In early 2017, the US Army completed the XM17 Modular Handgun System competition, which aimed to select a promising pistol to replace existing samples. The winner of the competition was SIG Sauer with its P320 pistol in two modifications - M17 and M18. Along with the pistols, the military demanded a number of new cartridges. In the near future, the emergence of another ammunition is expected, designed to improve the combat qualities of weapons.
In the process of rearmament
In fact, a program to find a new pistol was launched at the end of the 2000s at the initiative of the US Air Force. In the future, the army began a similar competition. The real search for a pistol for rearmament started in the early tenths, and comparative tests began in 2014. The final MHS competition was launched in early 2015.
The Pentagon received proposals for eight pistols of American and foreign production. After several stages of comparative tests, the military chose the most successful one. In early 2017, SIG Sauer was declared the winner with its customized P230 pistol.
In the same year, several batches of serial pistols M17 (full-size P230) and M18 (compact version) were handed over to the customer and distributed between a number of parts. In 2018, additional requirements for the finalization of the design appeared. The production, supply and operation of weapons continues.
In the foreseeable future, the M17 and M18 should completely replace the existing pistols of several types. According to the Pentagon's plans, SIG Sauer products will be used in all branches of the armed forces. This will allow you to get all the advantages associated with the unification of the army's weapons.
Chucks for MHS
As part of the MHS program, it was planned to select not only a pistol, but also new cartridges for it. M17 / 18 uses 9x19 mm Parabellum ammunition. Especially for him, it was necessary to develop two new live cartridges with a shell and expansive bullet. During the design and comparison phase, these cartridges were named XM1152 and XM1153, respectively. By now they have gone into series and have lost the letter "X".
The military cartridges developed by the Winchester company have been adopted. Due to customer requirements, the ammunition is based on existing products and has limited differences, which made it possible to quickly start production and reduce cost.
The M1152 cartridge uses an ogival-shaped sheathed lead bullet with a flat nose. Weight - 115 grains (7.45 g). The muzzle velocity at the exit from the M17 pistol is approx. 400 m / s. Such a bullet must combine sufficient penetration with the greatest possible stopping effect. The M1152 is considered as the main cartridge for the M17 / 18, designed to solve most of the tasks.
For special operations, the M1153 cartridge is offered, the bullet of which has an expansive cavity (JHP). Winchester developed such a bullet based on the existing T-Series line. In terms of its parameters, the M1153 bullet is close to the M1152, but it has significant differences. The cavity in the bullet nose should provide a more complete transfer of energy to the target.
The M1153 cartridge is offered as a special ammunition for use in special situations and in individual operations. It is argued that in a number of situations, the proposed bullet design will allow it to hit targets without the risk of through penetration and collateral damage. Also, the developers indicate that the bullet does not contradict international agreements and can be freely used in the army.
Also developed a training cartridge M1156 - a copy of the combat M1152 without combustible components and with a hole in the sleeve. There is an idle M1157. It differs from the combat one by the presence of a burning plug that closes the muzzle of the sleeve.
Defense companies have already started mass production of new types of cartridges and are supplying them to the army. Thus, the Pentagon has now received the desired rifle complex, which includes several new products.
Apparently, due to this complex, it is possible to increase the performance of existing weapons. The new 9x19 mm cartridges are fully compatible not only with the M17 / 18, but also with older army pistols. However, they do not plan to use such opportunities for a long time. The aim of the current program is to completely switch to modern pistols, and the new line of cartridges will eventually only be used with the M17 and M18.
New ammunition
Recently it became known that the US Army will receive one more cartridge with a special bullet. Back in March, the procurement department of the Ministry of Defense posted documents on the planned deliveries of cartridges with the XM1196 index. Unfortunately, most of the information on this ammunition is not yet available, however, there are various estimates and assumptions.
The exact requirements for the XM1196 are unknown. Obviously, this will be the 9x19 mm Para cartridge. The bullet must have an expansive cavity and provide an efficient transfer of kinetic energy to the target. The cost of a cartridge with a new bullet is 31 cents per piece.
It is not known which companies participated in the competition, who won and how the bullets of their development differ. It should be expected that some of this data will be published in the foreseeable future. This will clarify the situation and provide answers to basic questions regarding the patron and the entire MHS program.
It is currently unclear why the Pentagon ordered the development and production of a new expansive bullet cartridge. In the recent past, the M1153 ammunition from Winchester entered service, which showed sufficient performance. Now, for some reason, the army demanded a new, similar cartridge.
The appearance of an order for the XM1196 may indicate the desire of the Pentagon to expand the range of ammunition for pistols under 9x19 mm - first of all, for the newest M17 and M18, which are to become the main and the only ones in their class. At the same time, the order could be the result of dissatisfaction with the existing M1153 product.
Despite being adopted and put into production, the existing cartridge with a JHP bullet may have certain problems and not fully meet the requirements. Disadvantages can manifest themselves in the form of insufficient penetrating action when working on unprotected and protected targets. Also, insufficient energy transfer to the target cannot be ruled out. If so, then the new cartridge should be free of these disadvantages.
Unfortunately, very little is known about the XM1196 cartridge so far. In fact, only information about its existence, about the main design feature and about purchases has become public knowledge.
Great responsibility
According to the current plans of the Pentagon, over the next few years, all branches of the US armed forces will abandon their existing pistols and switch to the latest M17 and M18 from SIG Sauer. These products are to become the main weapon of their class for the next several decades. For this reason, the choice of a pistol and cartridges for it is of particular importance and is associated with great responsibility.
The choice of weapon has already been decided. The problem of updating the range of ammunition for it has been resolved only partially. Four different-purpose cartridges were adopted for service, and a fifth was also created. At the same time, the reasons for the appearance of the latter are not yet completely clear about the reasons for the appearance. It can be an addition to other products or a replacement for one of them. There is no exact explanation yet.
However, all options and explanations considered are consistent with the importance and responsibility of the MHS program. Based on the results of all current work and purchases, a full-fledged shooting complex with a modern pistol and a full range of necessary ammunition that fully meets the requirements will appear in service with the entire US Army.
