batteries andweighsless than akilo without batteries. Meprolight confirmsthat the Nyx has already been acquired bytwo countries but declines to provide moreinformation.

In early 2012 Inteco, another SK Groupcompany, officially launched the MiniHunter. Based on an 18-mm Gen II or GenIII tube, this x2 image intensification sight

has an 18 FoV and weighs only 390 gramssans adaptor, cover and battery (an AA thatprovides 40 hours operation at 20C ortwelve hoursat 0 to -30C).

In 2011 Qioptiq introduced a newline ofclip-on image intensifiers and extended itsportfolio in the thermal sight field. TheMerlin family of II systems includes threemodels optimised for assault rifles,

designatedmarksmanrifles andsniper rifles.They are all based on the Photonis 18-mm

XR5 II auto-gated image intensifier, but theShortRange(SR) andMedium Range (MR)

versions are powered by a singleAA Lithiumbattery providing over 40 hours ofcontinuous operation at 20C, while theLong Range (LR) version is powered by twoAlkaline AA batteries that ensure over 90hours continuous operation.

All Merlin sights can be attached via aquick-release mount onto a Picatinny railand be installed and removed without re-zeroing the weapon, boresight alignmentbeinglessthan0.5 MOA.The Merlin SRandMR have a clearstarlight detection range ona

man of 730and 836metres respectively, and1590 and 1780 metres with moonlight. Thefield ofview varies from 17for the SRto 13for the MR, while respective weights sansbatteries is less than 820 and 1060 grams.The LR version weighs 1450 grams, has a2040-metre detection range with quartermoonlight and 2940 metres with fullmoonlight, with a 9 field ofview.

Still with Qioptiq, but on the thermaltheme, theDragonSR, MR and S (for Sniper)sights join the LR and C (for Compact)launched in 2010. The latter is particularly

suited for carbines and assault riflesas it weighs only 390 grams sans

batteries and weapon mount, andensures a detection range of 910

metres, which increases to 1070 metresusing thex2 electroniczoom.

The LR, aimed at designatedmarksmen, candetect a man at2750

metres with the standard x.2.7magnification and at nearly 3 kmwith the x5.4 optical magnification

At the Shot Show 2012 Leupoldintroduced its newMk 6 series.Thisis the1-6magnificationsight providing goodshort- and medium-rangesighting. (Leupold)

Thewidefield of viewof the new LeupoldMk8 3.5-25 x 56ensuresgood acquisition andtargeting capabilities.

(Leupold)

The longer-rangemember of the Mk 6family is the3-18magnification sightthatweighs less than670grams. (Leupold)

Trijicons latestdevelopment, the SealedReflexSight, eliminates the tube effectof standardred-dotsights. (Trijicon)

The Trijicon Acog4x32wasrecently developedin a battery-poweredversion thatprovidesnumerous lightsettings tomatchvarying light conditions. (Trijicon)


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(and even slightly more when addingthe x2electronic zoom). At 1075 grams, theDragon LR is powered by six AA Lithiumbatteries that provide over eight hours ofcontinuous operation, whilethe C usesonlytwo such batteries that provide over five

hoursoperation.The three new Dragons are all powered

by four AA Lithiumbatteriesprovidingovereight hours of continuous operation andhave respectively 8 (SR) and 5.9 (MR andS) horizontal fieldsof view.

Detection ranges increase from the 2300

metres for the SR (2390 with zoom) to 2740metres for the MR (3120 with zoom), theSniper model having the same range of theMR.Weights withoutbatteriesrangefrom730

to930 grams. All models but the LR have an8-12 m 320 x 240 pixel uncooled sensor, theLongRangehavinga640x480-pixelsensor.

All Dragons feature an RS232communications port, a video output andcan be linked to an external power source.Both theMerlinand theDragon sights havegenerated much interest worldwide and arecurrently being assessed, evaluated andtrialled by Nato andnon-Nato forces. Some

contracts have already been signedalthough no details were available fromQioptiq due to non-disclosureagreements.

L-3 EOTech introduced two newholographic hybrid sight kits based on

two of its holographic red-dot sights, the

TheNOANyxx2 developedbyMeprolight of Israelprovidesthermal imaging capabilitiesfor aweightof under onekilogram.(Meprolight)

In 2011 Qioptiqlaunched theMerlinfamilyof imageintensificationclip-onnight sights,which includes, fromleft to right, thelong-rangeLR, themedium-range MR and theshort-range SR . (Qioptiq)

QioptiqsDragon family of thermal imaging sights includes fivedifferent versions, short,medium, long range, compact and, seen here, the Sniper. (Qioptiq)

Thanks to its reduceddimensions andweight(under 400grams) the four-kilometre PLRF25Crangefinder recently introducedby Vectronix isattractingconsiderable interest.(Vectronix)

Meprolights new sights include(fromtoptobottom)the reflex2MOAreddotM5,thex2 compact image intensificationMini-Hunter and the thermal imagingNOADualField. (Meprolight)


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night vision compatible EXPS3-4 and non-compatibleEXPS2-2. Bothweigh 317gramsandhavea x1 magnification, but theformerhas a four-dot reticle calibrated for300, 400,500 and 600 metre ranges, while the latterhas a two-dot reticle for fast targetacquisition. These two sights are combined

with the new G33 magnifier with an eyerelief of 56 mm and a field of view of 7.2.The G33 features the new Quick Switch toSide Mount that allows twisting themagnifier on the side for short-range shots,while quickly putting it back into

position for longer-rangeshots.Vectronixof Switzerland, part

of the Safran group, unveiled itsNitespot MR, the medium-rangeversion of the companyclip-on imageintensifier devices for designated marksmanor sniper support rifles. The 270-mm-long

MR is a typical clip-on devicewith no opticaloffset providing a 7 field of view with nomagnification. Gain and focus controls arecarriedoutmanuallybyremotecontrol.

The900-gramthe systemwill be availablewithPhotonis XR5 or Onyx tubes, althoughGen III tubes can be used on request. It is

powered by a CR123A battery but canalsoworkwith a 1.5 V AAbattery. The sight isequippedwith a universal surface that canbe fitted with different types of railgrabbers, while at 9, 12 and 3 oclock the

sight features integrated interfaces for upto three accessoryrails.

Vectronix also recently introducedother

equipment for snipers, marksmen andforward observers. One of those is thePLRF25C,a 500-gram rangefinder basedon a1550-nm laser with a measuring range of

over 4000 metres with an accuracy of 2metres (2.5 km ona Nato target).Consideredthesmallestand most powerful Milspeclaserrangefinder on the market, its single CR123battery ensures a minimum of 3000measurements, all operations being carriedoutusinga single button.

TheL-3_EotechG33x3.25magnifier (left) issmaller and has a wider field of viewcompared to itspredecessor,the G23.TheHHS2suite combines an L-3EOTechEXPSreddotsight with theG33magnifier, thelatterbeing equipped with a system that allows it tobe quickly emplaced in front of the sight orflipped to the side depending on therequirement of the moment. (L-3 EOTech)

At Milipol 2011 in Paris Vectronix showed thenewmedium-range Nitespot MR imageintensification clip-on sight, here seeninstalled on a Sako TRG rifle. (Vectronix)


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IN THE 40-mm category of grenades,medium-velocity/increased-range(MV)rounds allow to improve range,accuracy and lethality, but MV air burst

types will furtherincreasing lethality againsttargets behind cover. Grenade producershave followed two different approaches inthe development of these weapons, namelyby increasing the muzzle velocity of low-

velocity rounds or by decreasing that of

high-velocity types (the latter having aheavier payloadthusa greater lethaleffect).

MVgrenades, with a V0 slightlyover 100metre/sec, will have an impact on grenadelaunchers. The higher impact of MVgrenades makes it impossible to use themfrom stand-alone systems as these are toolight, butwith underbarrel configurationstheimpulse is lowered by the intrinsiccombinedweight of the rifle and launcher. Whathas to

be checked is the resistance of the couplingbetweenthe rifleand thelauncheritself.

Following those considerationsRheinmetall Weapons and Munitions hasdeveloped two dedicated MV roundlaunchers that remain compatible with low-

velocity rounds. The single-shot Cerberuscan be used either as a stand-alone or as anunderbarrel launcher, at respective weightsof 2.8 kg and 2.1 kg. The key element is therecoil damping system that reduces theimpulse on the shooters shoulder in thestand-alone mode and on the Picatinny railin underbarrel configuration.The350 x 240x60 mm launcher, which can use up to 123-mm-long rounds thanks to its rotatingbreech, willsoonenterpre-productionphase.

The second development is the Hydramulti-round launcher, which can fire insemi-automatic and three-round bursts,automatic mode beingavailable on request.The hydraulic breech wastested in late 2011and 2012 should see the Hydra coming upas a prototype. Various magazines areavailable: linearones are produced in three,six andnine round versions, while a double

Also known as the Punisher, the XM-25fires 25mmair burst grenades that proved

their effectiveness in-theatre againstinsurgents hiding behind obstacles.

Indirect FireIndirect fire support at squad level is always a criticalpoint given the weight soldiers have to carry. In additionto kinetic rounds, indirect fire systems allow soldiers tocreate smoke screens or to illuminate the battlefield.Underbarrel grenade launchers and 40-mm low-velocitygrenades are the standard indirect fire weapons of thefire team, however, other types of systems are emergingthat increase range and terminal effects.


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stack magazine with two per five roundcapacity and a rotary one with nine roundsare also being developed. The Hydrareloading systemautomaticallyadapts to thetype of ammunition being used as theweaponcan fire both LV andMV grenades.Its dimensions are 850 x 240 x 60 mm and

its weight unloadedis aboutfourkilos. BoththeCerberusand the Hydra will also be ableto fire air burst munitions, which are in anadvanced development stage.

Steyr Mannlicher is developing its own40-mm system, but based on a 180-mm-long barrel that canquickly be replaced with

Rheinmetall has launched thedevelopment of theHydra multi-roundgrenade launcher optimised for thecompanys 40-mmMV grenades, hereshown with the nine-round linearmagazine. (Armada/PV)

TheCerberus single-shot 40-mmgrenade launcher is beingdevelopedbyRheinmetall forits medium-velocity roundsand isequippedwitha recoil absorbingsystem. (Armada/PV)


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Mithras illumination rounds fired at a recentRheinmetall demonstration. IR Illum andsmoke versions are also available.(Armada/EHB)

19

a 38 or42-mm calibretypeand enableto fireless than lethal rounds. Working in double-action modeonly, it canbe attachedthrougha Picatinny rail or using its own very-low-profile quick-mount systemthat reduces thedistance between the two barrels and

thereby the parallaxeffect.SteyrMannlicheris refining its launcher and plans to startproduction in early 2012, in time for theAustrian Army tender for 140 pieces. Thelauncheris 270 mmlongandcan also be hadas a stand-alone system. Respective weightsare 1.02 and2.18 kg, the stand-alone lengthwith stock extended being 640mm.

I DOYOUHAVEA LIGHT?

Hand-heldrocket launchersareoftenused forillumination or smoke screening, and somecompaniesrecently developed new systems.

In 2011, Chemring introduced the latestevolution of its Multiple Effects RocketSystem,or Mers, with ranges of300, 500 and600 metres. The latest extended-range Mers-ER, however, stretches outto 1000metres. Itis in final development and qualificationphaseand will be available in late 2012.

The rockets incorporate a three-stagesafety, requiringthe operator to first turn thetwist initiator clockwise from the Safe toArmed position, pull it to Fire position and

I FIELD TESTINGFORTHEXM-25

Known as the Counter Defilade Target Engagement weapon system and renamed IndividualSemiautomatic Air Burst System, ATKs XM-25 has become one of the favourite weapons used inAfghanistan, although only five such systems are currently deployed downrange. Developed withHeckler & Koch USA and L-3 Communications Brashear (the latter being responsible for the firecontrol system), the XM-25 Punisher (as unofficially called by soldiers that use it in

Afghanistan) employs 25-mm HEAB (High Explosive Air Burst) grenades. Fuses are set by theFCS to explode over the enemy position, which allows engaging enemies behind an obstacle.The sight features a day optic channel, a thermal channel, a laser pointer/illuminator and a laserrangefinder, the latter being the key element to establish the target distance because this istransformed into the number of spiral rotations the grenade will have to achieve before the fusetriggers the detonation. HEAB grenades can be used also in point detonation mode. Apart fromHEAB, only training rounds are currently available, but ATK is in the last stages of development ofarmour-piercing ammunition. The XM-25 point target range is about 500 metres, while that forarea targets is around 50% further. The Punisher is 749 mm long and weighs 5.67 kg withunloaded four-round magazine. Its performance was strongly appreciated by soldiers as it giveshigher probability of effect compared with traditional weapons. Forward Operational Assessmentended in January 2011, and the two units that had the chance to deploy the XM-25 fired in total55 rounds in anger while many more rounds were fired for training purposes. Proposedimprovements include greater range (up to 1000 metres), and possibly weight reduction. TheUS Army raised $ 24.7 million in November 2011for the production of 36 more weapons (the

equivalent of a battalions worth considering two XM-25 per squad), already incorporating someof the suggested modifications, and 10,000 HE and 5000 practice rounds. Deliveries areexpected in late 2012 for downrange deployment in the first half of 2013. In March 2011 ATKreceived $ 65.8 million from the US Army's PEO Soldier for the Engineering and ManufacturingDevelopment phase. By the end of this contract, in early 2014, the design should be frozen toallow mass production. Depending on force structure evolution, the Army might buy between10,000 and 12,500 Punishers as of 2014.


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only then the twist initiation can beactivated, either clockwise or counterclockwise (the system is fullyambidextrous).The 300-metre range illumination rocketsare 260 mm long with a 47-mm diameter,weigh some 550 grams and reach amaximumaltitude of 200 metres whenfired

at 45. Itprovides 200,000 Candela for up to30 seconds; the IR-Illum version burns formore than 30 seconds. While a 600-metrerange was available, a lighter 500-metre

version was developed following a specificcustomers reduced-weight requirement(less than 470grams both in theIlluminationandIR-Illumversions, butsamelength). The1000-metre type is 340mm long and weighsapproximately 600 grams. A new smokelesspropellant was introducedwith two benefits:itdoes not generate a smoke trailthatcan beused by the enemy to trace back the f iringposition and increases therocket speed and

thus stabilityand accuracy. Currentpayloadsinclude smoke screening, 200,000 Candelawhite lightillumination andIR illumination.

Following qualificationin 2010, 2011 sawRheinmetall starting production of itsMithras modular rocket system with rangesof300, 600and 1000 metres. Mithras rockets

(above)Originally a Frenchproduct, theFly-Klightmortarsystems license hasbeen acquiredby Rheinmetall,which plans product upgrades.Oneof them is this newdigital clinometer (left),whichwill improve accuracy andwill make itmore user-friendly. (Armada/PV)


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are waterproof down to twometres and canbe equipped with payloads for variouseffects, such as white or IR illumination,signalling, screening smoke, radar chaff orradar tracking. All rockets adopt the sametwist ignition mechanism that guaranteesmaximum safetyagainst accidental ignition,

to Stanag 4497. To fire the rocket theoperator must keep both hands on thesystem to ensure maximum accuracy. Therockets come in the form of 350-mm long,40-mm calibre tubes with weight rangingfrom 500 to 800 grams depending on rangeand payload type. Maximum altitude isabout 250 metres, while burning time ofilluminating or smoke payloads variesbetween 20 and 40 seconds. The launchcustomer was the British Army, whichcarried out a tough qualification processincluding vibration tests for helicoptertransport, and then adopted theIR Illumand

Smoke versions. It was followed by Canada(with deliveriesto startin early2012)andbyThailand. Denmark also selected theMithras and a contract is expected in 2012.Thailandadopted among others a multiple-star signalling warhead (many other typesarebeing developed).

Another product from the Rheinmetallportfolio is the Fly-K, a light launcher theroundof whichprovides effectsthatare close

to those of light mortars, but at considerableweightsavings.The systemis notnew, as yearsago it was produced by a French company,rights having been acquired by Rheinmetallin December 2006. A M4 Mk1 60-mmCommandomortarwith eight bombs weighsover 21 kg. Although it has a more limitedrange (currently 650 metres versus 1500 formost 60-mm mortar rounds fired fromcomparable length barrel), the612-mm-longFly-Kweighsonly4.7kganditsHEround780grams (the heavier among operationalrounds),meaning that over 20 rounds canbecarried within the 21-kg limit, or, for a samenumber of rounds the Fly-Ksystem will addless than eleven kilos to the patrol burden.Another major advantage of the Fly-K is itsflashless andalmost soundlessoperation thatreduces its chances of being spotted. Whenthe round is droppedin the tube its rearpartengages a spigot, acting on the manual firingsystem, which ensures that the soldier keeps

both hands on the tube for maximumaccuracy, the operator ignites the launchcharge that accelerates the round up to itsmuzzle velocityofaround 97 metre/sec.Thatgasremainswithin thebombrear propulsionsection as it pushes backwards a piston thatsealsthegasinthebombwhenthisleavesthe

launch tube, thus considerably reducing thesound and flash signature. According toRheinmetall, the launch of a Fly-K bombgenerates 52 dB against 80 dB for a 40-mmlow-velocity round and 100dB for a 60-mmbomb. Five round types are available, HE(M101),smoke (M105),illuminating (M106),IR-illuminating (M116) and target practice(M108).TheHEroundhasalethalrangeof16

metres and generates 580 fragments, whileilluminatingroundsprovide theireffect forover25 secondsat a range of550metresand

a height of 190. A clinometerattached to the launcher is used

for range aiming, with a 0.3%accuracyinrangeand0.16%inazimuth according the

company. A digital clinometer isbeing introduced that automatically

providesthe range ona three-digit screen.Itwill be available by late 2012. New

developments in ammunitionarealso in the pipeline. Extended-

rangeammunitionhas alreadybeen tested, reaching nearly1000 metres, howeverRheinmetall is carefully

looking at safety, resistance and

system wear aspects. A decisionabout the production of a new range of

ammunition or that of a new longer systemhas still to be taken and will depend oncustomer interest. The availability of thedigital clinometer will certainly help, as thiscan work with more than one ballistic table.Rheinmetall has just qualified its first batchof production TP, IR Illum, WP and HErounds, which have been accepted by theFrench Army. A French Army SpecialForces officer explained to the author thatthe Fly-Khad been used in AfghanistanandIvory Coast with very positive results.Rheinmetall considers the Fly-K as a nichesystem mostly aimed at Special Forces andlight infantry. Besides the French SpecialForces and theFrench Army infantry units,theonly other Fly-K customer is theUnitedArab Emirates Special Forces. A modular,multi-spike launcher is also proposed byRheinmetall for base protection. Known astheProtector, it is able to launchup to twelverounds in 2.2seconds.


The launchcustomer for theRheinmetallMithras hand-launched rockets is the BritishArmy, soon followed by numerous othercountries. (Armada/PV)

With themost recentdevelopments of itsAUGSteyrMannlicherovercame the limitations oftheoriginal riflein termsofsights and accessories

capacity. SteyrMannlicher


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T

URNING FIRST to acousticdetectors, Raytheon BBNTechnologies BoomerangWarrior-X

is being extensively employeddownrangewithgood results.A newentryinindividual acoustic sensors will beintroduced at Eurosatory in June, where01dB Metravib of France will unveil theproduction version of its Pilarw WeaponMounted System (WMS) acoustic gunshot

detection system. The WMS is theminiaturised version of the Pilar, atetrahedral microphone suite that has beenminiaturised andinstalled in a mushroom-like dome where the lower part houses the

Thelatestversion of01dBMetravibsPilaracoustic detection system, the rifle-mountedW,

providesdirectcueingtowardsthesourceof fire.

Vital

PeripheralsWhile accurate aimingis of paramountimportance whenresponding to a threat,that threat and itsparticular origin areoften difficult to pick in anopen environment.Manageable acousticdetectors have nowcome of age, andsee-through-wall devicesno longer are sci-fifilm props.


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32 CompendiumSpecialOperations 2/2012 23

processing unit, the display and the twoeight-hour endurance AA batteries. Thealgorithms used for the soldier version arethe same as vehicular version. Thecompanys choice was to install the sensordirectly on the weapon, with the systemsread arrow display indicating to the gunner

where to point the gun with a ten per centaccuracy in azimuthand a central green ledtelling the soldier when he can start usingthe guns sight. The display intensity can beadjusted to ambient lighting, the systembeing NVG compatible. The Pilarw can beattachedto theriflevia a Picatinny rail,doesnot require a cable and can be mountedeither right or left to avoid interference withoptical sights. It weighs less that 350 gramsand can provide the threat distance with a15 % accuracy. 01dB Metravib is talking tonumerous sight producers with a view tointegrating the systems generated data into

the sights.

I PEEPING TOMS

With the increasing engagement of troopsin urban scenarios came a series of newsensors to increase their situationalawareness.Sense-through-the-wall devicesare starting to be fielded. In 2010 the USArmy supplied its troops in Afghanistanwith tow versions of Tialinx Eagle 5 radarscanners, one to identify human beingsbehind walls and the other to unveiltunnels and culverts. The millimetric-waveEagle5-P capable of identifying a live object

moving behind a wallwas unveiled in April2009. Used by the US Army downrange,feedback indicates that soldiers wouldprefer a single-hand device. Tialinx thusdeveloped the Eagle45-W (wearable) witharm-mounted sense-through-the-wall unitemitting nanosecond wideband pulses thatpenetrate glass, wood, concrete, dry walland bricks. The receiver hardware andalgorithms build a depth-from-sensorimage based on the effective strength of thereceived signals from a target. Commandsare reduced to four keys, the image beingprojected on a featherweight high-resolution display integrated within a pairof glasses or goggles. Thesensorweighs3.2kg with batteries.

In 2010 PEO Soldier placed two multi-million dollar contracts with RaytheonSpace and Airborne Systems and L-3Communications Cyterra for theproduction of 30 Sea-Through-The-Wall(STTW) units each for testing purposes.Known as the AN/PPS-26 SSTW, they will

BCB International Blast Boxers ensure the protection of groin and inner thigh areas andthereby considerablyreduce genital and femoralartery injuries. (Armada/PV)


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allow the soldier to detect moving orstationary targets behind a non-metallicobstacle. The system should be capable ofpicking up targets when used against thewall as well as when activated at standoffdistance. Development was carried outduring FY11, operational testing andMilestoneC allowing the production of finalprototypes being scheduled for FY12 whileFY13 should see the first unit equipped withthe AN/PPS-26. Very few details on thatprogramme are available.

In Israel, Camero-Tech, part of the SKGroup, developed the Xaver family of

systems that rangesfrom the3-D Xaver 800through the tactical 2-D Xaver 400 to thehand-held Xaver 100 unveiled in October2011. The smaller system is 196 x 81 x 50mm in size and weighs 550 gramsincluding the four AA batteries that ensurethree hours operation time. Using

TheXaver100developedbyCamerotech ofIsraelis amono-dimensional lightweight sensorthatallowsone tosense the presence ofahumanbeingbehindawalland toestimate hisdistance fromthe sensor. (Armada/PV)


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micropower, ultra-wideband pulsed radar

signals in the three to ten GHz band it candetect a person behind concrete, plaster,brick or drywall at eight metres with arange resolution of less than 0.15 metresover a 120 field of view in azimuth andelevation. A graphic on its colour screenshows a distance axis graduated from0 to8metres with the symbol of a person eitherstaticor on themove.

I PROTECT!

Issues such as protection and battlefieldidentification have become of considerableimportance.

Statistics show that soldiers on footinvolved in IED accidents in Afghanistanface increasing double amputations andgenital injuries. Besides body armour,which defends the soldiers torso, otherareas of the body absolutely need to beprotected, like the groin-inner thigh areawhere reproduction organs as well asfemoral arteries are found. The systemsused to counter that risk have nothing to dowith usual ballistic groin protection addedto body armour. They come in the form ofunderwear or outside blast boxers,depending on the protection level required.

The US Army adopted a British-made

system, developed by Cooneen Watts &Stone. This comes in two tiers, a lightweightsilk underwear with no fly to maximiseprotection, and an outside garment withKevlar inserts to protect the pelvic andinner thigharea.

The US Marine Corps adopted theArmorworks Pugs, short for ProtectiveUndergarment.Also withoutfly, it is madeoffire/flame resistant breathable andantimicrobial fabrics based on silk andtheylook like bicycle shorts. An initial order for15,000 Tier 1 garments was followed byothers, all Marines operating downrangewearing them when operating out of base.Kevlar basedTier 2 garments have also been

This photographof a Chamerotech Xaver 100screen shows the presence of a humanmoving away from the sensor, and it displaysthe distance. (Armada/PV)

Cyalume is developinga series of items thatarenot only dedicated to lighting, butalsotoin-field identification with a view to reducingblue-on-blue accidents. (Armada/PV)


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issued, worn only by Marinesexposed to specific threatssuch asIED disposalteams.

BCB International in Britain has developed a two-tiersystem. Tier 1 is providedby Blast Boxers, which according tothe company ensure 30% higher protection compared to silkproducts. They areflameretardant and weigh only 150gramsin medium size. Two types of Tier 2 systems are provided by

BCB, Blast Chaps protectingthe upper legand groin area andBlast Breeches thatextend below knee. Both solutions featurea waistbandthatfitsoutsidethe body armour and deflectstheblast away from the body, Blast Breeches also including anaramid split strap that helps reducing hips and pelvicdislocations, another frequent secondary effect of IEDexplosions.

Ear protection is another major issue, various in-ear andout-ear solutions having been adopted,both solutions showinggood and bad points. Thelatest in-eardevelopment by Nacre, aHoneywell company, is the Quietpro 400 that allowscontrolling up to four different communication devices,providing full jump-on/plug-in transition throughout allmobility platforms. The Quietpro 400 is equipped with a fit-

check system that is run upon ear tip insertion and alerts thesoldier if the level of protection is not met. Externalmicrophones catch the signal that is processed by the digitalnoisereductionsystem that bringsdown noiseto an acceptablelevel while optimising communications. The soldier can alsotune hearing amplification to x5 normalhearing. Powered by arechargeable Li-Ion 3.7 V cell or by two Lithium CR123


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disposable batteries that provide over 60hours with typical user profile, the QP400control unit weighs 290 grams while theheadset weighs only 36 grams. An evenmore comfortable headset was introduced

in early 2012 while a system that allows in-earnoiserecording should alsobe availableby mid-2012. Honeywell is proposing itsQuietpro 400 for the UK Tactical HearingProtection Programme that should belaunched in the currentyear.

The latest development of Peltor, a 3M

company, is the Comtac IV hybrid headset.

The new version is based on the ComtacACH (III) but earmuffs are replaced byearplugs. The inside shape has beenredesigned and the cup is shorter andgenerates less interference with the riflestock. The ear bud is attached to the frame,thus taking thestrain andweight off theearcanal. New earplugs areunder developmentto further increase comfort.

Another key issue is battlefieldidentification. Awaiting the advent of abattlefield IFF, lighting and IR devices arecurrently used.Cyalume,well known for its

visible and IR chemiluminescent sticks, is

producingIR-reflectant patches thatcan beseen some 600 metres away and identifiedat a range of 100 metres. The company alsodeveloped the Cypad, a small pouch withtwo compartments with a piercing systemthat puts in contact the two elementsgeneratingvisible light (in different colours,or in IR spectrum. Cypad Visible andCypad IR are lighter than Cyalume batonsandensure respectively tenand eight hoursof light. A third version, the CypadThermal, generates heat up to 45-50Cproviding a beacon for thermal imagingsystems. Currently CypadThermal is made

of a pouch containing a chemical to whichwater must be added to start the reaction,whichensures duration of four to sixhours.However Cyalume is workingto improve itsdesign and to make its activation muchsimpler, the production version beingawaited forthe second half of 2012.


CompendiumSpecial Operations2012Suppl ement t o I ssue2/2012

Volume36, IssueNo. 2, April/May 2012

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ONTHECOVER: A RemingtonAdaptiveCombatRiflebeingputthroughitspaces.Therifleis oneof themany competitorsfor theUS Army IndividualCarbinecompetition. Fully ambidextrous, it is amodularweaponthat canbe convertedfrom5.56mmto6.8mmcalibrein less than twominutes.

ADVENTURE LIGHTS 7

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The US Marine Corps selected ArmorworksProtective Undergarment to improve thesafety of its Marines deployed downrange.(US Marine Corps)

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