Weapons

Ground Combat Vehicle begins long journey

By Lance Bacon on December 3, 2010 Army, Gear, Pentagon, Vehicles, Weapons

NASA let down legions of breath-holders who were convinced an alien roll-out would happen on Thursday. But do not be disappointed. The Army has unveiled a document thought by many to be a mythical concoction, or at least one that would remain hidden deep in the bowels of the Puzzle Palace, never to be seen by mere mortals. But now we know it does exist: The Ground Combat Vehicle’s Request for Proposal. All kidding aside, there were no surprises contained in the RfP, though the long wait and recent fiscal fallout made some question whether it would come to pass.…

Taking aim at the defense budget

By Lance Bacon on December 1, 2010 Army, Congress, Gear, Iraq, Pentagon, Weapons

The Pentagon says the defense budget must grow roughly 3 percent above inflation each year to sustain the military at current levels. As a result of the nation’s fiscal fallout, military spending will grow only 1.8 percent in 2012, and 1 percent in following years. That means the Pentagon must cut tens of billions from its budget to make up the difference. How will this happen? Let’s first consider Iraq, where there are some interesting numbers floating around as that nation beefs up its military in the wake of U.S. troops departing.

Army looks to improve the MK19

By Lance Bacon on November 30, 2010 Army, Outside the wire, Weapons

First introduced in 1966, the 40mm, belt-fed automatic grenade launcher is arguably one of the coolest – and baddest – weapons in the organic infantry. The Rapid Fielding Initiative now looks to improve the MK19 with an advanced sighting/targeting system. In a “sources sought” notice released this morning, the service described “an immediate need for an advanced sighting/targeting system for the MK-19 Grenade Launcher. The system will operate during day, night and all weather conditions.” The notice set forth the following requirements: The sighting system will allow the weapon to be aimed and fired in the same time frame as…

Carbine Competition moving forward

By Lance Bacon on November 26, 2010 Army, Weapons

The Army is one step closer to launching its Individual Carbine Competition. On Wednesday, service leaders at Picatinny Arsenal invited competitors to sign up for a familiarization shoot and compatibility check. The familiarization shoot will provide competitors 10,080 rounds (six cases) of M855A1 Enhanced Performance Rounds, aka “Green Ammo.” Though it will be offered only in 5.56 mm, the competition is open to any caliber. But chances are, if the weapon isn’t 5.56 mm or 7.62 mm, you can count it out. The M320 Grenade Launcher and M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System will also be on hand so industry can…

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