Small Arms Master Plan
The Small Arms Master Plan ( Eng . "Overview plan for small arms "; abbreviated SAMP ) was an American development program in the 1990s, in which revolutionary new infantry weapons for the United States Army should be developed, which sometimes failed.
The abbreviation OICW (Objective Individual Combat Weapon) is also often used for the HK XM29 rifle , which, among other things, emerged from this program. The program also inspired other countries, which then also research such weapon systems.
history
prolog
In 1948, the US Army established the Civil Operations Research Office (ORO) to do operations research like the UK . One of their first projects was the ALCLAD project , which dealt with body armor . In order to produce reasonable research results, however, more information about injuries during a battle first had to be gathered. That is why over 3 million combat reports from the First and Second World Wars were analyzed. A number of results were published in the years that followed.
The conclusion was that most fighting takes place at close range. In a highly mobile war ( blitzkrieg ), combat teams from both sides often come together surprisingly; the team with the most firepower usually emerged victorious. They also found that the likelihood of being hit in combat was purely random. Accurate aiming made little difference as the target usually did not stand still or was in cover. The number of wounded in combat was roughly proportional to the number of projectiles fired. Other studies on the behavior of US soldiers showed that 2/3 had never fired their weapon in combat, in contrast to soldiers with automatic weapons ( machine pistols , machine guns ) had fired disproportionately often.
This led to the following conclusions:
- The soldiers should be equipped with a rapid fire weapon
- The soldiers should take as much ammunition as possible with them, this required a light rifle and light ammunition, since the number of projectiles fired was proportional to the number of wounded opponents, regardless of the caliber
The weapons of the time were unsuitable for this purpose. The M14 was too big and too heavy, as were the 7.62 × 51mm NATO ammunition it used.
Based on these conclusions, Colonel René Studler , US Army Ordnance's Chief of Small Arms Research and Development, sent a request to the Aberdeen Proving Ground for a smaller caliber. A group of employees under Director Donald Hall then suggested the 5.59 mm caliber as an orderly cartridge. Some of his collaborators, notably William C. Davis, Jr. and Gerald A. Gustafson, began developing experimental cartridges in caliber 5.56 mm. In 1955, however, her application for research funding was rejected.
SALVO project
A new study, the SALVO project, looked at developing a weapon design for real combat situations. The project ran in two phases from 1953 to 1957. In the first phase, the study concluded that a weapon that could fire four rounds in a short period of time in a 500mm diameter circle would double the hit probability of semi-automatic weapons.
In the second phase, SALVO II, some prototypes of the weapons now known as Special Purpose Individual Weapon (SPIW) were tested. Irwin Barr of AAI Corporation developed a range of flechette bullets , beginning with a shotshell containing 32 arrows, up to a single round. Winchester and Springfield offered multi- barreled guns , while the Operations Research Office tested duplex bullets . Neither of these rifles ultimately succeeded because they were all too complex and heavy.
M16
When the US government commissioned ArmaLite to develop a series of test models in 1957, it fell back on the 7.62 × 51 mm NATO AR-10 developed by Eugene Stoner in 1955. As a result, the model AR-15 could be delivered to the United States Army for testing purposes in 1958. It used the .223 caliber, which had been developed at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, until research funds were canceled in 1955. The weapon housing is made of a light metal alloy and the straight shaft is made of plastic. During the development of the weapon, a prototype with a composite barrel made of an aluminum alloy with a steel core was also tested, but this did not prove to be sufficiently durable in tests. The weapon is initially 2.5 kg (empty), significantly lighter than the M14 , as is the 5.56 × 45 mm NATO ammunition. The curb weight of the weapon increased to 3.8 kg in the course of development. The M16 is therefore the direct result of the ORO study.
Close Assault Weapon System Program
The CAWS program began in the early 1980s. The goal was to develop a new generation of firearms that, like a shotgun, could fire many projectiles with a single shot, but with much less dispersion, so that the effective range should be 100 to 150 meters. According to the idea of the SALVO project, this would increase the hit rate. Heckler & Koch developed the weapon, Winchester Corp. USA the ammunition. The weapon was tested by the US military, but the project was canceled.
Advanced Combat Rifle Program
In February 1986 a replacement for the M16 rifle was sought. In Phase I, two teams were eliminated:
- Eugene Stoner's Ares Incorporated with their Advanced Individual Weapon System (AIWS) which used a 5mm tracer bullet. The AIWS had the same locking system as the Steyr ACR and used telescopic cartridges.
- McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems: You wanted to use a cartridge with a plastic sleeve that contained three flechettes .
Phase III began in August 1989. The following weapons were tested:
- AAI Corporation ACR: The weapon had a conventional appearance and used Flechette ammunition in a 5.56 × 45 mm NATO case. It could only fire 3-rounds. Due to the lower ammunition weight of Flechettes, the shooter could have carried more.
- HK G11 : When developing the weapon, special emphasis was placed on the three-shot burst mode in order to ensure a high hit probability (see SALVO). The weapon has to fire the projectiles very quickly one after the other so that the effect of the recoil on the shooter is not felt until after the third shot. This was achieved with a rate of 2000 rounds / min. With the caseless ammunition, the shooter could also have carried more ammunition.
- Steyr ACR : Also a flechette rifle, but in a bullpup design. Due to the lower ammunition weight of Flechettes, the shooter could have carried more.
- Colt ACR : Modified M16 with red dot sight that fires duplex bullets. The duplex bullets made of tungsten carbide should increase the hit rate.
Despite program costs of almost 300 million US dollars, no replacement for the M16 could be found, as none of the rifles could meet the required increase in combat value of 100% compared to the M16.
Small Arms Master Plan
In 1986 the US Army Infantry School at Fort Benning published a paper called Small Arms System 2000 (SAS-2000), which concluded that conventional handguns had reached their technical peak. Despite the trend towards caseless ammunition and flechette weapons at the time , which was set by the Advanced Combat Rifle program, the dossier found that further development of conventional weapons, which derive their energy from the mass and muzzle velocity of the projectile , is not worthwhile, as all of the previous ones Attempts were unsuccessful. As the ORO study had shown, the only way to increase the effectiveness of such a weapon is to carry a larger amount of ammunition; There are limits to this due to flechettes and caseless ammunition. The hit rate of such weapons can only be increased by high- rate bursts of fire with as little warping of the weapon as possible, which only the HK G11 could do with great technical effort. The Vietnam War also showed that a normal shooter consumes an average of 50,000 rounds to eliminate an opposing soldier, which corresponds to a hit rate of 0.002%. As the 1950s ORO study noted, this is because the target does not stand still or is in cover. So now a weapon was sought that should increase the hit rate and had the ability to attack targets in cover. This increase in the effectiveness of the weapons would be possible by using an advanced ballistic computer to fire high - explosive projectiles with adjustable time fuses .
While arms research in the United States was predominantly oriented towards the ACR program at that time , the idea of the SAS-2000 was supported by another military paper published in 1989 at the US Army Training and Doctrine Center . In this position paper, called The Small Arms Master Plan , a weapon family called "Objective" was called for, consisting of:
- Assault rifle ( Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW))
- personal defense weapon ( Objective Personal Defense Weapon (OPDW))
- Machine gun ( Objective Crew Served Weapon (OCSW))
- Sniper rifle ( Objective Sniper Weapon (OSW)).
The paper demanded that the assault rifle should be state-of-the-art in the field of computer technology , sights and grenades and combine a conventional rifle and a grenade launcher in one weapon. The year 2000 was chosen as the procurement date - very optimistically.
So the central idea was to build a weapon that could fight targets by igniting grenades in the air and in this way also take out targets behind cover and in buildings. The explosion radius of the grenade would also increase the hit rate, making precise aiming superfluous. The ammunition should be smaller than existing grenade launchers .
The main problem with such a weapon is that the distance to the target must be measured very precisely with a laser rangefinder , which would be problematic at greater distances, as the shooter can often not aim as accurately under combat conditions. The problem would only have been shifted from shooting to lasing, because if the shooter had to aim precisely at the target for lasing, he could also shoot at it with a rifle. Furthermore, the problem arises that, in the case of moving targets, the distance must be measured permanently in addition to the movement of the target in the vertical and horizontal, in order to calculate the lead point for the shooter in real time . The challenge in building such a weapon lies in the ballistics computer. The problem was solved by equipping the ballistic computer with intelligent image processing and a laser range finder (LEM) that can be pivoted from the computer. All the shooter has to do is aim near the target and press the LEM button, and the ballistic computer automatically aligns the laser to the target closest to the line of sight. Due to the design, the weapon must have an integrated night vision mode, since night vision attachments are not compatible with a solution with a swiveling laser.
Objective Individual Combat Weapon
The OICW was intended as an orderly weapon for every soldier fighting on the front. As required by the Small Arms Master Plan, it combines a grenade weapon with a conventional assault rifle. The considerations resulted in the Joint Service Small Arms Master Program (JSSAP), which required an infantry weapon across the armed forces, which:
- can be operated by a soldier
- Grenade weapon and kinetic part (rifle) combined in one system
- fires air-igniting grenades
- Can fight point targets in 500 m
- Can fight area targets in 1000 m
- is a maximum of 838 mm long
- Can fire 6 grenades and 30 rounds without reloading
- loaded may weigh a maximum of 6.35 kg
In the first tender, two teams competed against each other:
- ATK and Heckler & Koch : Their gun was large and bulky because it placed both barrels next to each other anddid not usea bullpup design. The kinetic part had a rod magazine in front of the trigger, the 20 mm grenades were fired from a revolver drum. The weapon had an integrated thermal imaging device.
- Colt Defense and AAI Corporation : Their weapon was smaller and more compact and, with a curb weight of 5.45 kg, was comparatively light. The kinetic part, an M4 , and the bullpup-designed grenade weapon were in one housing. The grenades were arranged slightly offset lengthways in the magazine, so that the buttstock could be constructed compactly. The weapon only had an integrated night vision device for night combat, but an external thermal imaging device could be mounted on the ballistic computer. The grenades had tungsten carbide warheadsto increase their effectiveness. As a special feature, the grenades were firmly attached to their case, the propellant gases flowed out through holes in the case base, similar to the Russian GP-30 grenades. Due to the lower pressures, the grenade weapon could bedesignedas a recoil loader .
The winners of the first tender for the project in December 1994 were ATK and Heckler & Koch with the HK XM29 . The project focused on testing a 20mm grenade weapon with programmable ammunition in various configurations, such as with an MP7 , a G36 K, or alone without a kinetic group. These tests took place in 1996/1997, when it was decided to build the grenade weapon in the Bullpup design.
From April 1998 to the end of June 1999 the grenade weapon was tested at Fort Benning . On September 29, 1999, a 20-mm shell exploded in the barrel of a prototype, which delayed further development. On August 8, 2000, ATK received 95 million US dollars for the further development of the weapon, the design (compact assault rifle + grenade weapon in bullpup design) was specified and designated as XM29 . However, the weapon struggled with problems: it was too heavy and the XM1018 grenades used proved to be too weak in tests. This led the US Army to develop new weapons and end the XM29 program.
The OICW program was then divided into three parts:
- Increment 1 (OICW 1):
- see HK XM8
A tender for a kinetic weapon to replace the M4 , M16, and M249 . However, on October 31, 2005, the program was terminated, the reason given being:
“This action has been taken in order for the Army to reevaluate its priorities for small caliber weapons, and to incorporate emerging requirements identified during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom . The Government will also incorporate studies looking into current capability gaps during said reevaluation. "
"This measure [the termination of the program, editor's note. Transl.] Was made to allow the Army to reassess its small-caliber weapon requirements and incorporate urgent requirements identified during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Also, during this reassessment, the government will include studies that look at the problems in current performance. "
- Increment 2 (OICW 2):
- see XM25
The Increment 2 is a grenade launcher with no kinetic group. With the 25 × 40 mm ammunition, this weapon uses larger shells than the original XM29 and is designed as a support weapon. The weapon was tested in 2005 and entered service in 2010. In 2018 the United States Army ended the program.
- Increment 3 :
- see HK XM29
The combination of OICW 1 and OICW 2 should result in Increment 3 , a weapon that has a kinetic group and can fire grenades. The program was discontinued after Increment 1 was canceled.
Objective Crew Served Weapon
The OCSW was intended to be a replacement for medium and heavy machine guns. A weapon was required that:
- can be operated and transported by two men
- Can fight point targets in 1000 m
- Can fight area targets in 2000 m
- can fire air-igniting grenades
- Can shoot continuous fire
- Mounted shoots
It is based on the same technology as the OICW, but fires larger 25 × 59 mm grenades with a higher muzzle velocity. As a machine weapon, it has the ability to fire continuous fire at 260 rounds / min, the ammunition is fed with a belt. During testing, there was a serious accident in which a grenade exploded in the barrel of the weapon. The weapon, worth $ 20,000, was completely destroyed along with the electronic fire control system ($ 200,000). After the otherwise successful course of the project, the program was renamed Advanced Crew Served Weapon in 2003 and referred to as XM307 . In 2005 a remote controlled version was given in development. A "light MG" version was also considered that could be transported and operated by a soldier; without mount, but with shoulder rest and bipod. In parallel to the XM307 with grenades, the XM312 was developed, which is the same system, but in the 12.7 × 99 mm NATO caliber .
In 2007 the US Army terminated the program, but no further reasons were disclosed.
Objective Sniper Weapon
After an orderly rifle had already been developed with the OICW and a machine gun with the features (air-igniting grenades, pivoting laser beam) with the OCSW, thought was given to building a sniper rifle with this technology. A weapon was required that:
- weighs less than 5.9 kg
- can shoot up to 2000 meters
- has a hit rate of 100% against people at a distance of 1,000 m
- effective range of up to 1,200 m
- at least 50% chance of killing at any distance
The M107 was selected as the basis for this and modified for the 25 × 59 mm caliber . The gun was named the Barrett XM109 . It was only used for shooting tests, no ballistic computers were used or air-igniting grenades were fired.
Objective Personal Defense Weapon
Since the price and complexity of an OICW do not make it possible to equip every soldier with it, the OPDW should be used by all other soldiers who are not fighting on the front. In addition, it should be compact and light in order to impede the wearer as little as possible, since its function is not to fight at the front. A weapon was required that:
- weighs less than 1.5 kg
- can be carried concealed
- has a low magnetic signature
- CRISAT can penetrate at 50 m
- maximum kickback of 9 × 19 mm comprising
1997 was added:
- up to 200 m effective combat distance
- Possibility of single or fully automatic fire
- Replacement for pistols and submachine guns
- Use against soft and hard targets
- most modern technology
In order to be able to participate in the tender, Heckler & Koch developed the HK MP7 in caliber 4.6 × 30 mm and FN Herstal developed the FN P90 in caliber 5.7 × 28 mm . The concept of a personal defense weapon is now well established. However, the United States has not yet decided on a model, which is why other NATO countries are hesitant so as not to choose the “wrong” caliber.
Results
Although the goal of developing a number of revolutionary new infantry weapons was not achieved, the efforts nevertheless resulted in some new developments:
- Different OICW configurations
- 20mm grenade launcher and 5.56mm rifle, side by side
- 20 mm grenade launcher alone
- 20mm grenade launcher and 5.56mm rifle in a stacked configuration
- Technology used
- XM1018 (HEAB High Explosive Air-Burst Ammunition)
- HK XM8 rifle (kinetic part)
- XM25 (25mm HEAB ammunition)
- XM109 (25mm sniper rifle, Objective Sniper Weapon prototype)
- XM307 ACSW (uses 25mm HEAB ammunition and others, OCSW equivalent )
- XM26 Lightweight Shotgun System
- XM320 (40mm grenade launcher)
- Personal Defense Weapons
epilogue
The Objective Individual Combat Weapon program prompted other armed forces to research the development of similar weapons. While the United States is now turning back to the development of conventional weapons, the programs of other states are still ongoing, here is a small overview:
United States
After the Objective Individual Combat Weapon Program ended, the Army started the Lightweight Small Arms Technologies program. This program is again dedicated to the further development of conventional weapons. Attempts are made to reduce the weight of the gun and the weight of the ammunition in order to be able to carry more ammunition with you. The locking system from Eugene Stoner's Advanced Individual Weapon System (AIWS) of the ACR program is used, which is also used in the Steyr ACR. The sleeveless telescopic cartridge of the HK G11 is also used, as is the technology of the plastic sleeves, which was shown by McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems in the ACR program.
South Korea
- see Daewoo K11
The XK11 was developed in South Korea . The weapon has the same configuration as the XM29 , but the 20 mm grenade weapon has to be repeated with a bolt handle after each shot. The barrels of the kinetic part and the grenade weapon are a little longer. Procurement began in 2010 and the first export customer is the United Arab Emirates .
Australia
The AICW is a Steyr AUG with a metal storm grenade barrel and ballistic computer. The technology is being tested with 40 mm grenades with an impact fuse, later other grenades with air ignition are conceivable, such as the 25 × 40 mm grenades of the XM25.
France
- see PAPOP
Combination weapon that can fire 5.56 mm bullpup ammunition and 30/35 mm grenades from a barrel above. The sight is completely housed in the fore-end, the shooter aims via a HUD in the helmet. The weapon is to be procured after 2010.
Others
For the Future Force Warrior concept of US forces was presented a weapon in addition to a kinetic 4.6 × 30-mm -Part four fire-and-forget - guided weapon can fire 15 mm diameter should. Nothing is known about concrete implementation plans, just as little about the feasibility of the concept and the ability to attack targets in cover.
See also
Abakan project , Soviet-Russian program
Web links
- More information and pictures
- http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/oicw.htm
- ARMY Magazine - August 2006 ( Memento of July 21, 2006 in the Internet Archive )
- Jane's Defense news on OICW program in May 2005
- Jane's Defense news on OICW program in August 2000
- Military Factory Small Arms
- OICW I canceled ( Memento from September 6, 2008 in the Internet Archive )
Individual evidence
- ^ Edward Clinton Ezell: Small Arms of the World . Stackpole Books, New York 1983, ISBN 978-0-88029-601-4 , pp. 46-47.
- ^ SLA Marshall: Men against Fire: The Problem of Combat Command in Future War . Morrow, New York 1966, pp. 50-60.
- ^ The CAW. In: HKPro. Accessed April 14, 2018 .
- ↑ G22 at WaffenHQ.de
- ↑ http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/small-arms.htm
- ↑ Archive link ( Memento from December 10, 2006 in the Internet Archive )
- ↑ http://www.gun-world.net/usa/oicw/oicw.htm
- ↑ Happy Halloween XM8 fans. In: Murdoc Online. November 1, 2005, accessed September 23, 2007 .
- ^ Garland Chad: Army's XM25 program officially goes kaput. In: stripes.com. Stars & Stripes, August 10, 2015, accessed October 29, 2018 .
- ↑ http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/ground/m307.htm
- ↑ Janes
- ^ I. Personal Defense Weapon: Only for Defense? ( Memento from April 22, 2006 in the Internet Archive )
- ↑ Archive link ( Memento from December 11, 2004 in the Internet Archive )
- ↑ '
- ↑ http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/04_01/robocop0904_639x800.jpg
