We write a lot about what is being developed here, and sometimes we forget about the weapons that are being developed "there". This is partly due to a lack of information. Partly a banal lack of interest in these developments. But it is necessary to watch, at least in order to correctly assess the level of the idea and, accordingly, the possible threat.
Today we will talk about small arms. More precisely, about a new concept of automatic weapons for special operations forces and other special forces.
We are interested in this assault rifle already because even in the announcement from the developers it says directly:
"The assault rifle is designed to successfully defeat targets using Russian and Chinese-made bulletproof vests for protection. The weapon, being lightweight and long (half of the prototype M4 rifle), is capable of firing ammunition at twice the initial velocity …"
Attentive readers have already understood why the future weapon is intended for "specialists". The M4 machine gun was originally adopted as a weapon intended for special operations forces. That is why the M4 was shortened and became lighter than the original M16A2 prototype.
Based on the statements made by the American developers, we can assume the weight and length of this weapon. Accordingly, 1, 4-1, 6 kg weight without a magazine, 380-420 mm - length, depending on the position of the butt. Agree, it is really important, especially for the MTR.
According to American sources, the rifle is being developed at the Army Research Laboratory (ARL) at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland. Which is quite logical. Indeed, the Aberdeen branch of the laboratory (there are five of them in the United States) has both the personnel and the production capabilities to develop such weapons. It is there that they study captured weapons, and not only small arms, but also artillery. It is there that technological and analytical research is carried out in the interests of the US Army.
Alas, we could not find the designation of the prototype of the new machine gun. Nameless or classified. But they were able to confirm our conclusions about the appointment. Here is what one of the developers of the new weapon, an engineer at ARL Labs, Zach Wingard, said (interview with TechLink):
"The goal is to have a very small, high-power rapid-fire rifle that can be adapted for sweeping or confined space applications."
"… for embarking and disembarking from vehicles or underground shelters, as well as for use in remotely controlled systems."
The rifle will use a telescopic cartridge. From here it becomes clear that the development is being carried out according to the Next Generation Squad Weapon-Technology program already known to us.
Recall that the first of the five rifles planned for the program, the American army has already received in March 2019. Most likely, it was a 6, 5 mm CS rifle (6, 5 CS Carbine), developed to replace the M4 family (2016).
The barrel length of the new assault rifle is 10 inches (approximately 26 cm). Conical barrel. The designers are developing a new breech, which is natural when using a reinforced cartridge. The planned muzzle velocity is 2900 feet per second (880-890 m / s).
How do American designers plan to increase the muzzle velocity? What do the Americans themselves say about this?
Due to the use of a telescopic ammunition. It was he who made it possible to create a barrel with a tapered hole. Thus, the excess pressure in the chamber is converted into kinetic energy practically along the entire length of the barrel. This is the basis of the principle of obtaining a high initial speed with a short bore.
It is clear that when using a more powerful ammunition, and, consequently, increasing the pressure in the chamber, a more cumbersome breech is needed. The new rifle is supposed to use a new design - with a screw lock instead of a bolt lock.
We also have at our disposal some test results of this barrel. According to TechLink, when tested, the tapered 24-inch tapered barrel withstood a total pressure of 65 to 100 thousand psi, and the muzzle velocity of the bullet reached 4600-5750 fps. If we compare these indicators with the original M4 model, it turns out to be almost twice as much.
In general, information about the development of a new assault rifle appeared back in February 2018.
It was then that in the American edition of Task & Purpose, highly respected by us for objectivity, the American colonel, chief of the development department of the army headquarters Jeffrey A. Norman spoke about the new cartridges.
And even then it became clear what the Americans want from the new rifle. The main thing is to ensure the penetration of Russian body armor at a distance of up to 600 meters.
“Over the past 10-15 years, we have focused our efforts on developing weapons that hit unprotected targets. Today, a new threat has emerged from countries such as Russia and some other countries. We have focused on developing weapons that hit protected targets. a weapon that strikes defense at long distances. For example, in Afghanistan, where battles are fought over long distances, from the top of one mountain to the top of another."
Moreover, Norman directly called the creation of new weapons a stage of confrontation between the great powers (Russia and China). This is a "competition between the great powers."
The development of new systems of small arms was and is ongoing. Defense is improving, therefore, there is a need for new weapons. This is an axiom that is clear to everyone. The weapon has a life of its own. Born, live, die.
The new assault rifles of the US Army are really needed. As they are needed by our army, the Chinese, Indian, Brazilian and all other armies.
With regard to a specific sample, even in what we know today, you can find many strange things. It is possible to provide armor penetration at such distances. And how to provide an aiming range with such a short barrel? How to eliminate the recoil of a rifle with such a powerful cartridge, which, moreover, increases many times during automatic firing? And so on …
Perhaps the designers of small arms should really think in this direction. Moreover, the Americans have already officially announced the launch of the NGSW program in the fall of 2021.
