That is an XM250 in 6.8x51mm. Basically, it’s the identical Computerized Rifle the Military adopted below the Subsequent Era Squad Weapons program with one exception, it has a fast change barrel. That function, makes it fairly appropriate to meet the position as a sustained fireplace, belt-fed machine gun.
This isn’t a brand new attribute. It was a part of the unique design, however the Military didn’t need a fast change barrel as a part of NGSW. So, as a way to save weight, it was left off. This model of the SIG mild machine gun is known as the “World” configuration as it’s how the gun is marketed to everybody else, besides the US Military.
What Makes It Totally different
As you’ll be able to see, it’s configured right here with no high cowl over the barrel to facilitate fast barrel adjustments. Nevertheless, SIG tells me there’s a hinged cowl obtainable, as seen on the MG338.
The barrel is locked in place by way of two buttons. It will probably’t be eliminated or secured in place with out concurrently miserable the rocker and secondary locks. Moreover, the plunger should be depressed to completely have interaction the deal with lock.
Right here you’ll be able to see the lugs on the barrel which lock the barrel into the receiver.
Why It Issues Now
The Squad Arms and Ammunition Configuration research led to the event of the 6.8 cartridge and Subsequent Era Squad Weapons. Afterwards, a research was carried out for the Platoon referred to as, aptly sufficient, the PAAC research. Though it was accomplished nicely over a 12 months in the past, Military chief continues to guage the research’s findings to resolve on a path ahead.
One of many key choices is learn how to proceed concerning a machine gun for the platoon. Choices below dialogue embody adopting the 6.8 widespread cartridge structure for the position, in addition to in search of out a further cartridge such because the 338 Norma Magazine possibility at present below adoption by USSOCOM.
Whatever the caliber selection, fielding of the preliminary XM250 Computerized Rifles to the primary models is already highlighting the disparity between the brand new 6.8 spherical and its 7.62 predecessor. The present M240s are heavier, supply diminished vary and decrease delivered vitality on track than NGSW.
As of proper now, NGSW is simply supposed for the shut fight drive consisting of Infantry, Cav Scouts, Fight Engineers, SOF, and choose enablers. Meaning there are simply over 13,000 XM250s being fielded to interchange M249 SAWs in these formations. This leaves tens of 1000’s of SAWs throughout the Military. Chances are high good, these will probably be changed with XM250s over the approaching years. Nevertheless, the problem is even bigger for the M240. Regardless of the specified plan of action for caliber of selection post-PAAC research resolution, the Military has to resolve what to do with the ~120,000 M240s in stock.
Many have steered that they merely reconfigure them to fireplace the brand new composite case 6.8X51mm. The thought course of is that the Military already owns them and they’re serial numbers on the books; no want to purchase new weapons.
Contemplating the variety of weapons concerned, it can simply take 5 years or extra to develop a barrel and working system able to dependable, long-term firing of the excessive stress 6.8 cartridge and to really reconfigure the weapons. It’s seemingly that as much as 20% of the weapons at present in service should be coded out and changed. They’re outdated and have seen a variety of service over the previous 30 years. If the Military does, in reality want all 120,000 weapons, which means they’ll must buy extra M240s to interchange the worn-out examples of an virtually 70-year-old design. Detractors of this plan ask why the Military would wish to purchase extra outdated weapons that they’ve already determined to interchange.
Adoption of a brand new gun for the sustained fireplace position is probably going a less expensive resolution within the long-term. If the Military needs to transition to 338 NM that has to occur as a result of there’s no gun at present within the stock to do it. In the event that they don’t, one possibility is to pure fleet the XM250, with fast change barrels, changing each M249 SAWs and M240 MGs. In some ways, it’s a simple button. This strikes all belt-fed weapons to at least one caliber and one platform throughout the formation, simplifying doctrine, employment, coaching and logistics. It additionally makes your complete drive extra deadly, and dependable, with new weapons which is able to last more than modified legacy weapons. It’s additionally a sooner possibility than beginning a brand new program.
Regardless of the near-term path ahead, a model of the XM250 with fast change barrel will inevitably enter Military service.
You may skip to the tip and depart a response. Pinging is at present not allowed.
